• Active Minds. www.activeminds.org. We are dedicated to saving lives and to building stronger families and communities. Through education, research, advocacy, and a focus on young adults ages 14–25, Active Minds is opening up the conversation about mental health and creating lasting change in the way mental health is talked about, cared for, and valued in the United States. 
• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. www.aacap.org. The mission of AACAP is to promote the healthy development of children, adolescents, and families through advocacy, education, and research, and to meet the professional needs of child and adolescent psychiatrists throughout their careers. 
• Ask Alice!. www.goaskalice.columbia.edu. Geared toward young adults, this website has a variety of information surrounding emotional health. 
• BK Mentoring. www.bkmentoring.org. BK Mentoring breaks negative cycles. We offer services to help those on the fringe of society. Those persons of any age who suffer from poverty, lack of education, abuse of various forms, injustice, intolerance, or lack of love; they are who we seek to help. We are the eyes and ears of the community, seeing and tackling problems found there. We provide solutions directly or through partnerships
• Center for Young Women’s Health. www.youngwomenshealth.org. Welcome to the Center for Young Women’s Health, an award-winning health website for young women and members of gender minorities around the world. Here, you can find answers to your questions, health guides on a variety of topics, health chats, and more!
• Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network. www.glsen.org. GLSEN believes that every student has the right to a safe, supportive, and LGBTQ-inclusive K-12 education. We are a national network of educators, students, and local GLSEN Chapters working to make this right a reality. Our research and experience has shown that there are four major ways that schools can cultivate a safe and supportive environment for all of their students, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. 
• Jed Foundation. www.jedfoundation.org. The Jed Foundation (JED) is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults, giving them the skills and support they need to thrive today…and tomorrow. 
• Mental Health Literacy. www.mentalhealthliteracy.org. We are committed to creating inclusive mental health resources, which reflect the many diverse experiences that exist within our communities. Research shows systemic factors and inequalities can impact health and mental health outcomes. As part of our goal to contribute to a more equitable and mentally healthy society, we will continually strive to make our mental health resources, training and information increasingly representative of, and accessible to, a wide variety of audiences. 
• Resources for Suicide Prevention. https://onlinemftprograms.com/suicide-prevention/. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal ideation or thoughts of harming yourself, help is out there. This site lists resources for suicide prevention that you can use for yourself or pass along to someone you know. Consider an online MFT program and learn how you can help families by preventing suicide among struggling individuals.
• Stop Bullying. www.stopbullying.gov. Resources for teens to prevent bullying in their schools and communities; provides resources for those being bullied. 
• Young Men’s Health. www.youngmenshealthsite.org. Welcome to Young Men’s Health, a website for teen guys and young men featuring up-to-date health information. Here, you can find answers to your questions, health guides, & more! 

• A Guide for Veterans Overcoming Substance Use Disorder. https://www.zocdoc.com/blog/a-guide-for-veterans-overcoming-substance-use-disorder/. This helpful guide provides information to help veterans who are overcoming substance use disorders and seeking to lead healthy, fulfilling lives as civilians.
• Addiction Center. https://www.addictioncenter.com/addiction/veterans/. Many who are serving or have served in the United States military struggle with addiction; several treatment options are available for addiction in veterans. Veterans who have seen combat may have co-occurring disorders, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in addition to an addiction. Veterans with PTSD are often prescribed anxiety medications, many of which are highly addictive. To curb the risk of addiction, some doctors prescribe non-addictive Antidepressant medications such as Paxil or Zoloft. But even veterans without PTSD can become addicted to Painkillers prescribed for combat-related injuries.
• Addiction Guide. https://www.addictionguide.com/addiction/veterans/. Offers and overview of the many types of addictions Veteran’s face. Military veterans are at a higher risk of developing addictions and other mental health issues than civilians. The men and women veterans who served our country deal with many challenges from traumatic events. Some veterans try to cope or self-medicate by abusing alcohol or other addictive substances.

• Addiction Intervention Guide. https://addictionexperts.com/intervention/. If someone you care about is facing addiction or a possible substance use disorder, you may be able to intervene and help compel that person to seek treatment. This intervention guide will show you how.

• Addiction & Mental Health Resources for Veterans. https://nfabehavioralhealth.com/resources/veterans. Serving in the military naturally puts you at a higher risk of injury and death. It also puts you at a higher risk for developing a substance use disorder. Even if you were never sent to war, you may have experienced military sexual trauma, difficulty in adjusting to civilian life, or a mental health condition that resulted from the stress of serving. A serious injury during training or a sexual assault can cause trauma and PTSD. It’s not just combat that can cause these mental health issues, although combat certainly can cause them as well.
• Alcohol Rehab Guide. https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/Resources/Alcoholism-in-Veterans/ Over the last several decades, alcoholism has become a huge concern for military personnel across the United States. Current and former military face an array of challenges: unpredictable deployments, the risk of injury and being away from home. Unfortunately, alcohol is sometimes used as a coping mechanism during these difficult times.
• Arrow Passage. https://www.arrowpassage.com/veteran-substance-abuse/. This article will discuss how veteran substance abuse hurts our troops when they return home. And we will discuss the way that we can help them overcome their substance use disorders.
• Blue Crest Recovery Center. https://www.bluecrestrc.com/ptsd-and-alcohol-abuse/. Alcohol abuse is a common problem, and so is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The latter may not always be easy to recognize, however, as the symptoms of PTSD are often easy to write off for people who struggle with the issue. Symptoms like anxiety, depression, or phobias may be attributed to other mental health conditions rather than the PTSD that might be causing them. Many people who struggle with PTSD turn to alcohol in an attempt to cover up these symptoms. If you or a loved one struggle with either PTSD or alcoholism, it’s a good idea to understand each of these conditions. Understanding PTSD can help you learn about the risk factors associated with it, including the risk of alcoholism. On the other hand, understanding alcoholism can help you recognize the possibility that you may be using alcohol to cover up the repressed symptoms of a traumatic experience.
• Broken Wings Addiction Recovery. www.brokenwingsla.com. Broken Wings is a community-based addiction recovery facility that focuses on mind, body, and spiritual wellness. Individuals suffering with addiction come from many different backgrounds and experiences. These life challenges have left them scared, with little to no hope. Through mercy, professionalism, and grace, Broken Wings not only promotes hope to achieve new beginnings, but we also equip individuals with lifelong tools that they will need to serve them well in the future. 
  • Location/Contact:
  • 2869 New Monroe Rd, Bastrop, LA 71220
  • Phone: (318) 538-0500
  • Email: info@brokenwingsla.com
• Celebrate Recovery. 318-998-8050. Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, 12-step program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain, or addiction of any kind. Meetings include large groups, or open share small groups.  
  

  Men’s Groups: Chemical Dependency Anger Life Issues Mental Health

  Women’s Groups: Women’s Abuse Chemical Dependency Anger Recovery Loved One of an Addict Life Issues Food Addiction

   

  • Meetings:
  • Friday Nights at 7:00 p.m. at Whites Ferry Road Church, 3201 N. 7^th West Monroe, LA 71291.
  • Saturday Nights at 6:00 p.m. at Whites Ferry Road-University, 3605 Desiard St. Monroe, LA.
• Defining Wellness Drug Detox Program. https://definingwellness.com/medical-detox/. Medical detox is an early step toward recovery from alcohol or drug addiction. It’s essential for anyone who has shown signs of psychological or physical dependence on a substance. If you or a loved one is battling addiction, a medical detox can help ensure that they have a healthier future. This is often necessary because withdrawing from drugs or alcohol can be life-threatening in some situations. Essentially, medical detox programs help reduce the possible physical harm resulting from quitting drugs or alcohol after using them for a sustained period. When under medical supervision, the individual will get more care and support while dealing with withdrawal symptoms. The Defining Wellness Centers offer a medical detox program that gives you a chance at building new and healthier habits.
• Defining Wellness Opioid Addiction Signs. https://definingwellness.com/addiction-signs/opioids/. This opioid addiction and overdose guide goes over common signs and symptoms to be aware of while explaining in great detail what opioids are and how they work. Opioids relieve physical pain, but they also create euphoric feelings, leading to a high risk of misuse and addiction. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), addiction is a primary, chronic disease, and is characterized by the inability to stop using the substance, even when the individual’s health and relationships are affected. Some of the signs of dependence are not obvious at first, and may not be recognized until a crisis occurs.
• Denver Recovery Center. https://www.denverrecoverycenter.com/help-for-veterans-struggling-with-addiction. Many of our nation’s bravest have come home from foreign lands where they were dealing with unknown dangers and putting their life on the line on a daily basis. Some of the memories they bring home with them are horrific in nature and can cause many issues if left untreated. Among the most prevalent of these concerns are physical pain from injuries and mental illnesses such as PTSD. Over time, many of these brave men and women who fought for our freedom find themselves fighting for freedom from alcohol and substance abuse. If you or a loved one are a veteran who has returned home only to find yourself fighting this new battle against substance abuse, you are not alone. There is help available to you right now.
• Drug Rehab USA. https://drugrehabus.org/rehabs/treatment/tricare/. TRICARE insurance offers coverage specifically to military veterans and their families. The provider offers a robust and multi-tiered menu of plans, including specialized programs for things like autism, oncology, mental health, reproductive health, and substance use disorder. TRICARE has emerged as a critical resource for many active and reserve military. This population faces a unique risk of trauma and resultant substance use disorder based on the unique nature of their service experience and combat exposure and needs resources that can adequately and effectively meet their care needs. TRICARE has emerged as a benefit for hundreds of thousands of active and reserve members and their families around the world.
• Elisha Ministries Inc. www.elishaministriesnela.org. EM dba Supportive Housing of Northeast Louisiana is committed to providing housing to all applicants on an availability basis. We are committed to assisting and providing community resources, emotional, physical, and spiritual support to the residents. We believe in a wholesome family atmosphere, which provides growth, maturity, and achievement of personal and corporate goals. Elisha Ministries MyWay Case Management Services are designed to support homeless, low income, elderly individuals, or families in poverty. The program helps to prevent and reduce chronic homelessness, empower families and individuals affected by severe mental and/or substance use disorder experiencing housing transition challenges regain their lives and receive help at their own pace. Individuals or families can receive outreach and engagement, intensive case management, transportation, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and assistance in obtaining mainstream benefits such as (Transportation, Case Management, Mainstream Benefits such SNAPS, SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, Hospitalization and Mental Services). Partnerships with community resource provides for housing, mental health, social services, emergency services and substance abuse are beneficial to assist the residents obtain services their way at their pace.
• Granite Recovery Centers. https://www.graniterecoverycenters.com/mental-health-treatment/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/.  Researchers at the Department of Veterans Affairs have found that 60% of males and 50% of females experience trauma at least once in their lifetime. Males are more likely to experience trauma due to accidents, physical assault, combat or witnessing a death or injury. Females tend to experience more trauma due to sexual assault and child sexual abuse. In a given year, about 8 million adults battle PTSD, but this is just a small portion of those who have experienced trauma.
• Northeast Delta Human Services Authority. https://nedeltahsa.org/. Our philosophy is to serve as a catalyst for individuals with mental health, developmental disabilities, and addictive disorders to help realize their full human potential by offering quality, excellent care with greater accessibility. Our vision is to build a unified Northeast Louisiana where individuals are thriving and reaching their full human potential by our three tenents of actions:
  • Greater access to services
  • Excellent customer service
  • Quality competent care
• Preventing Substance Abuse Among Veterans. www.addicted.org/supe/preventing-substance-use-among-veterans. Veterans should also have access to resources to help them strengthen their coping skills. This can ultimately help increase psychological strength and positive performance. It also reduces the incidences of maladaptive responses. Overall, it should be about helping veterans overcome the risk factors related to their military service. This can be an essential step in ensuring they live happy and successful lives.
• Rehab.com LLC, “The Help Company”. https://www.rehab.com/. We recognize that not everyone has access to the best quality care within their communities. A 25% increase in anxiety and depression has been seen worldwide due to the Covid-19 pandemic and we’re still seeing its impact on mental health and substance abuse nationwide. Our company envisions a world where barriers to recovery do not exist, care is ubiquitous and accessible, and good health is possible for anyone who aspires to it. With that said, we set out on a mission to create the best possible platform to provide people across the nation with access and guides regarding mental health and substance abuse resources within their own community. Our core values are transparency, community, and neutrality. We are committed to the visibility of all providers, no matter their size.
• SAFE Project. www.safeproject.us/veterans. Through our SAFE Veterans initiative — WE GOT YOUR SIX! SAFE Project has developed programs to connect veterans, active-duty service members, and their families to the resources they need to address mental health challenges and substance use disorders. 
• Star Program for Uniformed Services, Brentwood Hospital. https://brentwoodbehavioral.com/programs-and-services/adult/star-program/. At Brentwood Hospital, we offer comprehensive treatment programs built for those in uniform. Active duty military, veterans and first responders face unique challenges related to trauma and various kinds of psychological distress. We provide help and hope to them and their families, instilling the belief that they can heal and providing them with the needed tools to improve and maintain their mental health. The STAR Program staff includes a dedicated Psychiatrist, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Registered and Licensed Professional Nurses, Certified Addictions Counselors, Mental Health Technicians and Certified Physical Training Staff, many of whom are Military Service Veterans.  We are dedicated to providing responsive customer service, effective communication and proper documentation to:
  • Active-Duty Military
  • Veterans
  • Firefighters
  • Police Officers
  • EMS
  • Dispatch
  • Nurses
  • Municipal Workers

   

  What We Treat:

  • Acute Mental Health Issues
  • Substance Use
  • Dual Diagnosis
  • Comprehensive/Complex Trauma Evidence-Based

   

  Our Treatment Methods:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
  • Prolonged Exposure (PE)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

   

  Our Program Features:

  • Rapid response time for admissions
  • Collaborative interdisciplinary treatment team
  • Individualized care
  • Substance/alcohol abuse treatment: 12 Step and on-site groups; relapse prevention and education
  • Individual, group and family therapy
  • Military- and First Responder-specific groups
  • Nursing education groups
  • Integrated Physical Training: Certified Physical Trainer, Certified Yoga Instructor and Activity Therapist
  • Real-time communication with supervisors, commanders and military healthcare professionals
  • Military-specific features:
    • Department of Defense-approved, evidence-based curriculum, including best practices from the National Center for PTSD
    • Adherence to military medication formulary
    • Flexible visitation hours for chain of command and chaplain

   

  TRICARE-certified. Contact Us Today! We’re here for active duty military, veterans and first responders who are struggling. A confidential, no-cost assessment is available 24/7 by calling 318-453-3357.

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.
• The HERO Program. https://heroprogramnb.com/. The mission of the HERO program is to provide the most modern, evidence based treatment modalities available to evaluate and treat military Heroes with issues commonly experienced by service members such as psychiatric, chemical dependency and/or co-occurring disorders related to military service/combat and understanding day to day life. We serve veterans and active duty personnel of all branches of the U.S. military, male and female, of all ages. Our HERO program provides the highest quality of care and treatment for those veteran service members experiencing emotional, behavioral, cognitive and chemical dependency issues. Our treatment includes:
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • 12-Step Facilitation (TSF)
  • Specific therapies for individual needs

  We treat with a holistic approach in a safe and secure environment. We acknowledge that each veteran/service member has their own aspiration for treatment outcomes and hope to help realize the goals associated with the above.

• Victory Addiction Recovery Center. www.myvictorycenter.com. Victory Addiction Recovery Center provides quality, affordable treatment for adults struggling with substance use. We treat addiction as the disease it is by using a multidisciplinary model to address and heal the body, mind, and spirit. Our continuum of care includes detox, inpatient residential treatment services, family care groups, and continuing care programming.
• Villa Oasis. https://villaoasissandiego.com/teen-drug-abuse. Many teenagers struggle to cope with unpleasant feelings, like sadness, during adolescence. Many turn to alcohol, marijuana, or other substances to experience some relief. But, the best way for teens to cope with stress or unpleasant feelings is to seek emotional support. If teenagers have already tried to reduce their use but failed, they must obtain treatment immediately. Teen drug abuse treatment programs should be evidence-based and person-centered. Drug rehabilitation center professionals can design a personalized or individualized treatment plan. This treatment plan will best meet a teen’s needs, including outpatient and inpatient care. A lot of effective treatments are available to teenagers who have been diagnosed with substance use disorders. Many treatment plans include motivational enhancement therapy, behavioral family therapy, and cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT). There are also medication therapies to help with teen drug use.
• Woodlake Addiction Recovery Center, The Patriot Program. https://www.woodlakecenter.com/. For admissions call: 225-939-3656. The mission of The Patriot Program is to provide a full continuum of care for the men and women who serve our country and communities. Our program is up to 90 days inpatient and continues in the outpatient setting. Woodlake Addiction Recovery Center is a national provider that has many convenient drug treatment centers in Ethel, Abbeville, Lafayette, Mid-City Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, and Bogalusa.
  • Who We Serve:
    • Veterans from all branches of the Military
    • Active Duty Military
    • First Responders
    • Firemen
    • Paramedics
  • Services:
    • Medical Detoxification
    • Dual-Diagnosis Medications
    • Cogitative Behavioral Therapy
    • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
    • A Structured 12-step Program
    • Trauma-Informed Care
    • Psychiatric and Psychological Care
    • Family Counseling
    • Relapse Prevention
    • Free Lifetime Aftercare

• Alzheimer’s/Memory Care Guide. https://www.senioradvice.com/memory-care. More than 5 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s disease, and 1 in 10 seniors are affected by the condition, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Those in the later stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia are typically unable to care for themselves on their own, and many families seek outside care to help their loved one manage their condition. Memory care, also called Alzheimer’s care or dementia care, is a type of senior living that specifically serves adults with memory impairment. Memory care communities are staffed by professionals with training in memory disorders and can provide individuals with the specialized care that they need to live comfortably. These communities also benefit from additional security to help ensure the safety of residents and to prevent them from wandering or otherwise harming themselves.
• Memory Care. https://www.memorycare.com/veterans/.  Receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be devastating for both seniors and their loved ones. And while the news itself can be overwhelming, getting the right diagnosis is also the first step in receiving the right care. From therapies to medications, new and innovative treatments are being developed all the time to improve the quality of life of those living with memory impairment. Understanding the disease and getting the right treatment as soon as possible is the best way to ensure that patients lead the best lives possible.

