mardi 29 avril 2014

What Is The Purpose Of Veterans Helping Veterans

By Eloise Hewitt


When the troops return from combat zones to their homes many have no idea how to access the services available to them. They return injured and disabled in other ways and their return to civilian life is a long and difficult journey. There are few civilian resources capable of helping these soldiers to reintegrate into society. That is why the concept of veterans helping veterans was created.

Many soldiers return with PTSD and never receive treatment for the disorder. They end up homeless, in jail or sometimes addicted to drugs or alcohol. The organizations that are becoming available know that trust is a big issue with soldiers with this disorder and that is one of the reasons they use men and women who have been in combat as volunteers to work with the clients. They have prior knowledge of the obstacles that can be encountered when seeking benefits or medical assistance from the military system. They are also familiar with the ways and means to work with and around this system.

Because so many veterans are homeless many agencies offer places where they can stop in for a hot meal, clean clothing and a bath on a regular basis. They must be sober when they use the facilities. They will also find people very much like themselves in the facilities and they can stay all day if they choose to. They may also be able to get assistance with other things while they are there. Housing and medical attention as well as legal assistance references are available to them.

There are referral agencies available that will direct the client to the appropriate department for help. They may also offer the client help with filling out and filing the proper paperwork in a timely fashion. They sometimes have access to volunteers who will give transportation to offices or even job interviews for clients who have shown they are serious about finding a better life.

Many of these agencies refer to themselves as one stop resource centers. They have volunteers that are well versed in every aspect of available aid for the veteran and his or her family. They will help file disability claims and assist with the follow up paperwork necessary as well as help provide aid and assistive domiciliary care for an individual.

The volunteers in these centers specialize in helping soldiers access pensions and disability benefits. They can also direct them to resources that will pay tuition for college and help them connect with vocational schools for training in a new career. Physical disabilities can make it imperative for those returning home to have access to school and new careers.

Access to support groups has proven very beneficial to disabled soldiers. The groups should be led by a trained psychologist who is versed in the problems related to combat issues. Many groups also deal with addiction issues and family problems. When returning home many individuals do not realize how much the combat experience has changed them. The groups help with these issues along with many others.

These services can be found nationwide and are proving very helpful to those returning from combat zones to adjust to civilian lives. Their stated goal is to open doors for the homeless veteran and help them through referral and personal assistance to become productive citizens again.




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