ADVOCATE EDUCATE EMPOWER
Equipping veterans and their families to self-advocate by identifying and utilizing services needed for whole-person health.
OUR MISSION
We aim to empower veterans and their families to become self-sufficient advocates, enabling them to identify and utilize the services necessary for holistic well-being. We believe in teaching veterans to "fish" by providing them with the tools and knowledge to sustain themselves and support their peers, fostering a resilient and self-reliant community.
EMPOWERMENT & SELF ADVOCACY
- Equip veterans and their families with the skills and confidence to advocate for their own needs.
- Foster a supportive environment where veterans can share experiences and strategies, promoting a "veterans helping veterans" ethos.
RESOURCE IDENTIFICATION & UTILIZATION
- Provide comprehensive education on accessing resources related to mental health, housing, employment, VA benefits, and substance use.
- Assist in developing personalized plans to effectively integrate these resources into their lives.
OUTCOME MEASUREMENT & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
- Implement regular surveys and assessments to monitor progress and program effectiveness.
- Use feedback to refine services, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of the veteran community.
PEER SUPPORT & COMMUNITY BUILDING
- Encourage veterans who have achieved stability to mentor others, reinforcing the strength of collective support.
- Cultivate a community where shared experiences and mutual assistance lead to sustained well-being.
HOW WE WORK
At the Veterans Mental Health Council, our approach is structured around three core pillars: Advocacy, Education, and Empowerment. This framework ensures that veterans and their families are empowered to achieve holistic well-being and are equipped to support others in their journey.
ADVOCATE
- Identify Services: Understand and access available resources related to mental health, housing, employment, VA benefits, and substance use.
- Partner with Organizations: Working alongside community groups, healthcare providers, and veteran services to enhance the support network available to veterans and their families.
- Influence Policy: Encourage participation in initiatives that aim to improve services and policies affecting the veteran community.
EDUCATE
- Develop Skills: Build the confidence and abilities necessary for effective self-advocacy and personal development.
- Sustaining Support: Cultivating a cycle of assistance where those who have been helped are encouraged to support others, fostering a resilient and self-reliant community.
- Self-Advocate: Equip individuals with the tools to communicate their needs and navigate complex systems effectively.
EMPOWER
- Building Community: Creating spaces where veterans can share experiences, strategies, and support, reinforcing the "veterans helping veterans" ethos.
- Training Mentors: Preparing veterans who have achieved stability to guide others through similar challenges.
Through this structured approach, the Veterans Mental Health Council not only aids veterans and their families in achieving personal well-being but also strengthens the broader veteran community by promoting a culture of mutual support and continuous growth.