• A Guide to Veterans Benefits. www.caring.com/caregivers/veterans-benefits/. This guide will explain several VA benefits, especially those that apply to seniors. It includes how to use VA benefits to pay for long-term care needs, the eligibility requirements, and the application process for benefits, so you can determine your options for using those benefits to pay for your health needs.
• Camp Lejeune Claims Center. https://www.camplejeuneclaimscenter.com/. Camp Lejeune is a U.S. Marine Corps Base in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Toxic chemicals were released into the water supply systems from 1953 to 1987. This means that nearly 1 million people may have been exposed to these harmful chemicals. As a result, anyone who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days during this period may now be entitled to compensation. We exist to help military veterans harmed by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to get the financial benefits they deserve. We’re ready to help you at no out-of-pocket cost to you or your family.
• CHAMPVA Benefits. www.va.gov/health-care/family-caregiver-benefits/champva/. Are you the spouse or surviving spouse of or a child of a Veteran with disabilities or a Veteran who has died? If you don’t qualify for TRICARE (the Department of Defense’s health care program for active-duty and retired service members and their families), you may be able to get health insurance through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). Through this program, we cover the cost of some of your health care services and supplies. This is called cost sharing. Find out if you qualify for CHAMPVA and how to apply. You may only be eligible for health care through CHAMPVA if you don’t qualify for TRICARE and at least one of these descriptions is true for you:
  • You’re the spouse or child of a Veteran who’s been rated permanently and totally disabled for a service-connected disability by a VA regional office, or
  • You’re the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran who died from a VA-rated service-connected disability, or
  • You’re the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran who was at the time of death rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability, or
  • You’re the surviving spouse or child of a service member who died in the line of duty, not due to misconduct (in most of these cases, family members qualify for TRICARE, not CHAMPVA).
  • A service-connected disability is a disability that we’ve concluded was caused or made worse by the Veteran’s active-duty service. A permanent disability is one that’s not expected to improve.

  **Note: A Veteran who’s the qualifying CHAMPVA sponsor for their family may also qualify for the VA health care program based on their own Veteran status. If 2 spouses are both Veterans who qualify as CHAMPVA sponsors for their family, they both may now qualify for CHAMPVA benefits. Each time they need medical care, they may choose to get care through the VA health care program or using their CHAMPVA coverage.

• Global Military Veteran’s Disability Consulting. www.gmvdconsulting.com. Veteran owned claims consulting, paid service. Services include:
  • Consulting and processing claims
  • Counseling prior to every Compensation & Pension appointment (exams)
  • Free analyzing of past and present disability issues if veterans have eBenefits accounts established
  • Educate veterans to focus on their rating average, not just the combined rating
  • Explain all educational benefits veterans are entitled to
  • Educate veterans on how to get their medical records
  • Assist widows of deceased Veterans in attaining their benefits

  I also offer multiple options on claims:

  • Compensation and Pension Claims
  • Supplement Claims
  • Higher-Level Review Claims
  • Individual Unemployment Claims
  • Claims for all Widows of Deceased Veterans
• Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, Ouachita Service Office. Provides service to veterans, their dependents, widows, and children in need of assistance with filing for V. A. state and federal benefits.
  • • Location/Phone:
      704 Cypress Street
      West Monroe, LA 71291
      (318) 362-5137
• Louisiana Medicare Plans Guide. www.affordablehealthinsurance.com/medicare-plans/louisiana/. As a patient resource center (Note: we do not sell or provide healthcare plans), we’ve created an easy-to-read guide empowering those who qualify for Medicare with the knowledge to help them choose the right plan specific to their needs. We compare Louisiana Medicare plans, costs, and most importantly provide local Medicare resources to help residents with any questions they may have.
• Reserve Component Transition Assistance Advisors. RCTAA can help a Reserve Component member, or Retired Reserve Member transition back to civilian life. Some services offered:
  • State and Local Benefits
  • VA Assistance for Physical and Mental Health
  • Disable Veterans Program Assistance
  • Education and Training Assistance
  • Employment Assistance
  • Health and Life Insurance
  • Financial Assistance
  • Legal Assistance
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Effects of a Career Change

   

  • Contact:
    • Damion Johnlouis
    • 202-987-3723
    • Email: Damion.j.johnlouis.ctr@army.mil
    • Email: DJohnlouis.ctr@gapsi.com
• VA Aid and Attendance Benefits and Housebound Allowance. www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/. VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits provide monthly payments added to the amount of a monthly VA pension for qualified Veterans and survivors. If you need help with daily activities, or you’re housebound, find out if you qualify. You may be eligible for this benefit if you get a VA pension and you meet at least one of these requirements.VA Aid and Attendance eligibility, at least one of these must be true:
  • You need another person to help you perform daily activities, like bathing, feeding, and dressing, or
  • You have to stay in bed or spend a large portion of the day in bed because of illness, or
  • You are a patient in a nursing home due to the loss of mental or physical abilities related to a disability, or
  • Your eyesight is limited (even with glasses or contact lenses you have only 5/200 or less in both eyes; or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less)

  Housebound benefits eligibility:

  • You may be eligible for this benefit if you get a VA pension and you spend most of your time in your home because of a permanent disability (a disability that doesn’t go away).

  **Note: You can’t get Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound benefits at the same time.

• Veteran Aid. www.veteranaid.org/. VeteranAid.org is a free resource for veterans, their surviving spouses and their families who are looking for clear, concise information about the VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) pension benefit and how to apply for it. For veterans and surviving spouses who meet VA eligibility requirements, A&A can help pay for the cost of daily senior care, whether it’s provided at home, in assisted living or in a nursing home.
  • A&A can pay up to:
  • $1,881 per month for a single veteran who needs care
  • $2,230 per month for a veteran and his or her spouse
  • $1,209 per month for a surviving spouse of a veteran

  This a need-based benefit that veterans have earned through their service but some vets and their families are unaware of the A&A program.

• Veterans Benefits for Financial Security and Retirement. https://www.birchgold.com/retirement-and-financial-security-for-veterans/. Despite their service to our country, veterans often struggle to find financial security or stability upon their return to civilian life. Whether a veteran was enlisted for a few years or for their entire career, adjusting to life after service and learning how to successfully manage money as well as navigate debt can be challenging. Unfortunately, there is a very wide range of challenges veterans may face. These challenges can result in financial mismanagement, both during service and immediately following, that can cost veterans. Paying off debt, fighting the effects of fraud, and trying to build up some savings can take many years, leaving veterans insufficiently prepared for and therefore vulnerable when they retire. A lot of the resources here are geared towards helping veterans minimize debt and maximize savings so that they are well-positioned for retirement.
• Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting. www.VetsGuardian.com/. Veterans Guardian is a pre-filing consulting firm helping position veterans to achieve the disability rating they are eligible for when they file their claim for VA disability benefits and compensation. As a team of fellow veterans, we understand and truly appreciate the sacrifices you have made in your service. We also understand that military service can have significant and lasting impacts on your physical and mental health, which is why we are here for you.
• Veterans Guide. www.veteransguide.org. As a retired servicemember of the United States military, obtaining the maximum VA compensation isn’t a simple task. There are many benefits available to you as a veteran of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines and Space Force. Veterans Guide provides you with the necessary information you need to obtain the maximum benefits when you leave military service.

• Blinded Veterans Association. www.bva.org. BVA continually strives to better the lives of all who served in the Armed Forces living with sight loss through expert advocacy, engaged membership, clear communication and peer inspired self-reliance. Our BVA family epitomizes respect, honor, dedication and commitment to sustain a thriving, informed, patriotic and connected community. BVA is the ONLY congressionally chartered Veterans Service Organization created for, consisting of and led by Visually Impaired Veterans focused on the issues, advocacy and mentorship vital to all veterans and families coping with sight loss regardless of service connection. 

• Elizabeth Dole Foundation. www.elizabethdolefoundation.org. Our Vision is an America where military caregivers are empowered, appreciated, and recognized for their service to our nation. 
• Hidden Heroes. www.hiddenheroes.org. Hidden Heroes brings vital attention to the untold stories of military caregivers and seeks solutions for the tremendous challenges and long-term needs they face. Our goals: 
  • Raise awareness of the issues military caregivers confront every day 
  • Inspire individuals, businesses, communities, and civic, faith and government leaders to take action in supporting military caregivers in their communities 
  • Establish a national registry, encouraging military caregivers to register at HiddenHeroes.org to better connect them to helpful resources and support 
• Military Caregiver Recognition Award and Digital Resource Binder from Psych Armor. www.learn.psycharmor.org/courses/military-caregiver-award/. Military caregivers are eligible to participate in free online courses by nationally recognized experts. Provided by PsychArmor and sponsored by the USAA Foundation, Caregivers who complete the program will earn a Certificate of Achievement.
• Military Caregiver Support. www.warriorcare.dodlive.mil/caregiver-resources/. Military Caregiver Support is executed by the military services’ Wounded Warrior Programs (WWPs). These programs provide resources and information exclusively for military caregivers who assist wounded, ill, and/or injured service members with activities of daily living. 
• Operation Homefront. www.operationhomefront.org. Our mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive, not simply struggle to get by, in the communities – OUR communities – they have worked so hard to protect. A key aspect of our mission is to ensure that military families have access to the support and resources they need to stay strong, stable, and secure in the face of adversity. As a military family support organization, we strive to provide respect and understanding to our military families while ensuring that all families in need of assistance receive it.

DDS Dentures + Implant Solutions. www.dentalservice.net. A trip to the dentist should leave you feeling as though your smile is refreshed and brand-new. However, many people dread visiting the dentist, due to worry about the cost or the frustration of taking time out of their day to make an appointment. It’s important to find a dental office that understands the needs of your budget. DDS Dentures + Implant Solutions offers the comprehensive range of care you need, at a price you can afford. With our “price-beat guarantee” we promise we can beat any licensed dentist’s treatment plan price by at least 10 percent. When you need your smile restored, with implants, bridges, or dentures, the process can take anywhere from weeks to months. But what if you could have a brand-new smile with fewer visits? Thanks to an in-house dental lab, DDS Dentures + Implant Solutions is able to make new implants, bridges, and dentures efficiently. And less time spent at the dentist means more time to spend on things you enjoy. If you live in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee or Texas, this convenient and affordable dental care is only a phone call or visit away. Find a DDS Dentures + Implant Solutions location near you here, and let us show you how a trip to the dentist could be something to smile about.

• AMVETS Scholarship’s, https://amvets.org/scholarships/  Two scholarships are specific to Veterans, Active Duty, Guard/Reserves:
  1. The AMVETS Scholarship: $4,000 — ($1,000 awarded annually over four years). three (3) awarded each year.
  2. The Dr. Aurelio M. Caccomo Family Foundation Memorial Scholarship: $12,000 –($3,000 awarded annually over four years), two (2) awarded each year.
  Two scholarships are specific to children/grandchildren of Veterans, Active Duty, Guard/Reserves who are currently High School seniors:
  1. The AMVETS Scholarship: $4,000 — ($1,000) awarded annually over four years) six (6) awarded each year
  2. The JROTC Scholarship: $1,000 — (one payment of $1,000), one (1) awarded each year (JROTC ONLY. Proof from JROTC instructor must be included with application.)
• Apogee Baton Rouge. www.apogeebatonrouge.org. Apogee Baton Rouge is an educational institution that utilizes a project based, student-centered learning environment in order to equip our students with the confidence, competency, and character necessary to live a happy, fulfilling, successful life.
• Army Emergency Relief, www.aerhq.org, zero-interest loans, grants, & scholarships available to active duty, reserve, guard, retired soldiers, their families, and surviving spouses and children. AER is the Army’s own emergency financial assistance organization and is dedicated to “Helping the Army Take Care of its Own.” Army installations worldwide. AER financial assistance is conducted within the Army structure by mission commanders and garrison commanders through AER Sections located at U.S. Services include, but not limited to the following. Check website for detailed information:
  Zero-interest loans and grants for valid needs including basic          living expenses, POV repair, emergency travel, PCS, and more.
  Education scholarships for spouses and children.
• Bankrate Financial Aid for College. https://www.bankrate.com/loans/student-loans/afford-college-as-veteran/. Prospective college students have many different ways to finance their education including financial aid, scholarships, grants, and loans. For veterans, however, there are even more options to help pay for college. All these different options can be overwhelming and complicated, so our experts at Bankrate created this guide to breakdown various methods of funding for student veterans including:
  • The Yellow Ribbon Program
  • The GI Bill
  • Fee Waivers and Discounts
  • VA Work-study programs
• Best Colleges Coding for Kids. https://www.bestcolleges.com/bootcamps/guides/teach-kids-coding-resources/. Childhood is a great time to learn how to code. Coding can help kids develop problem-solving skills and encourages creativity and imagination. Plus, it’s a good foundation for learning more computer science principles later on. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer science occupations are growing, and programming knowledge can equip kids with marketable skills for the field later on. Even without looking ahead 18 years, kids should learn to code for these fundamental reasons.
• Best Colleges Financial Aid. https://www.bestcolleges.com/financial-aid/military/. Earning a college degree can lead to greater employment opportunities and higher pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), adults 25 and older with bachelor’s degrees or higher faced an unemployment rate of less than 5% in 2020. The unemployment rate for high school graduates with no college education was 9% during the same year. A college education can be just as much of an asset for military members as for civilians. Active-duty army personnel can advance their military careers or pursue civilian jobs by earning a bachelor’s degree. In addition to student financial aid, several programs exist to help armed service members and veterans achieve their educational goals. Learn about tuition assistance programs, veteran benefits, and federal student aid available to military service members and student veterans.
• Financial Aid For Military and Veterans. https://www.accounting.com/resources/financial-aid-for-veterans/. Financial Aid Programs for Military and Veterans. Information covers The Montgomery GI Bill, Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program, National Call to Service, Survivors and Dependents Education Assistance. Website also has information on Scholarships for Military and Veterans, such as U.S. Army Scholarships, North American Van Lines Military Scholarships, AAAA Scholarship Foundation, Women In Defense HORIZONS Scholarships, U.S. Navy Scholarships, eLearners Scholarship, Sigma Chi Foundation Military Service Scholarship, MAP Scholarship, U.S. Air Force Scholarships, Captain Jodi Callahan Memorial Scholarship, U.S. Marine Corps Scholarships, The Robert W. Brunsman Memorial Scholarship, WMA Scholarships, Women’s Overseas Service League Scholarships, National Guard Scholarships, VA-ACME Scholarship Program, Tillman Scholars, ALA Student Scholarship, Coast Guard Scholarships, TonaLaw Veterans Scholarship, Coast Guard Foundation Enlisted Education Scholarships, The Legacy Scholarship Program, Military Families Scholarships, Hope for the Warriors, Wells Fargo Veterans Scholarship Program, Dolphin Scholarship Foundation.
• Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA). https://armyignited.com/app/. Financial assistance provided for voluntary off-duty education programs in support of a Soldier’s professional and personal self-development goals.
• Folds of Honor. www.foldsorhonor.org/. Honor Their Sacrifice. Educate Their Legacy. Provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled service members.
• Guide to Veteran & Dependent Scholarships by State. https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/scholarships-for-veterans-and-dependents. For Veterans and dependents, the GI Bill helps cover a significant portion of college-related costs. Depending on the situation, students could see the government cover nearly all of their educational costs. However, veterans and dependents only receive aid up to a certain point. To help cover any remaining educational costs, many learners use scholarships, including those specific to veterans or family members of veterans. These scholarships might also help veterans or dependents who do not receive access to GI Bill benefits or attend a school not covered by the GI Bill. This resource explores some of the many scholarships available to veterans and their dependents and explains why many veterans and their dependents use scholarships each year.
• Intelligent. www.intelligent.com. We’re helping students in their pre-college journey by ranking colleges and programs across the country using aggregated publicly available data. And, we’re doing it without any advertising or affiliate relationships with schools. This ensures zero bias of our results. We’re building guides to help students succeed in the classroom by bringing together the latest research with tips and techniques championed by today’s leading experts. We’re arming you with resources to successfully transition from college to the workforce by building databases of internship opportunities and compiling example resumes. Some examples of our guides:
  • https://www.intelligent.com/take-effective-notes/
  • https://www.intelligent.com/study-smart-before-exams/
  • https://www.intelligent.com/take-effective-notes/
  • https://www.intelligent.com/manage-your-stress/
  • https://www.intelligent.com/use-test-taking-strategies-on-exam-day/
• Kelly Gibson Foundation, Oscar J. Tolmas Memorial Scholarship Fund.  https://www.kellygibsonfoundation.org/oscar-j-tolmas-scholarship-applicat. Under the program, scholarships will be awarded to high school juniors through 5th year students in college cannot be older than 22 years old. Applicants must be a child or direct descendant of someone who has served in either the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Coast Guard and/or Reserves. Applicants must be a resident of the following parishes/counties in Louisiana or Mississippi: Ascension, Assumption, East Feliciana, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Saint Bernard, Saint Charles, Saint Helena, Saint James, Saint John the Baptist, Saint Martin, Saint Mary, Saint Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge parishes or Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River counties.
• Louisiana’s Community & Technical Colleges WorkReady U Program. www.lctcs.edu/workready-u.  WorkReady U – Louisiana’s Adult Education Network – helps adults learn the skills needed to get a job that can support a family. We offer high school equivalency (HiSET) preparation and testing, adult literacy programs, English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, civics education, family literacy programs, and workforce training. Work Ready U can teach you skills needed for college or career success. Our services will help you improve your English skills, develop career skills, and increase your academic skills. If you did not finish high school, you can earn a state-issued high school equivalency diploma which you can use to advance your career or continue your education. Whether or not you have earned a high school equivalency diploma, you can explore our college locations, increase reading, writing and math skills to attend college, and improve your English skills if it isn’t your first language. 
• LDCC — Upward Bound. www.ladelta.edu/admissions/military-veterans/trio-veterans-upward-bound/ Email: vub@ladelta.edu. Phone: 318-345-9310. Facebook: www.facebook.com/LDCCVUB. Informational Video: https://vimeo.com/356293997/3820307c4e. The Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) Program is designed to motivate and assist you as military veterans in the development of academic and other requisite skills necessary for acceptance and success in a program of postsecondary education. Free services include: Academic Assistance, Career Planning, Computer Skills Training, Educational Benefits Information, Financial Aid Assistance, Tutoring Services, and More. The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging. Military veterans have a wealth of experiences, leadership and organizational skills, along with a strong work ethic and commitment–qualities valuable in the civilian life. However, translating those service skills to qualifications for a civilian career can be difficult. In some cases, acquiring additional skills and knowledge through a postsecondary educational program may be necessary. The VUB Staff at LDCC wants to take this journey with you and assist you in acquiring the skills you need to earn your college degree. Serving the following parishes: Ouachita, Caldwell, East Carroll, West Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Richland, Tensas, & Union.
• Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, www.vetaffairs.la.gov, Louisiana state guide to benefits.
• Louisiana Speech Pathology Degrees. https://www.speechpathologydegrees.com/st/louisiana. If you are considering applying to a Master’s of Speech Pathology program, you will find 8 accredited institutions with Master’s degree programs. Whether you want to travel near the coast to New Orleans or stay inland in Shreveport, try a big city in Baton Rouge or go more small-town in Hammond, Louisiana has options for you.
• Louisiana Workforce Commission, www.laworks.net 318-362-3058 Ask for Veteran Services
  Offer education programs and grants free to Veterans.
  Troops to Teacher program.
• National Resource Directory, www.nrd.gov, a searchable national database of resources vetted for the use of service members, veterans, family members and caregivers. Benefits & Compensation, Education & Training, Employment, Family & Caregiver Support, Health, Homeless Assistance, Housing, Military Adaptive Sports Program, Transportation & Travel.
• O.I.C of Ouachita. www.facebook.com/OICofOuachita. The Opportunities Industrialization Center (O.I.C) of Ouachita provides job training skills and GED literacy skills to low to moderate income persons. At the end of the training, the job developer assists participants in finding jobs comparable to the training. Some job training and classes offered are:
  • Business technology management
  • Medical assistant
  • Phlebotomy
  • GED program
  • After school tutoring

