The many complications and challenges that accompany transitioning from active military service to civilian life have inspired several organizations over the years, from government agencies to regional charities. The thread tying these various groups together is their earnest desire to help veterans live the satisfying lives they deserve after serving the nation. Despite this web of existing services and programs, there is always room for new entrants, and there will be until every veteran has his or her needs met. Recent announcements have shown the latest wave of organizations taking action.
Dedication in South Carolina
The Post and Courier, based in Charleston, South Carolina, recently reported the creation of a new partnership known as SCServes Lowcountry. Its mission is to make connections between veterans and other community groups, and ensure that former service members are housed, employed and enrolled in health care plans. The news provider explained that the new program involves both government agencies and businesses. It is designed to ensure that when veterans experience multiple pressing needs, there will be an organization to offer them help.
SCServes Lowcountry is classified as a nonprofit and is aimed at both military members and their families. The Post and Courier reported that the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new program saw appearances from the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center Director Pamela Crowell, U.S. Department of Labor Deputy Secretary Christopher Lu and Wal-Mart Senior Director of Military Programs Gary Profit, himself a retired brigadier general. The combination of personnel from the local VA, federal government and corporate world shows the many types of organizations contributing to the partnership.
Lu explained at the ribbon-cutting that individuals reaching out to the Department of Labor or any of the other involved agencies are often facing issues that go beyond one organization's power to help, according to the news provider. This is why an alliance is being used as a solution, with SCServes Lowcountry helping families receive the care they need. Profit stated at the same ceremony that for its part, Wal-Mart has given jobs to over 3,000 South Carolina veterans between 2013 and the present.
Sister program underway in Pennsylvania
SCServes Lowcountry is one of several nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping veterans and their families thrive in civilian life. Pittsburgh newspaper the Tribune Review recently gave an update on the efforts PAServes has made since its opening in October of 2015. The organization has offered its assistance to 622 veterans and military family members. The group has taken action on a number of pressing needs, with job placement, health services and housing foremost among them.
According to the news provider, the national organization that backs the Serves programs, AmericaServes, has been especially positive in its assessment of the Pittsburgh branch. That means the office has been consistently active and has made progress offering services to the families of veterans. The everyday needs that these family members face, from care for their children to furniture for their houses, have become major focus areas for PAServes. The network of care providers will continue its work across the nation.