The WDVA Way is to inspire each other and share information – you can do both by Sharing Your Story!
Date: _______2/10/2016_________________
Program/Location: _Rural Veterans Coordination Program_
Who did you help? (Ian) We helped Ian find his passion to return to college to become a teacher. He plans on attending Evergreen State College in the near future and wants to one day help fellow veterans heal through art.
How did you help them or how is their situation improved?
Ian was one of the first people to participate in our program by completing an intake for the RVCP in 2015. Since then he moved to San Francisco, CA. He recently returned to Centralia and contacted both Patrick Zandecki and myself. We were able to help him with some immediate needs and also work with him on his goal to return to college and get his teaching certificate.
What makes this story noteworthy or different? Ian served in the United States Navy and wants to help fellow veterans express themselves and heal through art.
What do you want people to know about your program? How can people apply for help?
We are working daily in Lewis, Franklin and Benton counties to address the needs of Rural Veterans. It’s making a huge difference in our communities and success stories are all around us. We have a lot more work to do to address major gaps including transportation issues, healthcare issues, telemedicine and housing for our rural veterans. Close to 30% of all veterans live in rural communities across this nation. It is great to know that everyday more attention is being placed on veterans living in these communities.
Is there anything you’d like the Veterans Community to do?
Spread the word about WestCare and WDVA Rural Veterans Coordination Pilot Program. If you know a veteran that needs help and lives in Lewis, Franklin or Benton counties contact Ryan Nabors at 360-725-2236.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Veterans are providing us with information on ways of making improvements to the federal VA. We take information and ensure that the Office of Rural Health knows how programs are impacting veterans in rural communities. I’d also like to recognize the outstanding work that the Office of Rural Health does on a daily basis as well as our partners with Lines4Life, West Care and WDVA. Our navigators both live and work in rural communities, they are also worthy of recognition for their commitment to the program.