  Location/contact:

  • 3710 Dunlop St
  • Monroe, LA 71201
  • 318-325-1678
• Online MBA. https://www.onlinemba.com/resources/financial-aid-and-military-veterans/. Since the Post-9/11 GI Bill was introduced, the number of active-duty personnel and veterans using military benefits to pay for education has increased significantly. While this program does offer some relief to military families, there are many additional scholarships and financial aid programs available that often go unnoticed. At OnlineMBA.com we believe in providing access to these resources. We would like to encourage students in West Monroe to continue their education and invest in a rewarding career. This is why our team has created a detailed list of available financial assistance options to ensure that both military and veteran students have access to the help they need.
• Reserve Component Transition Assistance Advisors. RCTAA can help a Reserve Component member, or Retired Reserve Member transition back to civilian life. Some services offered:
  • State and Local Benefits
  • VA Assistance for Physical and Mental Health
  • Disable Veterans Program Assistance
  • Education and Training Assistance
  • Employment Assistance
  • Health and Life Insurance
  • Financial Assistance
  • Legal Assistance
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Effects of a Career Change

   

  • Contact:
    • Damion Johnlouis
    • 202-987-3723
    • Email: Damion.j.johnlouis.ctr@army.mil
    • Email: DJohnlouis.ctr@gapsi.com
• Small Business Development Center of Monroe. www.lsbdc.org/ulm/ The Louisiana Small Business Development Center at the University of Louisiana Monroe was created in 1977 and is an outreach service of ULM College of Business Administration. The program became fully operational in 1983. The Center provides business consulting at no cost to entrepreneurs who want to start new ventures and to small business owners who want to improve their business. LSBDC at ULM also provides low-cost, continuing education programs and technical assistance at no cost.
  • The LSBDC at ULM serves Northeast Louisiana including Caldwell, Catahoula, Concordia, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, LaSalle, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union, and West Carroll parishes
• The Best Schools. https://thebestschools.org/resources/college-finances/veteran-scholarships/.  Our goal at TheBestSchools.org is to encourage veteran students to continue their education and invest in a rewarding career. To do so, our team has created a detailed list of available scholarships to ensure that our American Heroes can access the funds to support their educational journey. First-generation college students who have served in the military can apply for scholarships available to first-time enrollees. Scholarships for disabled veterans, members of minority groups, and veterans who served in a specific branch of the armed forces offer additional funding opportunities.
• Troy University, www.troy.edu/militaryspirit, 866-780-7823.
  Online degrees, Military education benefits friendly, TROY Military and Family Scholarship helps save up to 50% tuition savings.
  Get a free analysis of transfer credits. Send transcript to dmc@troy.edu
• ULM Nursing. www.ulm.edu/nursing/ The University of Louisiana Monroe Kitty DeGree School of Nursing shares the University’s commitment to a transformative education through instruction, research, and service. The primary mission of the Kitty DeGree School of Nursing is to offer a specialized program of study of the art and science of nursing. Graduates are prepared to succeed and contribute through safe and effective practice as beginning professional nurses and/or masters prepared nurses in a variety of health care settings. The Kitty DeGree School of Nursing mission is based on professionalism and the core values of altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, and social justice. It is also the mission to provide continuing education to meet the ever changing needs of the nursing community, both locally and globally, and to promote the development of the nursing profession through scholarly activity.
• ULM Online. www.ulm.edu/onlinedegrees/all-programs.html Check out our list of online degree programs available to you.
• UNITECH Training Academy. www.unitechtrainingacademy.com. We strive to make sure our students are confident and fully prepared to be knowledgeable and efficient employees who will be a positive asset to any organization.
  • Phone/Locations:
  • Lafayette (Main Campus): 337-735-4210
  • Lake Charles: 337-602-9807
  • Alexandria: 225-341-8193
  • New Orleans: 504-535-7704
  • West Monroe: 318-737-1624
  • Baton Rouge: 225-341-1510
  • Houma: 985-255-4999
• Upper Iowa University, www.uiu.edu, Baton Rouge Center, 225-923-2331, www.uiu.edu/batonrouge. Classroom, online, or self-paced. Centers in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, DeRidder, Fort Polk, and New Orleans. Approved Military Tuition Assistance and Veterans Education Benefits, transfer credits/military training accepted, flexible 8-week classes.
  • Troops To Teacher Program, www.uiu.edu/tttinquire, U.S. Department of Defense program that helps eligible military personnel begin a new career where they can utilize their skills, knowledge, and experience in the education field as teachers in public schools.
• USAA Educational Foundation. www.usaaef.org. The USAA Educational Foundation offers free financial education resources from experts in personal finance and military life. As an educational foundation, we provide trusted information and do not endorse or sell any products. We’re here to empower people to take actions that increase their financial resiliency and improve their quality of life.
• Veterans Guide. www.veteransguide.org. As a retired servicemember of the United States military, obtaining the maximum VA compensation isn’t a simple task. There are many benefits available to you as a veteran of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines and Space Force. Veterans Guide provides you with the necessary information you need to obtain the maximum benefits when you leave military service.
• Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) for Educational Institutions. https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/vrrap_educational_institutions.asp. The Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP), was enacted on March 11, 2021, and was effective, immediately. VRRAP was part of the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package, with aid targeted to assist individuals and businesses recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible Veterans participating in VRRAP receive up to 12 months of tuition and fees and a monthly housing allowance based on Post-9/11 GI Bill rates. Covered education programs must provide training for high-demand occupations, which is determined by the Commissioner of Labor Statistics. GI Bill approved programs of education, excluding bachelor’s and graduate degrees, and VET TEC approved training are eligible. For details and to apply: https://www.va.gov/education/other-va-education-benefits/veteran-rapid-retraining-assistance/apply-for-vrrap-form-22-1990s/introduction.

• Louisiana Emergency Preparedness. www.getagameplan.org. Preparedness and hazard mitigation can save lives, protect property, and lessen impacts of future disasters. To reduce risk and ensure Louisiana citizens and communities are better prepared, this Guide is intended to help Louisiana residents benefit from the experience of past events and recommendations from experts in disaster preparation, prevention, response, recovery, and mitigation.
• Operation Blessing. www.ob.org. Operation Blessing is a nonprofit, humanitarian organization dedicated to partnering with YOU to demonstrate God’s love by alleviating human suffering. For more than 40 years, your love has shown through Operation Blessing in the U.S. and around the world. Together we’ve provided hunger relief, medical care, clean water, and disaster relief to millions across the globe. Through compassionate, efficient, and locally-focused programs we are able to target the specific needs of those we serve. This gives our partners an opportunity to truly be the hands and feet of Jesus for those who are suffering and in need. 
• Ouachita Parish Enhanced 9-1-1. For immediate response from Police, Fire, or Ambulance Services. If you can’t call, you can text 9-1-1 for help. Wireless (cellphone) calls use GPS triangulation to help locate the caller. If you call, stay calm and have information to explain the emergency; have an address, road names/intersections, or mile marker; stay on the line until dispatcher releases you (even if you accidentally dialed). Teach your children how and when to dial 9-1-1 and what information to tell the dispatcher. If you need advice or would like to have a group educational program, please call 318-387-2593.  
  • Non-Emergency Numbers:
    • Monroe Police — 318-329-2600
    • West Monroe Police — 318-396-2722
    • Ouachita Parish Sheriffs Office — 318-329-1200
    • Power Outages — 1-800-968-8243

• After Deployment. https://www.afterdeployment.org/. Approximately 20% of OIF/OEF Service Members report adjustment problems in the months following a deployment. Limited provider availability and the stigma of being labeled with a ‘mental illness’ are some of the barriers to seeking face-to-face care. In this light, the need for online behavioral health tools has never been greater. Afterdeployment.org is an online resource supporting Service Members, their Families, and Veterans, with common post-deployment concerns. The website provides self-care solutions targeting post-traumatic stress, depression, anger, sleep, relationship concerns, and other mental health challenges.
• Always Best Care Senior Services. www.alwaysbestcare.com/la/monroe/ Always Best Care provides warm, compassionate and professional care for seniors and others when they need it most. Whether we are helping clients manage life’s daily routines, or providing respite care for the holidays, one thing you can always count on is that we are dedicated to exceeding your expectations…always. We can provide assistance and support for just about every non-medical, personal and social need your loved one may have.
• BK Mentoring. www.bkmentoring.org. BK Mentoring breaks negative cycles. We offer services to help those on the fringe of society. Those persons of any age who suffer from poverty, lack of education, abuse of various forms, injustice, intolerance, or lack of love; they are who we seek to help. We are the eyes and ears of the community, seeing and tackling problems found there. We provide solutions directly or through partnerships
• Blue Star Mothers of NELA. www.facebook.com/BlueStarsChapter6/ Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. is a national 501c3 non-profit org. made up of mothers, mostly, of active duty and honorably discharged military.
• Chennault Aviation & Military Museum. www.chennaultmuseum.org. PTSD meetings 1^st and 3^rd Wednesdays of each month, 3-4/4:30 p.m. Led by Dr. Mitch Young, PhD, LPC, NCC, and a Vietnam Veteran. Call 318-362-5540 for more information.
• Elisha Ministries Inc. www.elishaministriesnela.org. EM dba Supportive Housing of Northeast Louisiana is committed to providing housing to all applicants on an availability basis. We are committed to assisting and providing community resources, emotional, physical, and spiritual support to the residents. We believe in a wholesome family atmosphere, which provides growth, maturity, and achievement of personal and corporate goals. Elisha Ministries MyWay Case Management Services are designed to support homeless, low income, elderly individuals, or families in poverty. The program helps to prevent and reduce chronic homelessness, empower families and individuals affected by severe mental and/or substance use disorder experiencing housing transition challenges regain their lives and receive help at their own pace. Individuals or families can receive outreach and engagement, intensive case management, transportation, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and assistance in obtaining mainstream benefits such as (Transportation, Case Management, Mainstream Benefits such SNAPS, SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, Hospitalization and Mental Services). Partnerships with community resource provides for housing, mental health, social services, emergency services and substance abuse are beneficial to assist the residents obtain services their way at their pace.
• Every Warrior. www.everywarrior.org. We envision a culture where every Warrior serving in our Armed Forces receives support, finds value, has purpose, embraces potential, and uses their influence to make a difference.
• Family Counseling Center, Ruston, LA. 318-255-5753. www.lmch.org/family-counseling-center-ruston.
  • 10 counseling sessions for victims of crime, no matter how long ago or if it was ever reported.
  • 10 counseling sessions for veterans at no cost who reside in Lincoln Parish.
• Finding Solace Counseling. www.findingsolacecounseling.life The staff at Finding Solace believes that everyone is capable of achieving peace in their life. We have knowledgeable counselors who have experience in treating a variety of issues through individual, family, and couples counseling. If you are interested in our services, give us a call at 318-737-7201 or email us at info@findingsolacecounseling.life
• Give an Hour. https://giveanhour.org/military/. Military, Veterans and Loved Ones. Free and Confidential Mental Health Support through a national network of licensed mental health providers, Give an Hour offers mental health care to Active duty, National Guard and Reserve, Veterans, and their loved ones. Give an Hour’s services complement Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs healthcare delivery by serving veterans and military families seeking care outside the current system, those no longer eligible for healthcare provided by the DOD or VA, and non-eligible siblings, parents, partners, and other loved ones. Client’s are eligible for Give an Hour services if you have served for the U.S. Military for any length of time, with any branch, and any active, reserve or discharge status -or- you consider yourself a loved one of someone who has served in the U.S. military and you are experiencing a service related (or post-service related) concern.
  • To receive FREE and confidential counseling
  • To not be charged or have your insurance billed for Give an Hour sessions
  • To understand how your or your loved one’s experiences are affecting your personal life and relationships
  • To learn ways of coping
  • To be referred appropriately if you need additional services (such as medications)
  • To be in a safe environment where you can talk about your deepest fears and concerns
• Heroes on the Water, www.heroesonthewater.org, A 501(c)3 veterans charity, creates alternative therapeutic programs to serve veterans, active duty, first responders, and their families to help relax, rehabilitate and reintegrate through kayak fishing and the outdoors.
• Horses for Heroes. www.horsesforheroes.org Cowboy Up! Program:
  Cowboy Up! is a unique horsemanship, wellness and Skill-set Restructuring(TM) program based in Santa Fe, NM free to ALL post 9/11 Veterans and active military (both men and women) especially those who have sustained PTSD (We like to call it Post Traumatic SPIRITUAL DISSONANCE), physical injuries 0r have experienced combat trauma during their time serving our country. We provide a unique environment and opportunity in which post 9/11 and active military can Reconnect, Re-create and Reintegrate, essentially giving them a New Mission. Cowboy Up! consists of performance objectives centered on a natural horsemanship school of thought where horse and handler bond through communication, trust and understanding of the horses’ natural instincts. Participants also learn techniques of handling livestock while horseback and afoot.
• Louisiana Love Home for Children. www.louisianalove.net. Louisiana Love Home for Children is a faith-based nonprofit organization and residential program for young sex trafficking survivors. Through our program, these survivors are provided with a homelike environment, virtual school, and the opportunity to actively participate in a structured community life. We are located in North Louisiana. Sex trafficking survivors face many challenges on their road to recovery, especially as teenagers. With our program, survivors learn empathy, accountability, responsibility, and respect for themselves and the community. We provide them with much-needed love, support, and nonjudgmental acceptance. The house is owned and operated by Sharon D. Pleasant, a licensed professional mental health counselor. Ms. Pleasant has professional training in the following areas:
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

  The team members training in the following areas:

  • Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention
  • Trauma Informed
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Drug and Alcohol Awareness
• Mission 22, www.mission22.com, United in the war against Veteran suicide.Resource programs available:
  • Comprehensive Wellness: Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment, Counseling, Physical Training, and Medical Massage.
  • War Detox Program: a weeklong PTS program offering peer-to-peer support, meditation, mindfulness, teambuilding, and other resiliency exercises.
  • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
  • Health and Housing Access: Health clinics, homeless shelters, transitions housing, and recovery sanctuaries for Veterans in need.
  • Horse Therapy: Equine assisted therapies for active duty and retired veterans at no charge.
  • Holistic Health: Personalized to you. Custom treatment and specialties including endobiogeny, hormone balancing, bioregulation therapy, integrative medicine, and nutrition therapy.
  • Service Dogs.
• National Depression Hotline. www.nationaldepressionhotline.org. (866) 629-4564. The National Depression Hotline is a nationwide resource for people struggling with depression. We know how hard it is to find reliable, and free resources to help yourself or a loved one. This website does just that. If you want to talk, getting help for depression is only a phone call away. Our free hotline is available 24/7.
• Never Alone Initiative. www.neveraloneinitiative.org Non-profit organization that helps surviving military spouses and their families manage their depression and return to living a normal life. Provided emotional and moral support, advice, and referral services.
• Operation Heal Our Patriots, www.samaritanspurse.org/patriots, Operation Heal Our Patriots, a ministry project of Samaritan’s Purse, focuses on bringing spiritual refreshment, physical renewal, and marriage enrichment to wounded and injured U.S. military service members and their spouses. To thank these brave men and women for their service and sacrifice, we offer programs uniquely developed to strengthen the marriage relationship and build hope for the future through the transforming power of God’s Word.
• Our H.O.M.E. (Honor, Opportunity, Mindset, Encouragement). Facebook: www.facebook.com/OurHOME.Vet. Our HOME is an organization that believes that our Veterans and their families deserve to live a healthy lifestyle balance. We help encourage Veterans and their families to do so by connecting them with the services and support groups that are the right fit for them.
• Real Warriors, www.realwarriors.net, The Real Warriors Campaign promotes a culture of support for psychological health by encouraging the military community to reach out for help whether coping with the daily stresses of military life, or concerns like depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. Founded in 2009, the campaign supports the Defense Department’s Psychological Health Center of Excellence in its mission to break the stigma associated with psychological health concerns and encourage those who are coping with a psychological health concern to seek help. The campaign links service members, veterans and their families with care and provides free, confidential resources including online articles, print materials, videos and podcasts. If you or someone you know is coping with any concerns, know that reaching out is a sign of strength. Talk to a health care provider or start with one of many available resources on the Real Warriors Campaign website, including the Psychological Health Resource Center where you can speak with a confidential health resource consultant 24/7.
• Survivor Outreach Services, www.sos.army.mil, Facebook: Louisiana Army Survivor Outreach Services. Help connect families of fallen active, guard, and reserves members with people and services to help through the grieving process.SOS Support Coordinator and their areas:
  • Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, Union, Lincoln, Jackson, Bienville, Red River, Desoto, Sabine, Natchitoches, Winn, Grant, Vernon, Beauregard, Allen, Calcasieu, Jefferson Davis, Cameron Parishes: Clarence Harmonson, 337-531-1940/1941, l.harmonson.civ@mail.mil

   

  • Morehouse, West Carrol, East Carrol, Ouachita, Richland, Madison, Caldwell, Franklin, Tensas, LaSalle, Catahoula, Concordia, Rapides, Avoyelles, Evangeline, St. Landry, Acadia, Lafayette, Vermilion, Iberia Parishes: Melissa Primeaux, 337-212-1715, a.primeaux.ctr@mail.mil

   

  • Martin, Iberville, Iberia, St. Mary, St. Martin, Assumption, St. James, St. John, St. Charles, Jefferson, Plaquemines, LaFourche, Terrebonne Parishes: Melissa Scott, 5074-552-5836, Melissa.y.scott2.civ@mail.mil

   

  • West Feliciana, East Feliciana, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, Washington, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge, Livingston, St. Tammany, Ascension, Orleans, St. Bernard Parishes: Maggie Cabot, 504-278-8189, e.cabot.ctr@mail.mil
• The HERO Program. https://heroprogramnb.com/. The mission of the HERO program is to provide the most modern, evidence based treatment modalities available to evaluate and treat military Heroes with issues commonly experienced by service members such as psychiatric, chemical dependency and/or co-occurring disorders related to military service/combat and understanding day to day life. We serve veterans and active duty personnel of all branches of the U.S. military, male and female, of all ages. Our HERO program provides the highest quality of care and treatment for those veteran service members experiencing emotional, behavioral, cognitive and chemical dependency issues. Our treatment includes:
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • 12-Step Facilitation (TSF)
  • Specific therapies for individual needs

  We treat with a holistic approach in a safe and secure environment. We acknowledge that each veteran/service member has their own aspiration for treatment outcomes and hope to help realize the goals associated with the above.

• The Mighty Oaks Foundation, www.mightyoaksprograms.org, The Mighty Oaks Foundation is a faith-based Veteran service organization that teaches combat Veterans struggling with Post Traumatic Stress how to get beyond combat trauma and live their lives in the manner God intended. Many combat vets are unable to reintegrate back into civilian life, leaving their families to deal with the aftermath of broken homes and suicide at times. By aligning their lives to Biblical principles, these Warriors are able to lead their families, their communities and our nation. Our mission is to serve and restore our nation’s Warriors and families, who have endured hardship through their service to America, and to help them find a new life purpose through hope in Christ and our resiliency and peer-to-peer recovery programs.
• USA Re-Boot Resort. www.usarebootresort.org. This is a week-long camp for treating the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress. The Louisiana camps are held on 800 acres of rolling hills in Dubach, LA. Evidence based therapies include EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), Equine Therapy, Brain Wave Optimization, Community Resilience Model and IBAM (Integrated Breathing and Movement). All therapies are brought together for the duration of the camp. For more information, please visit the website. At this time, these camps are held in Louisiana, Idaho and California. Contact: Johnny Urrutia 208-280-0576 and Pam Cannon 318-355-7673
• Vet Center, www.vetcenter.va.gov, Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active duty service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. Readjustment counseling is offered to make a successful transition from military to civilian life or after a traumatic event experienced in the military. Individual, group, marriage and family counseling is offered in addition to referral and connection to other VA or community benefits and services. Vet Center counselors and outreach staff, many of whom are Veterans themselves, are experienced and prepared to discuss the tragedies of war, loss, grief and transition after trauma.
• Vets 4 Warriors. www.vets4warriors.com. 1-855-838-8255. Vets4Warriors, housed at the Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care National Call Center, is a one-of-a-kind, 24/7 peer support network. We operate completely independent of the VA and the U.S. military. We maintain this independence so callers can feel confident that everything they share with us when we connect will always remain 100% confidential. Our program complements official government resources available to service members, veterans, family members and caregivers, but remains separate from them. This allows us to ensure that every caller always has access to every available resource to meet their needs, whatever those needs may be. And we are constantly taking steps to expand our resource network as well so that we are always able to provide access to the most comprehensive options for care that we can. We are committed to ensuring that every member of the military community in need of support always has direct and immediate access to a peer who understands what they are going through. 
• Warrior Bonfire Program. www.warriorbonfireprogram.org. Warrior Bonfire Program provides opportunities that improve the lives of enemy combat-wounded veterans Purple Heart recipients on their lifelong journey of recovery and healing. Your donations create activity-based, stress-free environments that promote camaraderie and therapeutic healing. We place warriors, wounded in combat with others of a similar experience, in a stress free, safe and secure settings designed to help our Purple Hearts become better individuals, discover their post service purpose, and encourage building strong family and community relationships.
• Women Veterans Program, www.womenshealth.va.gov. At each VA Medical Center nationwide, a Women Veterans Program Manager is designated to assist women Veterans. She can help coordinate all the services you may need. Services include primary care, pregnancy care, psychiatric care and sexual abuse counseling, inpatient medical/surgical care, programs for homeless women Veterans, and quality of care issues. Visit the women’s Health Care Services page for a listing of services available. Woman Veterans who are interested in receiving care at VA should contact the nearest VA Medical Center and ask for the Women Veterans Program Manager.

• Acadiana Veteran Alliance. https://www.supportava.org/. Acadiana Veteran Alliance was formed to build new economic development and industry WITH veterans, and fund PTS healthcare treatments FOR veterans. The Mission of the Acadiana Veteran Alliance (AVA) is to unite veterans, veteran-owned businesses, and all companies for a common purpose; supporting veterans in job creation and work placement, assisting veterans in mental health solutions, creating a new, fully-developed support system for brothers-in-arms through financial/legal/housing assistance, and funding existing veteran-focused philanthropies through focused efforts. AVA serves the following parishes:
  • Acadia
  • Evangeline
  • Iberia
  • Jefferson Davis
  • Lafayette
  • Landry
  • Martin
  • Vermilion
• Advantage Resourcing. www.advantageresourcing.com. Identifying and hiring right-fit employees critical to your success continues to be our focus.  Founded in 1969, Advantage Resourcing is a leader in staffing and recruiting, offering temporary, temporary-to-hire, and direct-hire placements for a variety of light industrial and administrative jobs. A member of Staffmark Group, we are part of a nationwide network of 400+ offices, all backed by a corporate team with expertise in safety, human resources, recruiting, employment law, and more. We provide the focus of a local provider that thoroughly understands your market, supported by a depth of national resources. No matter your challenge, we’re ready to help!
• A veteran’s guide to starting a small business. https://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/building-a-business-as-a-veteran/. Veterans not only protect our country — they build it up, too. According to the Annual Business Survey data released by the U.S. Census Bureau in Jan. 2021, approximately 5.9% of all businesses in the U.S. are veteran-owned, and these veteran-owned businesses employ roughly 3.9 million employees. Additionally, based on previous surveys of veteran business-owners, the Small Business Administration (SBA) estimates that 85.3% of veteran business owners founded their businesses themselves. With their well-honed skill sets, tireless work ethic and dedication to the betterment of our country, veterans are uniquely poised for entrepreneurial success but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy journey. As with any business venture, starting out as a veteran entrepreneur has its ups and downs. From coming up with a killer business idea to finding the financing to make it happen, there are a lot of steps along the way. Are you thinking of joining the ranks of veteran entrepreneurs and small business owners? This guide is here to help.
• Best Jobs for Service Members Article. https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/best-jobs-returning-service-members. When returning from active duty and transitioning to civilian life, one of the first things a soldier must do is find a job. While military service provides many critical skills that can translate well into civilian jobs, sometimes the transition itself and communicating those skills to a non-military hiring manager is a big challenge to overcome. Sadly, for many veterans, this can be a battle, even after fighting for our country for years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate of veterans is dropping, declining from 4.3 percent to 3.7 percent in 2017. However, of those veterans who are unemployed, 59 percent are between the ages of 25 and 54, which indicates the working-age veterans are the ones having the biggest problem finding work. Also, even younger veterans, those between the ages of 18 and 25, continue to have a hard time both finding and keeping a job.
• Caleb’s Warrior’s Mindset. Facebook: Caleb Lasseigne (Digital Creator). The peak performance coach for entrepreneurs who want to transform their mind and body to maximize their health and business.
• Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). www.esgr.mil/la. ESGR, a Department of Defense office, is comprised of dedicated and trained volunteers and staff. We will develop and promote employer support for Guard and Reserve service by advocating relevant initiatives, recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of applicable laws, and resolving conflict between employers and service members. ESGR informs and educates service members and their civilian employers regarding their rights and responsibilities governed by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). ESGR does not have statutory authority to enforce, but serves as a neutral, free resource to employers and service members. ESGR’s trained ombudsmen provide mediation of issues relating to compliance with USERRA.
• Federal Civil Service (Feds Hire Vets). www.fedshirevets.gov. Federal law grants 5 and 10 point preference to Veterans who meet certain criteria when they apply for federal jobs. Phone: 202-606-7304.
• Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, www.vetaffairs.la.gov, Louisiana state guide to benefits.
• Louisiana Workforce Commission, www.laworks.net 318-362-3058 Ask for Veteran Services. Offer free resume help, computer skills training, mock interviews, job search assistance and referrals, and referrals to other helpful Veteran services.
• Louisiana Work for Warriors. https://w4wla.org/. Work for Warriors Louisiana is a job placement program created for Military Personnel and their families who live in the state. Our experienced Employment Coordinators educate, assist, and connect our candidates to our vast network of employers and community partners in a range of different professions and backgrounds. We are here to help guide you through the whole hiring process, from developing your resume to landing a new career. Whether you are unemployed, looking for a career change, or ready to transition into a civilian job, we want to help you find the best suited career for you and your needs.
• National Resource Directory, www.nrd.gov, a searchable national database of resources vetted for the use of service members, veterans, family members and caregivers. Benefits & Compensation, Education & Training, Employment, Family & Caregiver Support, Health, Homeless Assistance, Housing, Military Adaptive Sports Program, Transportation & Travel.
• NextOp, www.NextOpVets.org, 832-735-0051. Patrick McManus—employment coordinator. Email: patrick@nextopvets.org Employment assistance, help with resume, professional online presence, interview coaching, and help connect you with companies seeking your skills.Eligibility requirements:
  • Post 9/11 veteran
  • E-3 to E-7
  • Honorable discharge, or actively serving in the Armed Forces
  • Pass a hair follicle drug test
  • Have not been convicted of a crime within the last 10 years and/or currently facing any legal litigation
  • Are no more than 6 months for your date of separation, if Active Duty
• NOVA Workforce Institute of Northeast Louisiana. www.novanela.org. We exist to help our participants find employment in the 21st century through innovation and modern technology. The mission of NOVA, as a job intermediary is to identify and connect the workforce needs of employers with training entities and with the residents of Northeast Louisiana seeking living wage employment and benefits. Serving the following NELA parishes:
  • Caldwell
  • East Carroll
  • Franklin
  • Jackson
  • Lincoln
  • Madison
  • Morehouse
  • Ouachita
  • Richland
  • Tensas
  • Union
  • West Carroll
• Pelican Employment Network, www.casy4vets.org/LANationalGuard/.
  • Receive messages about career/job opportunities, local and online Job Fairs from NGEN:
  • TEXT 81010 or send email to: lang-pen@mail.remind.com.
• Reserve Component Transition Assistance Advisors. RCTAA can help a Reserve Component member, or Retired Reserve Member transition back to civilian life. Some services offered:
  • State and Local Benefits
  • VA Assistance for Physical and Mental Health
  • Disable Veterans Program Assistance
  • Education and Training Assistance
  • Employment Assistance
  • Health and Life Insurance
  • Financial Assistance
  • Legal Assistance
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Effects of a Career Change

   

  • Contact:
    • Damion Johnlouis
    • 202-987-3723
    • Email: Damion.j.johnlouis.ctr@army.mil
    • Email: DJohnlouis.ctr@gapsi.com
• Resume Builder. https://www.resumebuilder.com/military-to-civilian-resume-examples/. We believe that landing a job and building the perfect resume should be simple, and that a poorly written resume should be the last reason for not getting the job that you want. We’re dedicated to make sure that doesn’t happen. We’ve created a detailed guide that will walk through every step of creating an effective military to civilian cover letter and resume, from choosing the correct format to avoiding red flags that may cost getting that dream job.
• Small Business Entrepreneur Outreach Program. https://digital.com/veterans-business/. As a veteran, many of the skills you learned in the military can be especially helpful in running a business. The wide range of hard and soft skills you acquired through service can be transferred with great success to the private sector. Many veterans are doing just that. In this guide, we outline the steps you’ll take to get a successful company off the ground. We’ll dive deep into each step and explain exactly what you need. We’ll introduce you to the wide range of excellent resources that can help you turn an idea into a successful business.
• VA Work Study Program. www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. Program available to qualifying Veterans or their dependents who are utilizing VA education benefits and are currently enrolled as full-time students.
• Veterans in Louisiana. www.veteransinlouisiana.com.  Connecting Veterans to employment opportunities.
  • Contact:
  Donovan Fontenot, USMC, Founder.
  Phone: 504-644-6848                                                                                • Facebook:
  www.facebook.com/VeteransInLouisiana www.facebook.com/groups/278769556611048• LinkedIn:
  www.linkedin.com/company/veterans-in-louisiana www.linkedin.com/groups/13828870 www.linkedin.com/in/dlfontenot

• Eagala Military Services Equine Program. www.eagala.org/military. Eagala’s Military Services Designation raises the bar for equine-assisted psychotherapy for active military, reserves, veterans, and their families. The Eagala Military Services Designation is unique in the equine-assisted therapy world. With the Eagala Model as the foundation, Eagala Military Services Providers are specially credentialed with a deep understanding of military culture and life.
• Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, Int. www.pathintl.org. PATH Intl., a federally registered 501(c)3,  accredits centers and certifies professionals so you have the best and safest services our industry offers. PATH Intl. accredits centers and certifies professionals so participants can experience the best and safest services in the EAS industry. Granting a PATH Intl. Member Center the privilege of your trust will enable you or your loved one to reach health and wellness goals – as well as experience fun and hope – by partnering with horses. In addition to safety standards, PATH Intl. provides over 150 standards to help centers sustain viable programs using best business practices, provide compassionate, humane equine management, program- specific standards, facility maintenance and precautions and contraindications  for disabilities. 

