Local Resources for Veterans in Yavapai County

Local Resources for Veterans in Yavapai County

By James Elphick

            Navigating the post-service world and the higher education system can be tricky, if not downright difficult. Luckily there are numerous resources for veterans to help them with this journey.

1. Veterans Upward Bound
• First and foremost there is our program, Veterans Upward Bound, which is a pre-college program designed to prepare veterans to be successful through the rigors of college. The program provides refresher courses in core academic components to ensure veterans are entering school at the college level. There are workshops and classes relating to necessary college skills, i.e. note-taking, test-taking, college-level paper writing, etc. as well as academic and career advising. Finally, Veterans Upward Bound will help veterans locate and utilize all available resources, particularly their GI Bill and Financial Aid.
2. Local Veterans Employment Representative/Disabled Veterans Outreach Program
• Arizona Department of Economic Security employs two individuals locally that assist veterans with career and education goals. These programs have access to local employers looking to hire veterans and will help veterans with resumes, cover letters, job applications, etc. They also provide case management to help veterans with other needs while they are looking for a job. More information here.
3. OEF/OIF/OND
• Located within most VA Hospitals these days is a special program for Global War on Terrorism veterans, the OEF/OIF/OND program. This program helps returning service members with their transition, particularly with getting care from the VA. This program also provides case management in order to provide returning veterans with the proper resources to make their transition successful.
4. The Vet Center
• The Vet Center is a VA resource specifically for counseling combat veterans. This is the primary VA mental health resource for veterans in Yavapai County. Counselors are usually combat veterans themselves and can assist veterans with their transition back to civilian life.
5.  Arizona Department of Veterans Services
• AZ DVS is a state run program that assists veterans with resources and with navigating the VA, especially when filing for disability claims.