It is a commonly shared belief that you should help those who have assisted you in times of need. In response to all that veterans have done to serve their country, the Department of Veterans Affairs is giving grant money for certain beneficial programs, reported the Journal Times. Nonprofits in Wisconsin are currently receiving money from the government to expand their programs to help veterans in their life after service.
Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin
One of the grant's recipients is the Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin, which offers shelter and other necessities for those who have served. The DVA gave $5,000 to the program to provide furniture and bedding, as well as food and support services for homeless veterans, noted the Journal Times. Since January 2014, the group has assisted veterans in need of housing, and their mission is to "help veterans strive for normalcy in life," according to their Facebook page.
The group gathers donated items like furniture and purchases new items with monetary donations received. Those in the area who are interested in donating can either drop it off themselves or visit the website to complete a pick-up form. A volunteer from the program will come and gather your donated belongings, making it more convenient than ever to contribute.
Veterans Equine Assisted Therapy Program
According to the Journal Times, the DVA also gave $1,000 to Stepping Stone Farms School of Horsemanship Inc. to provide special animal-assisted therapy to veterans. The money will help out with the expenses of veterinarian costs, feed and utilities to support the animals. While dogs are typically the most popular type of therapy animal, horses are effective, gentle creatures that can improve a person's mental health. The animals are able to provide those with depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder the opportunity to feel love and affection without judgment, as well as a safe, relaxed environment to ease back into a normal life after combat.
According to the program's website, the bond that is shared with the animals should eventually restore self-confidence and control, assertiveness and nonverbal communication, among other traits that can be compromised with a mental illness. By consistently visiting the horses and providing care for them, those who visit are able to get a better perspective on life and, in turn, themselves.