• Acadiana Veteran Alliance. https://www.supportava.org/. Acadiana Veteran Alliance was formed to build new economic development and industry WITH veterans, and fund PTS healthcare treatments FOR veterans. The Mission of the Acadiana Veteran Alliance (AVA) is to unite veterans, veteran-owned businesses, and all companies for a common purpose; supporting veterans in job creation and work placement, assisting veterans in mental health solutions, creating a new, fully-developed support system for brothers-in-arms through financial/legal/housing assistance, and funding existing veteran-focused philanthropies through focused efforts. AVA serves the following parishes:
  • Acadia
  • Evangeline
  • Iberia
  • Jefferson Davis
  • Lafayette
  • Landry
  • Martin
  • Vermilion
• Army Emergency Relief. www.aerhq.org. Zero-interest loans, grants, & scholarships available to active duty, reserve, guard, retired soldiers, their families, and surviving spouses and children. AER is the Army’s own emergency financial assistance organization and is dedicated to “Helping the Army Take Care of its Own.” Army installations worldwide. AER financial assistance is conducted within the Army structure by mission commanders and garrison commanders through AER Sections located at U.S. Services include, but not limited to the following. Check website for detailed information:
  • Zero-interest loans and grants for valid needs including basic living expenses, POV repair, emergency travel, PCS, and more.

   

  • Education scholarships for spouses and children.
• Code of Support Foundation. www.codeofsupport.org. COSF helps those in need navigate and access critical services by providing one-on-one support. Through our digital PATRIOTlink platform and our direct Case Coordination services, COSF connects veterans and caregivers to the people and resources they need to live full, healthy lives.
• Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes. www.saluteheroes.org/get-help/emergency-financial-aid/. The mission of the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes is to help severely-wounded veterans and families of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn recover from their injuries and illnesses, and to inspire other organizations and the general public to participate in this effort. 
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. www.consumerfinance.gov. We’re the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a U.S. government agency dedicated to making sure you are treated fairly by banks, lenders and other financial institutions. 
• Edward Jones. www.edwardjones.com You have specific financial objectives in mind — planning for retirement, creating a college savings strategy, perhaps opening your own business. We have the comprehensive suite of investment products and services you need to turn your goals into reality. Partnering with your financial advisor, you can build a diversified portfolio from a broad universe of quality investments, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds and ETFs, while our insurance and annuity products can help to protect your financial future. And if you have specific wealth strategies, trust management or business ownership needs, our convenient financial services offer the professional administration options you’re looking for.
• Elisha Ministries Inc. www.elishaministriesnela.org. EM dba Supportive Housing of Northeast Louisiana is committed to providing housing to all applicants on an availability basis. We are committed to assisting and providing community resources, emotional, physical, and spiritual support to the residents. We believe in a wholesome family atmosphere, which provides growth, maturity, and achievement of personal and corporate goals. Elisha Ministries MyWay Case Management Services are designed to support homeless, low income, elderly individuals, or families in poverty. The program helps to prevent and reduce chronic homelessness, empower families and individuals affected by severe mental and/or substance use disorder experiencing housing transition challenges regain their lives and receive help at their own pace. Individuals or families can receive outreach and engagement, intensive case management, transportation, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and assistance in obtaining mainstream benefits such as (Transportation, Case Management, Mainstream Benefits such SNAPS, SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, Hospitalization and Mental Services). Partnerships with community resource provides for housing, mental health, social services, emergency services and substance abuse are beneficial to assist the residents obtain services their way at their pace.
• FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance/Reimbursement.  https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance/faq. VA’s National Cemetery Scheduling Office and VA national cemeteries have received many calls from family members and funeral homes asking how they can apply for the Funeral Expense Reimbursement Program that covers funeral expenses when a loved one’s death was related to COVID-19. This new program, which began on April 12, 2021, is run entirely by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). VA has no role in creating or tracking claims for this reimbursement program.
• Military Consumer. www.militaryconsumer.gov. Military Consumer is a joint initiative to empower active duty and retired servicemembers, military families, veterans and civilians in the military community. Use these free resources as the first line of defense against fraud and make better-informed decisions when managing your money.
• Military Family Assistance Fund. Established in 2005 to help members of Louisiana National Guard and Louisiana Military Reserves and their families to address financial hardships they may encounter when they are placed on active-duty status, post 9/11. Funds help assist military families experiencing undue financial hardships: housing, utilities, medical services, and other essential expenses. To learn more about the MFA and see the required qualifications to receive grant, visit www.vetaffairs.la.gov. Email: MFA@LA.gov
• MilSpouse Money Mission. www.milspousemoneymission.org. FaceBook: @MilSpouseMM https://www.facebook.com/MilSpouseMM/. MilSpouse Money Mission was created by a team of financial professionals who understand military life because they have experienced military life. Our goal is to educate and empower military spouses to help them make smart money moves. Why? Because military spouses usually manage the finances in their households, but they don’t have to do it alone. Our team combines passion and expertise to ensure you get the most accurate and relevant information. Take comfort knowing Certified Financial Planner professionals, an Accredited Financial Counselor, and the Department of Defense Office of Financial Readiness have vetted the content on this site. We provide free financial education and resources. We’re simply here to help!
• Northwestern Mutual. www.northwesternmutual.com. Northwestern Mutual is in the business of improving lives through financial security across generations. We integrate sustainability principles and social impact practices into our strategy to consistently generate long-term value, growth, and positive societal impact for our employees, financial advisors and representatives, clients, and the communities we serve.
• Office of Financial Readiness. www.finred.usalearning.gov. The Office of Financial Readiness, in collaboration with the services, federal partners and non-federal entities, provides programs, policy, education, advocacy and program oversight required for service members and families to achieve personal financial readiness in support of mission readiness. On this page, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions, or FAQ, about everything from the importance of financial readiness to how to access no-cost counseling services to where to find additional information when you need it. We invite you to read through this page and then explore the rest of the site for more financial tips and resources.
• Operation Homefront. www.operationhomefront.org. Our mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive, not simply struggle to get by, in the communities – OUR communities – they have worked so hard to protect. A key aspect of our mission is to ensure that military families have access to the support and resources they need to stay strong, stable, and secure in the face of adversity. As a military family support organization, we strive to provide respect and understanding to our military families while ensuring that all families in need of assistance receive it.
• Preferred Lending Solutions. www.donedealnow.com. The mortgage loan process has a lot of moving parts and there are many key players in getting you to the closing table on time. As part of our commitment to keep you well informed we have put together a quick snapshot of what you can expect during your loan process from start to finish. We will keep you posted, but feel free to check in at any time.
• Reserve Component Transition Assistance Advisors. RCTAA can help a Reserve Component member, or Retired Reserve Member transition back to civilian life. Some services offered:
  • State and Local Benefits
  • VA Assistance for Physical and Mental Health
  • Disable Veterans Program Assistance
  • Education and Training Assistance
  • Employment Assistance
  • Health and Life Insurance
  • Financial Assistance
  • Legal Assistance
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Effects of a Career Change

   

  • Contact:
    • Damion Johnlouis
    • 202-987-3723
    • Email: Damion.j.johnlouis.ctr@army.mil
    • Email: DJohnlouis.ctr@gapsi.com
• Take Charge America. www.takechargeamerica.org/financial-resources-for-veterans/. Financial resources for Veterans. As Americans, we owe the nation’s military veterans our respect and gratitude. Yet, despite the sacrifices they have made to protect us, many veterans and their families find themselves struggling financially.
• The USAA Educational Foundation. www.usaaef.org/tools/worksheet/ Financial worksheets for debt control, budgets, savings. 
• United Way, 2-1-1. www.211.org. Free, confidential service to help connect you to resources within your community to improve your life. The Helpline Center connects you to:
  • Housing, Utilities, food, and other basic needs assistance.
  • Suicide Prevention & Crisis Support
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Community Resources
  • Mental Health Services
• Unmet Needs Program, VFW. https://www.vfw.org/assistance/financial-grants. We understand the challenges veterans, service members and military families can face and believe that experiencing financial difficulties should not be one of them. That’s the premise behind the VFW’s Unmet Needs program. Unmet Needs is there to help America’s military families who have run into unexpected financial difficulties as a result of deployment or other military-related activity or injury. The program provides financial aid grants of up to $1,500 to assist with basic life needs in the form of a grant – not a loan – so no repayment is required. To further ease the burden, we pay the creditor directly. The needs of our veterans, service members and their families should never go unmet. Let us offer you a hand up when you need it! For additional information, and to see if you or someone you know qualifies for a grant through the Unmet Needs program, please review the Unmet Needs eligibility criteria.
• USA Cares Veteran & Family Support System. www.usacares.org. USA Cares’ mission is to provide post-9/11 military veterans, service members, and their families with financial assistance and post service skills training to create a foundation for long-term stability.  Our services improve the quality of life for veterans and their families and reduce potential factors that can contribute to veteran suicide. 
• Veterans Benefits for Financial Security and Retirement. https://www.birchgold.com/retirement-and-financial-security-for-veterans/. Despite their service to our country, veterans often struggle to find financial security or stability upon their return to civilian life. Whether a veteran was enlisted for a few years or for their entire career, adjusting to life after service and learning how to successfully manage money as well as navigate debt can be challenging. Unfortunately, there is a very wide range of challenges veterans may face. These challenges can result in financial mismanagement, both during service and immediately following, that can cost veterans. Paying off debt, fighting the effects of fraud, and trying to build up some savings can take many years, leaving veterans insufficiently prepared for and therefore vulnerable when they retire. A lot of the resources here are geared towards helping veterans minimize debt and maximize savings so that they are well-positioned for retirement.
• Veterans Guide. www.veteransguide.org. As a retired servicemember of the United States military, obtaining the maximum VA compensation isn’t a simple task. There are many benefits available to you as a veteran of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines and Space Force. Veterans Guide provides you with the necessary information you need to obtain the maximum benefits when you leave military service.

• Air Evac Lifeteam. www.amcnrep.com AirMedCare Network is an alliance among Air Evac Lifeteam, Guardian Flight, Med-Trans Corporation and REACH Air Medical Services, creating America’s largest air ambulance membership network. NELA Rep Sherry Eidt, www.amcnrep.com/sherry-eidt/.
• Always Best Care Senior Services. www.alwaysbestcare.com/la/monroe/ Always Best Care provides warm, compassionate and professional care for seniors and others when they need it most. Whether we are helping clients manage life’s daily routines, or providing respite care for the holidays, one thing you can always count on is that we are dedicated to exceeding your expectations…always. We can provide assistance and support for just about every non-medical, personal and social need your loved one may have.
• Americare Home Care. www.americarela.com. Established in 2003, Americare has served countless individuals who have entrusted us with the responsibility of caring for themselves or a loved one. Our care services are tailored to meet each individual’s specific needs, enabling them to remain independent and healthy in the familiar surroundings of their own home. We take pride in offering compassionate and individualized care that empowers our clients to lead fulfilling lives. Our team of experienced caregivers is trained to provide assistance with personal care tasks, as well as instrumental activities of daily living, ensuring that our clients receive comprehensive care. At Americare, we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality care, regardless of age, health, or abilities. Our unwavering commitment is to provide compassionate and dependable care that helps our clients achieve their objectives and maintain their independence in the comfort of their homes.
• At-Home Health Testing. www.testing.com. Testing.com is a health information web resource designed to help patients and caregivers understand the many lab tests that are a vital part of medical care. Our goal is to help patients access reliable testing information so they can make informed decisions about their health. Order an at-home test kit and schedule an appointment with a healthcare specialist to review results at your convenience.
  • Types of at-home test kits:

   

  • Allergy Testing
  • Anemia Testing
  • Arthritis Testing
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19) Testing
  • COPD Testing
  • DNA Testing
  • Drug Testing
  • Fertility Testing
  • Food Allergy Testing
  • Food Sensitivity Test
  • Glucose Testing Gout Testing
  • Hepatitis Testing
  • Influenza Tests
  • Lyme Disease Tests
  • Men’s Health Testing
  • Menopause Testing
  • Pneumonia Testing
  • Psoriatic Arthritis Testing
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis Testing
  • Sleep Apnea Testing
  • STD Testing
  • Stress Tests
  • Thyroid Function Testing
  • UTI Testing
• Bastion. www.joinbastion.org/virtual-wellness-center.html. Phone: 1-888-737-5577. We all deserve to live our best lives and feel good. Getting from where we are to where we want to be is not always clear. There are many pathways to wellness so we’re offering various opportunities for feeling better in both your body and mind. Try something new with us! We’ll expand our offerings so let us know what else you’d like to try and check the site often. Our primary constituency consists of Bastion residents, as well as the greater New Orleans community. Here’s what we can help with:
  • Pain Reduction/Management
  • Weight Loss
  • Food/Nutrition/Cooking
  • Habit Changes/Quitting Smoking
  • Stress Management/Reduction
  • Emotional Health/Mindfulness
  • Social Connection/Isolation
  • Sleep Improvement
  • Body/Flexibility/Movement
  • Spirituality
  • Employment/Education
  • Medication Management
• Christus Health US Family Health Plan. www.usfhpenroll.com. At CHRISTUS Health, we understand and appreciate the sacrifices military members make on our behalf, which is why we take great pride in providing these individuals and their families with the health care coverage they’ve earned. Our Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (USFHP) is an option for TRICARE Prime eligible active duty family members, military retirees and their families. With six US Family Health Plans available across the country, members are able to transfer from one region to another without an interruption in benefits. This plan is Department of Defense-approved, so whether you’re stationed at home or away, you can trust that CHRISTUS has your family’s health covered. 
• COVID-19 Military Support. https://covid19militarysupport.org/. The Association of Defense Communities (ADC), Blue Star Families, and participants of the White Oak Collaborative have joined forces to create the COVID-19 Military Support Initiative (CMSI)– a united, national platform to provide resources and expertise to support communities, states, and military families through this crisis. Ultimately, the mission of the CMSI is to share information, maintain engagement, and develop best practices and policy approaches to ensure our military receives the support it deserves.
• Elahi Eye Care. www.elahieyecare.net/ Elahi Eye Care is a full service eye and vision care provider and will take both eye emergencies as well as scheduled appointments. Our one-on-one approach to optometry makes Dr. Elahi-Neal and the Elahi Eye Care staff the eye and vision care providers of choice in the West Monroe area.
• Elderly Community Resource Guide. www.ecdol.org/a-comprehensive-guide-to-elderly-community-resources. As our loved ones age, it can become increasingly challenging to provide them with the care and support they need. Fortunately, there are many community resources available to help seniors and their families navigate this stage of life. In this guide, we will explore the various resources and programs available for the elderly, and how they can benefit both seniors and their caregivers.
• Family Counseling Center, Ruston, LA. 318-255-5753. www.lmch.org/family-counseling-center-ruston.
  • 10 counseling sessions for victims of crime, no matter how long ago or if it was ever reported.
  • 10 counseling sessions for veterans at no cost who reside in Lincoln Parish.
• Finding Solace Counseling. www.findingsolacecounseling.life The staff at Finding Solace believes that everyone is capable of achieving peace in their life. We have knowledgeable counselors who have experience in treating a variety of issues through individual, family, and couples counseling. If you are interested in our services, give us a call at 318-737-7201 or email us at info@findingsolacecounseling.life
• Give an Hour. https://giveanhour.org/military/. Military, Veterans and Loved Ones. Free and Confidential Mental Health Support through a national network of licensed mental health providers, Give an Hour offers mental health care to Active duty, National Guard and Reserve, Veterans, and their loved ones. Give an Hour’s services complement Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs healthcare delivery by serving veterans and military families seeking care outside the current system, those no longer eligible for healthcare provided by the DOD or VA, and non-eligible siblings, parents, partners, and other loved ones. Client’s are eligible for Give an Hour services if you have served for the U.S. Military for any length of time, with any branch, and any active, reserve or discharge status -or- you consider yourself a loved one of someone who has served in the U.S. military and you are experiencing a service related (or post-service related) concern.
  • To receive FREE and confidential counseling
  • To not be charged or have your insurance billed for Give an Hour sessions
  • To understand how your or your loved one’s experiences are affecting your personal life and relationships
  • To learn ways of coping
  • To be referred appropriately if you need additional services (such as medications)
  • To be in a safe environment where you can talk about your deepest fears and concerns
• Holistic Chamber of Commerce Monroe/West Monroe. www.holisticchamberofcommerce.com Founded in October 2010, the Holistic Chamber of Commerce is an international trade organization for holistically-minded professionals, practitioners, business owners, and resource providers, as well as a community coming together in support of a cause. We are Member-focused through our ever-expanding online presence and our network of members and local chapters. We make it easier for consumers to learn about and access holistic, natural and eco-friendly products, services and solutions.
• Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, www.vetaffairs.la.gov, Louisiana state guide to benefits.
• Louisiana Healthcare Connections. www.louisianahealthconnect.com. Louisiana Healthcare Connections has a commitment to improving the health of the community one individual at a time through affordable and reliable health care plans. Because we believe everyone deserves access to the best, most affordable health care for their individual health care needs, Louisiana Healthcare Connections is dedicated to closing unjust gaps in health in order to achieve health equity for all Louisianans.
• Louisiana Medicare Plans Guide. www.affordablehealthinsurance.com/medicare-plans/louisiana/. As a patient resource center (Note: we do not sell or provide healthcare plans), we’ve created an easy-to-read guide empowering those who qualify for Medicare with the knowledge to help them choose the right plan specific to their needs. We compare Louisiana Medicare plans, costs, and most importantly provide local Medicare resources to help residents with any questions they may have.
• Medicare Plans. https://www.medicareplans.com/va-military-and-medicare-benefits-resource/. Medicare is a federal program that provides health coverage for older adults and some younger adults with disabilities. If you have VA benefits due to your military service, you may be wondering if it’s worth signing up for Medicare when you already have access to care at VA facilities. For many veterans, enrolling in Medicare offers an extra level of protection against high out-of-pocket medical costs. Medicare coverage can also give you more flexibility when it comes to choosing the doctors and hospitals that provide your care. The following guide explains how Medicare works with your VA benefits.
• Memory Care. https://www.memorycare.com/veterans/. Receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be devastating for both seniors and their loved ones. And while the news itself can be overwhelming, getting the right diagnosis is also the first step in receiving the right care. From therapies to medications, new and innovative treatments are being developed all the time to improve the quality of life of those living with memory impairment. Understanding the disease and getting the right treatment as soon as possible is the best way to ensure that patients lead the best lives possible.
• Mission 22, www.mission22.com, United in the war against Veteran suicide.Resource programs available:
  • Comprehensive Wellness: Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment, Counseling, Physical Training, and Medical Massage.
  • War Detox Program: a weeklong PTS program offering peer-to-peer support, meditation, mindfulness, teambuilding, and other resiliency exercises.
  • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
  • Health and Housing Access: Health clinics, homeless shelters, transitions housing, and recovery sanctuaries for Veterans in need.
  • Horse Therapy: Equine assisted therapies for active duty and retired veterans at no charge.
  • Holistic Health: Personalized to you. Custom treatment and specialties including endobiogeny, hormone balancing, bioregulation therapy, integrative medicine, and nutrition therapy.
  • Service Dogs.
• National Resource Directory, www.nrd.gov, a searchable national database of resources vetted for the use of service members, veterans, family members and caregivers. Benefits & Compensation, Education & Training, Employment, Family & Caregiver Support, Health, Homeless Assistance, Housing, Military Adaptive Sports Program, Transportation & Travel.
• Northeast Delta Human Services Authority. https://nedeltahsa.org/. Our philosophy is to serve as a catalyst for individuals with mental health, developmental disabilities, and addictive disorders to help realize their full human potential by offering quality, excellent care with greater accessibility. Our vision is to build a unified Northeast Louisiana where individuals are thriving and reaching their full human potential by our three tenents of actions:
  • Greater access to services
  • Excellent customer service
  • Quality competent care
• Nurse-Family Partnership. www.nfpmoms.org. Nurse­-Family Partnership is a free program for new moms who are pregnant with their first baby. When you enroll in the program, you will be connected to a registered nurse who will provide the support, advice and information you need to have a healthy pregnancy, a healthy baby, and be a great mom. Once your baby arrives, your NFP nurse will work with you on breastfeeding, nutrition, child development, safe­-sleep techniques, and much more. Your free personal nurse can help answer all your questions! These services are completely free of charge. You must be 28 weeks pregnant or less with your first baby and meet certain income eligibility requirements! Don’t forget that you can enroll as soon as you find out you are pregnant!  
• Overton Brooks VA Medical Center. www.shreveport.va.gov VA hospital located in Shreveport, LA.
• Paraclete Health Solutions. Bob Calhoun, M.D. (USAF/Afghanistan Veteran, current ANG Flight Physician). 1401 Hudson Ln. Ste. 205, Monroe, LA 71201. 318-816-9055. www.drbobcalhoun.com. Welcome to a new way of thinking about health care. How would you feel if you could sit down and really connect with your doctor? Would you like it if your doctor spent 30 minutes or an hour with you, just listening to the things that are important to you? Do you want to feel heard and cared for by your doctor? What if you could have that experience whenever you needed it? If you are interested in exploring a new way of thinking about your health and a new paradigm of medical care, I invite you to join me on a journey where we can find answers together. I offer a subscription-based model that offers patients virtually unlimited access to convenient, compassionate care, on your terms. Let’s discover how we can work together to achieve your state of ideal health.
• Pure Drip Sauna + Wellness. https://www.facebook.com/puredripwellness/. At Pure Drip, we believe health and wellness can be achieved in multiple ways. We offer a unique way of helping our members achieve their health and wellness goals through detox and purification by utilizing the benefits of infrared saunas. We also host a variety of classes and workshops the feature yoga, barre, fitness training, and more.
  • Phone: 318-816-4133
• Quantum Techniques. www.quantumtechniques.com Since 1997, our commitment at Quantum Techniques (QT) is to teach and to equip people with the necessary knowledge and tools to bring healing to ALL aspects of their lives and the lives of others. QT is an advanced form of energy medicine done remotely, over the phone, with people all over the world for all non-healing issues. Our work is based on the principle that “what the body can see, it can heal.”
• Real Warriors, www.realwarriors.net, The Real Warriors Campaign promotes a culture of support for psychological health by encouraging the military community to reach out for help whether coping with the daily stresses of military life, or concerns like depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. Founded in 2009, the campaign supports the Defense Department’s Psychological Health Center of Excellence in its mission to break the stigma associated with psychological health concerns and encourage those who are coping with a psychological health concern to seek help. The campaign links service members, veterans and their families with care and provides free, confidential resources including online articles, print materials, videos and podcasts. If you or someone you know is coping with any concerns, know that reaching out is a sign of strength. Talk to a health care provider or start with one of many available resources on the Real Warriors Campaign website, including the Psychological Health Resource Center where you can speak with a confidential health resource consultant 24/7.
• Smoking Cessation, LSU/Southern University Ag Center. 704 Cypress St. West Monroe, LA
  Workshops and help provided to help quit smoking by helping pay for medication, Dr. visits to get medication, and extra counseling (if needed). Also offer in-home visits/sessions.
  Contact Jamea Hart 318-805-4029 for more information.
• SOF Missions, www.sofmissions.com, PTSD therapy. Christian based group offering holistic and spiritual guidance to help veterans suffering from negative impacts of combat. Based out of Florida. For more information on this program from a local liaison with experience, call Layne Smith 318-307-8321.
• Southern Brain and Body Solutions. www.southernbrainandbody.com. FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthernBrainAndBody. We are a natural health care provider, Southern Brain and Body Solutions, that provides neurofeedback for those suffering with PTSD, Anxiety, Depression and more. We are part of a neurofeedback group called Homecoming for Veterans. As a member of the group we provide neurofeedback/brain training to one discharged veteran at a time for 20 sessions at no charge. This system has been successfully used at Camp Pendleton to help soldiers suffering with PTSD. We do not use drugs to rewire the brain but get to the root of the problem and help it function optimally in a natural way there by reducing symptoms and sometimes medication. Once we are done the results are permanent.
  • Phone/Location:
    • 985.626.4422
    • 2201 11th Street
    • Mandeville, LA 70471
• Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center. www.swlahec.org. The mission of the Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center (SWLAHEC) is to improve health status through access to information, education and health services.
• Stop Soldier Suicide. https://stopsoldiersuicide.org/get-help/  U.S. Army veterans Brian Kinsella, Nick Black, and Craig Gridelli co-founded Stop Soldier Suicide in 2010 amid the worst suicide crisis our military has ever seen. Each of them knew fellow soldiers and veterans who were struggling, and they were determined to create a solution. Today, the risk of suicide is 50% higher for veterans than for their peers who have not served. It’s simply unacceptable, especially given that most suicides are preventable. The problem is clear: The systems in place aren’t working. Getting help isn’t as easy as it should be, and trying to navigate a complicated maze of organizations and resources can be overwhelming when you’re in crisis. We’re here to change that.
• St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy. Our mission provides free medication and counseling to qualified patients. Since opening in 1999 we have provided 27 million dollars worth of medication to patients who have no other means to obtain them. We provide services regardless of age, race, gender or religious convictions.  Phone: 318-387-7868 Address: 502 Grammont St., Monroe, LA, 71201
• The HERO Program. https://heroprogramnb.com/. The mission of the HERO program is to provide the most modern, evidence based treatment modalities available to evaluate and treat military Heroes with issues commonly experienced by service members such as psychiatric, chemical dependency and/or co-occurring disorders related to military service/combat and understanding day to day life. We serve veterans and active duty personnel of all branches of the U.S. military, male and female, of all ages. Our HERO program provides the highest quality of care and treatment for those veteran service members experiencing emotional, behavioral, cognitive and chemical dependency issues. Our treatment includes:
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • 12-Step Facilitation (TSF)
  • Specific therapies for individual needs

  We treat with a holistic approach in a safe and secure environment. We acknowledge that each veteran/service member has their own aspiration for treatment outcomes and hope to help realize the goals associated with the above.

• The Joint Chiropractic. www.thejoint.com/louisiana/monroe/monroe-18001. Here are a few reasons why The Joint Chiropractic in Monroe is your perfect destination for pain relief and preventative care:
  • Conveniently Located
  • Open Nights & Weekends
  • No Appointments Required
  • No Insurance Hassles, Requirements or Copays
  • Quality Chiropractic Care by Licensed Professionals
  • Affordable Personalized Care Plans
• The Mighty Oaks Foundation, www.mightyoaksprograms.org, The Mighty Oaks Foundation is a faith-based Veteran service organization that teaches combat Veterans struggling with Post Traumatic Stress how to get beyond combat trauma and live their lives in the manner God intended. Many combat vets are unable to reintegrate back into civilian life, leaving their families to deal with the aftermath of broken homes and suicide at times. By aligning their lives to Biblical principles, these Warriors are able to lead their families, their communities and our nation. Our mission is to serve and restore our nation’s Warriors and families, who have endured hardship through their service to America, and to help them find a new life purpose through hope in Christ and our resiliency and peer-to-peer recovery programs.
• Twenty-Two Until None. www.22untilnone.org/wellness-program. 22 Until None is a firm believer in augmenting traditional therapy with newer methods to help treat the symptoms of PTSD: depression, anxiety, etc. In that light, our Wellness Program seeks to offer a way for some veterans to try different classes they may be interested in but may not have a means to afford at the time. This is a one-time assistance and is counted toward the numbers of times a veteran can receive assistance. 
• Vet Center, www.vetcenter.va.gov, Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active duty service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. Readjustment counseling is offered to make a successful transition from military to civilian life or after a traumatic event experienced in the military. Individual, group, marriage and family counseling is offered in addition to referral and connection to other VA or community benefits and services. Vet Center counselors and outreach staff, many of whom are Veterans themselves, are experienced and prepared to discuss the tragedies of war, loss, grief and transition after trauma.
• Women Veterans Program, www.womenshealth.va.gov. At each VA Medical Center nationwide, a Women Veterans Program Manager is designated to assist women Veterans. She can help coordinate all the services you may need. Services include primary care, pregnancy care, psychiatric care and sexual abuse counseling, inpatient medical/surgical care, programs for homeless women Veterans, and quality of care issues. Visit the women’s Health Care Services page for a listing of services available. Woman Veterans who are interested in receiving care at VA should contact the nearest VA Medical Center and ask for the Women Veterans Program Manager.
• Young Living Essential Oils. www.getoiling.com/ We are more than just the world’s best essential oils. We go beyond green to help you create a healthy, healing home environment. From effective, safe home cleaners to pet care, multivitamins to weight management, oral care to hair care, body care, and kids care, to antioxidant support and more, we offer solutions to help you live naturally.

• Acadiana Veteran Alliance. https://www.supportava.org/. Acadiana Veteran Alliance was formed to build new economic development and industry WITH veterans, and fund PTS healthcare treatments FOR veterans. The Mission of the Acadiana Veteran Alliance (AVA) is to unite veterans, veteran-owned businesses, and all companies for a common purpose; supporting veterans in job creation and work placement, assisting veterans in mental health solutions, creating a new, fully-developed support system for brothers-in-arms through financial/legal/housing assistance, and funding existing veteran-focused philanthropies through focused efforts. AVA serves the following parishes:
  • Acadia
  • Evangeline
  • Iberia
  • Jefferson Davis
  • Lafayette
  • Landry
  • Martin
  • Vermilion
• Assisted Living Research Institute. https://www.assistedliving.org/emergency-housing-guide/. Emergency housing programs provide temporary indoor accommodations for seniors, families and other individuals who are facing a high risk of homelessness. While some emergency housing programs are operated in shelters or standalone facilities that provide a safe place to sleep, others can provide temporary financial support to cover rent or mortgage payments.
• Building Homes for Heroes. www.buildinghomesforheroes.org. Since 2006, Building Homes for Heroes has been at the forefront of making a significant difference in the lives of wounded American service members and their families. The organization gifts mortgage-free homes that meet the needs of the men and women who have selflessly served our country. These homes not only help to remove the family’s financial burden, they help to restore the individual’s freedom, and enable the veteran to lead a more independent and productive civilian life.
• Elisha Ministries Inc. www.elishaministriesnela.org. EM dba Supportive Housing of Northeast Louisiana is committed to providing housing to all applicants on an availability basis. We are committed to assisting and providing community resources, emotional, physical, and spiritual support to the residents. We believe in a wholesome family atmosphere, which provides growth, maturity, and achievement of personal and corporate goals. Elisha Ministries MyWay Case Management Services are designed to support homeless, low income, elderly individuals, or families in poverty. The program helps to prevent and reduce chronic homelessness, empower families and individuals affected by severe mental and/or substance use disorder experiencing housing transition challenges regain their lives and receive help at their own pace. Individuals or families can receive outreach and engagement, intensive case management, transportation, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and assistance in obtaining mainstream benefits such as (Transportation, Case Management, Mainstream Benefits such SNAPS, SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, Hospitalization and Mental Services).   Partnerships with community resource provides for housing, mental health, social services, emergency services and substance abuse are beneficial to assist the residents obtain services their way at their pace.
• ELLE Foundation, Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, www.theellefoundationlouisiana.com, www.facebook.com/pg/Elle-foundation-Ssvf-1716604661918699/about/?ref=page_internal. Kenneth Allen, HVRP Case Manager, 318-674-9550, Email: Kenneth.hvrp@gmail.com. The Elle Foundation(SSVF) program offers preventative, rapid rehousing, and stabilization services for veterans in the northwest Louisiana region (Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Desoto parishes). Services include Outreach, Case management, help in obtaining and coordinating other public services and limited temporary financial assistance for some services.
• Final Salute. https://www.finalsaluteinc.org/. Final Salute Inc. was founded in 2010 by a woman Veteran and cancer survivor who became aware of the many homeless women Veterans in the United States. She realized a need for an organization designed to meet and understand the unique needs of homeless women Veterans and their children. There may no longer be front lines in war; however, female Veterans feel they are put at the end of the line when seeking housing and other supportive services. Since the Revolutionary War, over 2,000,000 women have served with honor. They have fulfilled their obligations to their country. We need to support them during their time of need. With the help of the American people, foundation, and corporate supporters, we know our mission is achievable. Why do we do this? Because it’s the right thing to do. The mission of Final Salute Inc. is to provide homeless women Veterans with safe and suitable housing. Final Salute Inc. is taking a three-pronged approach to addressing the issues associated with the homelessness of women Veterans: Awareness. Assistance. Aspiration.
  • Awareness: Bringing attention to the American people that homelessness among women Veterans is on the rise and their support needs are immediate.
  • Assistance: Providing housing/supportive services to homeless women Veterans and aiding in the prevention of homelessness for at-risk women Veterans.
  • Aspiration: Instilling in women Veterans that their situations are temporary and their goals are still achievable.
• Home Advisor. www.homeadvisor.com/r/helping-the-homeless/. The first step you can take to help the homeless is to learn about what can cause homelessness, the struggles of improving their situation, how it affects physical and mental health, and who homelessness affects most. This article will answer those questions and help you identify ways you can pitch in.
• Homeless Veterans Information. https://www.va.gov/homeless/. Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness are strongly encouraged to contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 4AID-VET (877-424-3838) for assistance. If Veterans do not have access to a phone or the internet, only then are they to visit their closest VA medical center without calling in advance. VA also urges Veterans who are not homeless or at risk of homelessness to contact their VA medical center before visiting for any reason. VA is committed to ending homelessness among Veterans. Our focus is threefold:
  • Conducting coordinated outreach to proactively seek out Veterans in need of assistance.
  • Connecting homeless and at-risk Veterans with housing solutions, health care, community employment services and other required supports.
  • Collaborating with federal, state and local agencies; employers; housing providers, faith-based and community nonprofits; and others to expand employment and affordable housing options for Veterans exiting homelessness
• Housing Assistance for Veterans. www.va.gov/homeless/housing.asp. Information on programs available to Veterans and their families.
• Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, www.vetaffairs.la.gov, Louisiana state guide to benefits.
• National Resource Directory, www.nrd.gov, a searchable national database of resources vetted for the use of service members, veterans, family members and caregivers. Benefits & Compensation, Education & Training, Employment, Family & Caregiver Support, Health, Homeless Assistance, Housing, Military Adaptive Sports Program, Transportation & Travel.
• Northeast Louisiana Veteran’s Home. www.vetaffairs.la.gov/benefit/la-veterans-homes/. LDVA proudly operates five state-of-the-art Veterans Homes across the state. Each facility offers a variety of services including:
  • Long- and short-term care
  • Rehabilitative therapies
  • Alzheimer’s and intermediate care
  • Skilled nursing
  • Mental health services
  • Centralized pharmacy services
  • And more.

  Qualifications: Veterans, their spouses and Gold Star parents are eligible for admission into the Veterans Homes if they are deemed to meet basic qualifying criteria. Please view this list of Admission Requirements or call toll free 1-877-GEAUX-VA.
  This 156-bed facility opened on December 3, 1996 and is located on a 20-acre pecan orchard adjacent to Bayou DeSiard in the northern area of Monroe, Louisiana. It features a fishing pier, chapel, and huge picnic area. The facility provides complete medical care including a 10 bed Medicare Skilled Nursing Unit, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, a Specialty Alzheimer/Dementia Care Unit, and transportation services for medical appointments. Our Recreation Department schedules numerous daily, in-facility activities as well as several monthly, off-site activities.

  • Location:
    6700 Hwy 165 North
    Monroe, LA 71203
• Operation Homefront. www.operationhomefront.org. Our mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive, not simply struggle to get by, in the communities – OUR communities – they have worked so hard to protect. A key aspect of our mission is to ensure that military families have access to the support and resources they need to stay strong, stable, and secure in the face of adversity. As a military family support organization, we strive to provide respect and understanding to our military families while ensuring that all families in need of assistance receive it.
• Ouachita Regional Veterans Association, www.projecthope4orva.org. Ouachita Regional Veterans Association is a veteran run charity with a vision of ending homelessness in the central Louisiana and central Mississippi area. The goal is to establish a transitional living facility and provide life skills and training to those in need. Project Hope will be 90 Day-24 Month Transitional Housing Program for Veterans and Non-Veterans. Offering Life Skills, Job Placement, Counseling Programs.
• Ouachita Regional Veterans Association, www.projecthope4orva.org. Ouachita Regional Veterans Association is a veteran run charity with a vision of ending homelessness in the central Louisiana and central Mississippi area. The goal is to establish a transitional living facility and provide life skills and training to those in need. Project Hope will be 90 Day-24 Month Transitional Housing Program for Veterans and Non-Veterans. Offering Life Skills, Job Placement, Counseling Programs.
• Preferred Lending Solutions. www.donedealnow.com. The mortgage loan process has a lot of moving parts and there are many key players in getting you to the closing table on time. As part of our commitment to keep you well informed we have put together a quick snapshot of what you can expect during your loan process from start to finish. We will keep you posted, but feel free to check in at any time.
• Roof Maxx. www.rmnela.com. Roof Maxx roof restoration and rejuvenation is a safe, easy, proven, and affordable alternative to a complicated, expensive, life-disrupting asphalt roof replacement. Asphalt shingles aren’t what they used to be. In fact, they include less asphalt than they once did, so they dry out and fail faster than ever before. Fortunately, Roof Maxx’s revolutionary new technology uses natural plant-based bio-oil to restore shingles flexibility and instantly add five years of life to a roof. With three treatments possible, once every five years, Roof Maxx adds up to 15 years of added life to your asphalt roof. Roof Maxx is a straightforward preventative maintenance treatment process. It’s a plant-based product that’s safe for people, pets, and the environment that soaks down into the shingle and replaces the lost petrochemical oil. It’s really just that simple, and that’s what we restore is the flexibility of the shingle. We can extend the life of a roof by five years per treatment. The whole process only takes an hour and a half, two hours max. No hassles, no mess, no disruption at all, simply peace of mind.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Homeless Programs and Resources. https://www.samhsa.gov/homelessness-programs-resources. Learn how SAMHSA programs and resources help prevent and end homelessness among people with mental or substance use disorders. Men, women, youth, and families living with mental or substance use issues may need treatment, case management, and discharge planning in addition to financial support (e.g., employment assistance, Housing First programs, targeted rental/housing subsidies) to avoid or escape homelessness. Being homeless, no matter how long it lasts, is a life-altering traumatic event that creates major stress in any person’s life, regardless of age.
• The Wellspring. www.wellspringofnela.org Providing assistance for housing has been a service provided by Wellspring since its beginning in 1931. Today, The Wellspring provides more assistance for housing the homeless in Northeast Louisiana than any other provider. We serve homeless individuals, families with dependent children, victims of domestic violence who are now facing a homeless situation, homeless veterans and the chronically homeless with a disability. The Wellspring is a proud member and lead agency of the Northeast Louisiana Housing and Supportive Services Corp. (known locally as the HOME Coalition of Northeast La.) The group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that is a coalition of nonprofits, government agencies, faith-based groups, businesses, individuals, and others concerned with homelessness in NELA. Group members, from the 12 parishes of NELA, coordinate our area’s response to homelessness by providing a system of housing and services for those who are or are at risk of becoming homeless. The group also represents our area’s needs on a statewide and national basis, bringing attention and funding toward our ultimate goal: a NELA free of homelessness where all people feel safe and valued.
• The Zebra Homebuying Guide Article. https://www.thezebra.com/resources/personal-finance/veterans-homebuying-guide/. If you’re a veteran and searching for a new home, you’ve come to the right place. The process of buying a home is unique for veterans, especially those looking to take out a VA loan. Not all homes qualify for VA loans and not all lenders are familiar with the VA loan process. Finding a real estate agent who knows the ins and outs of veteran home buying benefits can help you save money and make the best purchase. This article can also help guide you through the homebuying process with details about VA loans, state-specific veteran benefits, and home insurance for veterans.
• Tubbs by Grubbs. www.tubbsbygrubbs.com Get the style, functionality, and quality you deserve out of your bathroom with our expert bath remodeling services — including replacement bathtubs, replacement showers, tub/shower conversions and walk-in tubs.
• United Way, 2-1-1. www.211.org. Free, confidential service to help connect you to resources within your community to improve your life. The Helpline Center connects you to:
  • Housing, Utilities, food, and other basic needs assistance.
  • Suicide Prevention & Crisis Support
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Community Resources
  • Mental Health Services
• VA Loan Tips. https://money.com/va-loan-tips/. VA loan is a Department of Veteran Affairs-backed mortgage loan issued by private lenders or mortgage companies, such as banks, credit unions, online lenders, and more. VA loans are housing benefits awarded to veterans and service members for their service and have helped millions of military families become homeowners since 1944. These types of loans distinguish themselves from traditional home loans due to generally lower interest rates, lower credit score requirements, and lower closing costs, including no down payment. Other VA loan perks include:
  • Ability to forgo private mortgage insurance (PMI)
  • Better approval rate despite higher debt
  • Better approval rate despite lower credit score
  • Diligent appraisal and home inspection processes
• Veterans Guide to Paying for Assisted Living & Home Care. https://www.payingforseniorcare.com/veterans. In producing this guide, it is not our intention to replicate the VA Guide to Long-Term Care. The VA website does an excellent job of describing the programs and types of assistance available to elderly veterans. Instead, our objective is to focus on veterans options to help with non-medical care/aging care. The aim is to help veterans understand available benefits, uncover financial assistance opportunities, and provide ideas that can reduce the costs associated with long-term care — whether in a nursing home, assisted living community, or at home.
• Volunteers of America Veterans Services. www.voanorthla.org/veterans. Many veterans find their military experience does not quite prepare them for civilian life or sometimes the trauma of war makes the transition more complicated. We are committed to serve those who have served us, whether homeless or struggling to find stability. Currently we offer a full continuum of services for veterans ranging from emergency shelter to permanent housing all with the necessary support to move forward and live independently.
  • Veterans Transitional Living Program. In April 2010, Volunteers of America North Louisiana welcomed the first 20 residents to its newest program, a 46-bed transitional facility for veterans.
  • Safe Haven. Veterans living on the street can be housed almost immediately at Safe Haven. This low-barrier, emergency shelter accepts male and female veterans who are currently homeless. The goal of the shelter is to build relationships with veterans and connect them with longer-term services. All potential residents must be referred from other agencies.
  • Veterans Treatment Court. Volunteers of America’s Veterans Court in partnership with the Caddo District Courts and Overton Brooks VA Medical Center helps non-violent veteran offenders have a chance to work through their issues, get sober and earn a clean slate.
  • Supportive Services for Veteran Families. As more veterans continue to struggle when they return from war and leave the service, Volunteers of America is here to provide a short-term safety net for very low-income veterans and their families. Through emotional and financial support, we can prevent homelessness and help veterans in transition to find safe, stable housing.

• Acadiana Veteran Alliance. https://www.supportava.org/. Acadiana Veteran Alliance was formed to build new economic development and industry WITH veterans, and fund PTS healthcare treatments FOR veterans. The Mission of the Acadiana Veteran Alliance (AVA) is to unite veterans, veteran-owned businesses, and all companies for a common purpose; supporting veterans in job creation and work placement, assisting veterans in mental health solutions, creating a new, fully-developed support system for brothers-in-arms through financial/legal/housing assistance, and funding existing veteran-focused philanthropies through focused efforts. AVA serves the following parishes:
  • Acadia
  • Evangeline
  • Iberia
  • Jefferson Davis
  • Lafayette
  • Landry
  • Martin
  • Vermilion
• Legal Finders. https://www.legalfinders.com/disabled-veterans-guide/. LegalFinder is a brand new resource connecting people to best-in-class lawyers in their local areas. In the United States in 2020, there were 4.7 million veterans with a service-connected disability, or a debilitating injury they incurred during active duty service, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Disabled veterans, or those veterans who are facing debilitating illness or injury post-combat, may face great challenges when they return home — challenges beyond the scope of their injuries. Because of our passion for community involvement, we wanted to use our expertise to create free informational resources for our often-forgotten veterans.
• Levin & Perconti Attorneys at Law. Nursing Home Abuse. https://www.levinperconti.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-nursing-home-abuse.html. We have put together a great guide on everything to know about nursing home abuse, including signs of it, how to prevent it, statistics, and a ton more. Nursing home abuse is a serious problem in the U.S., and evidence suggests that nursing home abuse is almost as common as child abuse. Half of all nursing home staff have admitted to mistreating their elderly patients through physical violence, mental abuse, or neglect. Studies indicate that while nursing home staff, medical personnel, other patients, family, and visitors commit some of the abuse, orderlies and aides commit most of the abuse in nursing homes.
• Military Veterans Advocacy, www.militaryveteransadvocacy.org, Phone: 985-641-1855. Our mission is to provide training and education services for military and veterans concerning rights & benefits, defend unjustly accused military members before courts-martial and administrative tribunals, through legislative advocacy protect and expand the rights and benefits of current and former members of the armed forces, and act decisively to protect the freedom of religion within the military services.
• Niswanger Law LLC. www.niswangerlaw.com. 318-953-0071
  Estate Planning, Tax, & Business
• Nursing Home Abuse/Neglect Justice. https://www.nursinghomeabuse.org/nursing-home-neglect/. Nursing home neglect is a tragic but all-too-common issue in the United States. It occurs when residents in nursing homes do not get proper care and suffer physical or mental health problems as a result. According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, 15.3% of elder abuse complaints in nursing homes are for neglect. Many nursing homes treat elderly residents with respect, but others sadly do not. Failure to meet a nursing home resident’s basic needs is neglect, and it is always unacceptable. If you suspect that a loved one might be suffering from neglect, you have options. Talk to a trusted staff member at the nursing home or report your worries to an elder care agency near you. You may also choose to pursue legal compensation — if so, a free case review will help determine if you are eligible.
• Reserve Component Transition Assistance Advisors. RCTAA can help a Reserve Component member, or Retired Reserve Member transition back to civilian life. Some services offered:
  • State and Local Benefits
  • VA Assistance for Physical and Mental Health
  • Disable Veterans Program Assistance
  • Education and Training Assistance
  • Employment Assistance
  • Health and Life Insurance
  • Financial Assistance
  • Legal Assistance
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Effects of a Career Change

   

  • Contact:
    • Damion Johnlouis
    • 202-987-3723
    • Email: Damion.j.johnlouis.ctr@army.mil
    • Email: DJohnlouis.ctr@gapsi.com
• Veteran Rights and Discrimination. Florin-Roebig Trial Attorneys. https://florinroebig.com/veteran-rights-discrimination/. Learn more about veteran rights and discrimination, and to see if you or a family member may have been illegally discriminated against for a civilian job. You sacrificed for your country and now it’s time for your country’s legal system to work to protect your rights.
• Veterans Treatment Court. www.voanorthla.org/veterans. Volunteers of America’s Veterans Court in partnership with the Caddo District Courts and Overton Brooks VA Medical Center helps non-violent veteran offenders have a chance to work through their issues, get sober and earn a clean slate.
  • Who is eligible? Veterans diagnosed substance abuse as well as mental illness, PTSD, or other trauma. Must have needs that can be addressed by the program and a willingness to participate!
  • Who is not eligible? Anyone with a history of serious or repetitive violence; incompetent to stand trial; sex offenders; accused of crimes in which a weapon was used.
  • How does a Veteran enroll? A Veteran must be referred to the Court by the VA, the Probation Officer or the DA’s Office. After evaluation, the Veteran will plead guilty to the offense and then work out his or her sentence with the court.
  • What is the structure of the program? The four phase program will take about a year to complete:
    1. Develop treatment plan and goals with your case manager
    2. Treatment — engage in counseling and taking steps to achieve stated goals
    3. Community Reintegration — Examine treatment and start focusing on daily living skills as you prepare to return to the community
    4. Graduation — transition to fully independent living without a criminal record

• Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC). Overton Brooks VAMC, Shreveport, LA, has three CBOC’s in Monroe, LA; Texarkana, AR; and Longview, TX. Not only do these clinics provide outpatient services, but also have Mental Health professionals assigned to them.
  • Monroe, LA:
    • 1691 Bienville Dr. 71203
    • 318-998-7875
  • Texarkana, AR:
    • 910 Realtor Ave. 71854
    • 800-571-8387
  • Longview, TX:
    • 1005 N. Eastman Rd. 75601
    • 903-247-8262
• Community Residential Care (CRC). Overton Brooks VAMC. CRC Coordinator: 313-221-8441, ext. 7072. Program Support: 318-221-8441, ext. 5322. Provides substitute home environment for the medical and psychological needs of Veterans who have no family or support system. The program is geared towards Veterans who do not require inpatient care, but who are capable of living independently in the community.
  • Criteria:
    • Placement is based on need, availability of beds, and Veteran’s preference.
    • The Veteran is able to choose the home.
    • The Veteran, sponsor, and social worker will discuss the Veteran’s care needs and suitability for residence in the home and cost of care.
    • Care is paid for by the Veteran, but financial assistance may be available.
  • Benefits:
    • • A safe and supportive living environment.
      • All meals are provided, including snacks.
      • House cleaning and laundry services are provided.
      • Case Management, Staff available 24 hours.
      • Allows Veterans to live in the community and participate in community activities.
      • Offers Veterans the ability to receive follow-up services with OBVAMC clinics and programs.
• Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV). The HCHV division of MHS provides a full spectrum of housing services delivered by an integrated multidisciplinary team of caregivers. We help Veterans by:
  • Supporting the Veteran’s entry into independent living in the community.
  • Increasing residential stability, income, and skills.
  • Increasing independence, self-determination, and self-esteem.
  • Providing access to resources for homeless Veterans outside of the VA through community partnerships.
  • Assisting homeless Veterans with psychiatric and/or substance abuse problems in obtaining sobriety, maintaining health, legal compliance, and independent living skill.
  • Collaborating with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide rental support in the form of a Housing Choice or Project Based Section 8 voucher, paired with VA provided case management and supportive services.
  • Providing supportive housing to hard-to-reach homeless Veterans with severe mental illness who have been unable or unwilling to participate in supportive services.
  • Promoting housing stability among very low-income Veterans and their families who reside in or are transitioning to permanent housing.
  • Getting Veterans to engage in recovery and to become productive members of society.
    • Contact/Locations
      • HCHV Office, 3000 Knight Street, Building 5, Suite 110, Shreveport, LA. 318-990-4401.
      • HOPE Connections, 2350 Levy St. Shreveport, LA. 318-670-4591.
• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (HPDP). Overton Brooks VAMC. Health Behavior Coordinator: 318-221-8441, ext. 5152. Red Team: 2E48. Assists Veterans with wellness education and health behavioral management related to a variety of medical conditions such as:
  • Weight loss, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, congestive heart failure (CHF), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to name a few.
  • Offers behavioral management for overall healthy living and/or weight loss by working on motivations, increased awareness, and barriers.
  • Increased education regarding controlling health and successful weight management.
  • Weight reduction plans.

  To schedule an appointment, tell your provider you are interested in a referral to a Health Change Group.

• Inpatient Psychiatry Unit. Overton Brooks VAMC. 318-221-8411, ext. 5566. The IPU is utilized to care for patients with acute serious psychiatric conditions, for those with serious mental illness that require stabilization, and for patients who require psychiatric care due to danger of risk to self or others.
• Make The Connection. www.maketheconnection.net. A resource developed and operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Make the Connection aims to reduce barriers and stigma associated with mental health challenges that may prevent Veterans from seeking mental health care. Talking openly about mental health and the challenges that many Veterans face can help encourage Veterans and their families to get the support they need. On MakeTheConnection.net, hundreds of Veterans describe their mental health challenges and the care that helped them. These Veterans share stories and experiences that fellow Veterans and their supporters can relate to — in the hopes that you can make a connection.   
• Mental Health Assessment Consult Service (MHACS). Overton Brooks VAMC. MHACS is an interdisciplinary team that responds to Fast Track and Emergency consults, answers inpatient consults, and assesses walk-in patients to the Mental Health clinics as needed.
  • Contact/Location:
    • Overton Brooks VAMC, 510 E. Stoner Ave. Shreveport, LA 71101. Mental Health South Wing: 1S17.
    • MSA Contact: 318-221-8411, ext. 5792.
    • Team Lead Contact: 318-221-8411, ext. 7993.
• Mental Health Intensive Care Management Program (MHICM). The MHICM program has an integrated interdisciplinary team that provides comprehensive mental health and case management services and support to Veterans in the community. The main goal is to reduce the need to stay in the hospital, improve community adjustment, quality of life, and satisfaction with services.
  • Services Provided:
    • Frequent home visits by providers.
    • Supportive therapy and emotional support.
    • Medication management and monitoring.
    • Assistance with payee, court, or other legal matters.
    • Community placements.
    • Client advocacy.
    • Assistance obtaining social services related to community resources.
    • Assessment and support through frequent face-to-face visit and telephone calls.
    • Caregiver support.
    • Opportunities for socialization.
    • Assistance with shopping, laundry, and routine home management.
    • Crisis intervention.
    • Assistance in obtaining employment.
    • Evidence-based treatment by certified providers.
  • Program Location/Contact:
    • 3000 Knight St. Building 5, Suite 110. Shreveport, LA 71105.
    • 318-221-8411, ext. 4419.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders Clinical Team (PCT). The purpose of the PCT is to provide quality clinical care and education for Veterans who have suffered military and civilian traumas.
  • Programs include:
    • Psychiatric care
    • Case management
    • Individual psychotherapy
    • Supportive educational groups
    • Evidence-based treatment
    • Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
  • Program Location/Contact:
    • Overton Brooks VAMC. 510 E. Stoner Ave. Shreveport, LA 71101. Mental Health South Wing: 2S17
    • 318-221-8411, ext. 5380.
• Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI). The PCMHI program provides general mental health services for issues that are best treated within the primary care clinic setting, allowing the Veteran to maintain a high level of functioning without use of specialty services.
  • Services Provided:
    • Brief cognitive behavioral therapy for mild to moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
    • Interventions for sleep disturbance, weight management, and other health-related issues.
    • Brief pain management.
    • Brief stress management.
    • Brief interventions for substance abuse, including motivational interviewing.
  • Program Location/Contact:
    • PCMHI providers are imbedded in all Primary Care Clinics and in CBOC’s.
    • 318-221-8411, ext. 6889.
• Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC). PRRC provides Veterans mental health diagnoses the opportunity to participate in educational, therapeutic, and community activities, leading to successful community integration and mental health recovery.
  • Some Services Provided:
    • Social skill training
    • Interpersonal skills
    • Communication skills
    • Problem solving skills
    • Stress management
    • Anger management
    • Symptom management
    • Wellness and recovery
    • Family psychoeducation
    • Telemental health
    • Peer support services
    • Treatment/recovery planning
    • Case management services
    • Community-based education and activities
    • Wellness recovery action planning (WRAP) groups
    • Coordination of care between multiple service providers
  • Program Location/Contact:
    • Knight Street Annex. 3000 Knight St. Building 5. Shreveport, LA 71105.
    • PRRC Coordinator/PRRC Program Services Assistant
      • 318-221-8411, ext. 4407.
• Substance Use Disorder Services (SUDS). SUDS provides evaluation and treatment services for Veterans experiencing problems related to alcohol or mood-altering substance use.
  • What SUDS helps with:
    • Substance use disorder assessment and referral
    • Ambulatory detoxification
    • SUD Intensive Outpatient Treatment/Rehabilitation
    • Outpatient SUD treatment
    • Opiate agonist treatment services
    • Tobacco Cessation Services
  • Program Location:
    • Overton Brooks VAMC. 510 E. Stoner Ave. Shreveport, LA 71101. Basement South: BS-66. (Walk-ins: 8a-3p weekdays).
  • Contacts:
    • SUDS Clinic: 318-990-5066/7949.
    • Program Support: 318-221-8411, ext. 5066.
    • Intake Specialist: 318-221-8411, ext. 7949.
• Telemental Health Services (TMH). The goal of the TMH is to create a patient-centric/provider-empowered program aimed at serving the mental health needs of Veterans whose access to care is restricted by geography, limited resources, or who are not able to travel distances due to psychiatric and/or medical conditions.
  • Services Provided:
    • Medication management
    • Psychotherapy
    • Substance abuse
    • Psychosocial rehab/recovery
  • Program Location:
    • Overton Brooks VAMC. 510 E. Stoner Ave. Shreveport, LA 71101. Mental Health South Wing: 1S17
    • Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Longview, Tx; Monroe, LA; and Texarkana, AR.
  • Contact:
    • 318-221-8411, ext. 4747
• Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO). The goal of the VJO program is to decrease criminalization of mental illness and extended incarceration among Veterans in contact with the criminal justice system and have access to Veterans Health Administration (VHA) mental health and substance services.
  • Criteria for referrals:
    • Must have Honorable or General Discharge
    • Must be eligible for VHA services
    • Involved with the legal system
  • Services Provided:
    • Refer and link justice-involved Veterans with appropriate services within the VA or community to address needs which may include substance use, mental health, medical, homelessness, employment, benefits, etc.
    • Provide outreach to the community, law enforcement agencies, the court, and attorneys regarding information and education about Veteran issues including PTSD and TBI, and available services.
    • Develop and implement Veterans Treatment Courts.
    • Function as a court team member within the Veterans Treatment Courts and serve as a liaison to the court for the Veteran.
    • Case management.
  • Program Location:
    • 3000 Knight St. Building 5, Suite 110. Shreveport, La.
  • Contact
    • Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists: 318-221-8411, ext. 4401.
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Work Programs (VR&TW). VR&TW programs offer many vocational services for Veterans who want to return to work or to improve vocational skills.
  • Primary Services:
    • Work evaluation
    • Transitional work
    • Job placement
    • Job coaching
    • Job support
    • Case management
  • Criteria for referral:
    • Must be eligible for VAMC healthcare
    • Referrals must be from VA providers in Mental Health or a medical rehabilitation program
  • Services Provided:
    • Incentive Therapy:
      • a pre-employment program that provides a diversified work experience in the VAMC for Veterans who exhibit severe mental illness and/or physical impairments. Services extend for an indefinite period of time, as is clinically appropriate, and may consist of full or part-time work at nominal remuneration.
    • Compensated Work Therapy Programs:
      • Transitional Work: is a pre-employment vocational assessment program that operates in the VAMC and local community businesses. TW work assignments are supervised by work site staff and impose the same job expectations as are experienced in the private sector.
      • Supported Employment: provides assessment, job coaching, and job development to Veterans with chronic mental health problems who want to resume gainful employment either full-time or part-time.
      • Vocational Assistance: includes job readiness training and job placement referrals to assist Veterans in achieving a smooth transition to the community work force.
    • Program Location:
      • Overton Brooks VAMC. 510 E. Stoner Ave. Shreveport, LA 71101. Basement South Room 67.
    • Contact:
      • Program Coordinator: 318-221-8411, ext. 5499
      • Program Services Assistant: 318-221-8411, ext. 5492

• Acadiana Veteran Alliance. https://www.supportava.org/. Acadiana Veteran Alliance was formed to build new economic development and industry WITH veterans, and fund PTS healthcare treatments FOR veterans. The Mission of the Acadiana Veteran Alliance (AVA) is to unite veterans, veteran-owned businesses, and all companies for a common purpose; supporting veterans in job creation and work placement, assisting veterans in mental health solutions, creating a new, fully-developed support system for brothers-in-arms through financial/legal/housing assistance, and funding existing veteran-focused philanthropies through focused efforts. AVA serves the following parishes:
  • Acadia
  • Evangeline
  • Iberia
  • Jefferson Davis
  • Lafayette
  • Landry
  • Martin
  • Vermilion
• Anxiety & Depression Association of America. www.adaa.org. ADAA improves the quality of life for those who suffer through evidence-based educational resources, professional practice, and scientific research. ADAA’s promise is to raise awareness about the impact of mental health on physical health, to find new treatments, and one day prevent and cure anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders. ADAA brings together mental health professionals who lend their time and expertise to improve patient care by promoting the implementation of best practices and treatments across disciplines through continuing education and training and accelerating dissemination of research into practice. 
• Ascent. www.ascentlife.org. What started as a small non-profit in 2012, Ascent Health, Inc. (then Wraparound) has focused on influencing the community for good and working with children and families in hopes of making a difference. Ascent Monroe offers Wraparound Services and Biofeedback/Neurofeedback:
  • Wraparound Services:
    • Ascent focuses on youth who are at risk of being placed out-of-home or in an alternative school. Our mission is to bring hope where it has been lost. Services are available ages 5-20 who are dealing with complex social, behavioral, or mental health issues.
    • Ascent Monroe offers Wraparound Services to the following Parishes: Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union, and West Carroll.

   

  • Biofeedback & Neurofeedback Services:
    • At Ascent, we offer biofeedback, neurofeedback and counseling services. With a holistic approach, our goal is to help the clients tackle the root of the problem instead of just the symptoms. By doing biofeedback, the client gains awareness of what is going on in their body and empowers them to utilize learned skills in their daily lives.
• Elisha Ministries Inc. www.elishaministriesnela.org. EM dba Supportive Housing of Northeast Louisiana is committed to providing housing to all applicants on an availability basis. We are committed to assisting and providing community resources, emotional, physical, and spiritual support to the residents. We believe in a wholesome family atmosphere, which provides growth, maturity, and achievement of personal and corporate goals. Elisha Ministries MyWay Case Management Services are designed to support homeless, low income, elderly individuals, or families in poverty. The program helps to prevent and reduce chronic homelessness, empower families and individuals affected by severe mental and/or substance use disorder experiencing housing transition challenges regain their lives and receive help at their own pace. Individuals or families can receive outreach and engagement, intensive case management, transportation, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and assistance in obtaining mainstream benefits such as (Transportation, Case Management, Mainstream Benefits such SNAPS, SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, Hospitalization and Mental Services). Partnerships with community resource provides for housing, mental health, social services, emergency services and substance abuse are beneficial to assist the residents obtain services their way at their pace.
• Give an Hour. https://giveanhour.org/military/. Military, Veterans and Loved Ones. Free and Confidential Mental Health Support through a national network of licensed mental health providers, Give an Hour offers mental health care to Active duty, National Guard and Reserve, Veterans, and their loved ones. Give an Hour’s services complement Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs healthcare delivery by serving veterans and military families seeking care outside the current system, those no longer eligible for healthcare provided by the DOD or VA, and non-eligible siblings, parents, partners, and other loved ones. Client’s are eligible for Give an Hour services if you have served for the U.S. Military for any length of time, with any branch, and any active, reserve or discharge status -or- you consider yourself a loved one of someone who has served in the U.S. military and you are experiencing a service related (or post-service related) concern.
  • To receive FREE and confidential counseling
  • To not be charged or have your insurance billed for Give an Hour sessions
  • To understand how your or your loved one’s experiences are affecting your personal life and relationships
  • To learn ways of coping
  • To be referred appropriately if you need additional services (such as medications)
  • To be in a safe environment where you can talk about your deepest fears and concerns
• International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. www.istss.org. The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies is dedicated to sharing information about the effects of trauma and the discovery and dissemination of knowledge about policy, program and service initiatives that seek to reduce traumatic stressors and their immediate and long-term consequences. ISTSS is an international interdisciplinary professional organization that promotes advancement and exchange of knowledge about traumatic stress. 
• Make The Connection. www.maketheconnection.net. A resource developed and operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Make the Connection aims to reduce barriers and stigma associated with mental health challenges that may prevent Veterans from seeking mental health care. Talking openly about mental health and the challenges that many Veterans face can help encourage Veterans and their families to get the support they need. On MakeTheConnection.net, hundreds of Veterans describe their mental health challenges and the care that helped them. These Veterans share stories and experiences that fellow Veterans and their supporters can relate to — in the hopes that you can make a connection.   
• Mental Health America. www.mhanational.org. Mental Health America is the nation’s leading national nonprofit dedicated to the promotion of mental health, well-being, and illness prevention. Our work is informed, designed, and led by the lived experience of those most affected. Operating nationally and in communities across the country, Mental Health America advocates for closing the mental health equity gap while increasing nationwide awareness and understanding through public education, direct services, tools, and research. 
• Mental Health First Aid. www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org. Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance-use issues. Mental Health First Aid takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems by improving understanding and providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental illness or substance use disorder. When more people are equipped with the tools they need to start a dialogue, more people can get the help they need. Mental Health First Aiders are a vital link between someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge and appropriate support. 
• Mental Health Literacy. www.mentalhealthliteracy.org. We are committed to creating inclusive mental health resources, which reflect the many diverse experiences that exist within our communities. Research shows systemic factors and inequalities can impact health and mental health outcomes. As part of our goal to contribute to a more equitable and mentally healthy society, we will continually strive to make our mental health resources, training and information increasingly representative of, and accessible to, a wide variety of audiences. 
• NAMI Acadiana. www.namiacadiana.org. NAMI Acadiana is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization made up of family members, peers, behavioral health professionals, and friends. The mission and purpose of NAMI Acadiana is to build better lives for individuals and families affected by mental illness. We accomplish this by providing programs and services of education, support, and advocacy.
• National Alliance on Mental Health. www.nami.org. The nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. 
• National Depression Hotline. www.nationaldepressionhotline.org. (866) 629-4564. The National Depression Hotline is a nationwide resource for people struggling with depression. We know how hard it is to find reliable, and free resources to help yourself or a loved one. This website does just that. If you want to talk, getting help for depression is only a phone call away. Our free hotline is available 24/7.
• National Institute of Mental Health. www.nimh.nih.gov. Transforming the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses. 
• Northeast Delta Human Services Authority. https://nedeltahsa.org/. Our philosophy is to serve as a catalyst for individuals with mental health, developmental disabilities, and addictive disorders to help realize their full human potential by offering quality, excellent care with greater accessibility. Our vision is to build a unified Northeast Louisiana where individuals are thriving and reaching their full human potential by our three tenents of actions:
  • Greater access to services
  • Excellent customer service
  • Quality competent care
• Operation Warrior Resolution. www.operationwarriorresolution.org. To transform veterans to health and wellness. To provide innovative, holistic treatments for mental health to veterans and their family members; alleviating PTSD, anxiety and other mental health related issues. 
• People United of Louisiana. www.peopleunitedofla.com. Specializing in mental health rehabilitation services for children and adults. Our vision is to educate, assess, coordinate, plan, and monitor services required to meet our clients healthcare needs.
• Rehab.com LLC, “The Help Company”, https://www.rehab.com/. We recognize that not everyone has access to the best quality care within their communities. A 25% increase in anxiety and depression has been seen worldwide due to the Covid-19 pandemic and we’re still seeing its impact on mental health and substance abuse nationwide. Our company envisions a world where barriers to recovery do not exist, care is ubiquitous and accessible, and good health is possible for anyone who aspires to it. With that said, we set out on a mission to create the best possible platform to provide people across the nation with access and guides regarding mental health and substance abuse resources within their own community. Our core values are transparency, community, and neutrality. We are committed to the visibility of all providers, no matter their size.
• Reserve Component Transition Assistance Advisors. RCTAA can help a Reserve Component member, or Retired Reserve Member transition back to civilian life. Some services offered:
  • State and Local Benefits
  • VA Assistance for Physical and Mental Health
  • Disable Veterans Program Assistance
  • Education and Training Assistance
  • Employment Assistance
  • Health and Life Insurance
  • Financial Assistance
  • Legal Assistance
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Effects of a Career Change

   

  • Contact:
    • Damion Johnlouis
    • 202-987-3723
    • Email: Damion.j.johnlouis.ctr@army.mil
    • Email: DJohnlouis.ctr@gapsi.com
• Roger: Modern Mental Wellness for the Military Community. www.goroger.org. ROGER is the mental wellness resource for the military community, built to serve all branches and every generation regardless of discharge status. We deliver innovative mental wellness care via telehealth, at absolutely no cost to you. Whether you served one day, 20+ years or anywhere in between, ROGER is for you. With 24/7 coverage, we’re here when you need us. 
• SAFE Project. www.safeproject.us/veterans. Through our SAFE Veterans initiative — WE GOT YOUR SIX! SAFE Project has developed programs to connect veterans, active-duty service members, and their families to the resources they need to address mental health challenges and substance use disorders. 
• Solar Mental Health. www.solaramentalhealth.com/therapy-for-veterans/. Helpful article that addresses the many different ways to help treat Veterans with PTSD and other mental health conditions.
• Star Program for Uniformed Services, Brentwood Hospital. https://brentwoodbehavioral.com/programs-and-services/adult/star-program/. At Brentwood Hospital, we offer comprehensive treatment programs built for those in uniform. Active duty military, veterans and first responders face unique challenges related to trauma and various kinds of psychological distress. We provide help and hope to them and their families, instilling the belief that they can heal and providing them with the needed tools to improve and maintain their mental health. The STAR Program staff includes a dedicated Psychiatrist, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Registered and Licensed Professional Nurses, Certified Addictions Counselors, Mental Health Technicians and Certified Physical Training Staff, many of whom are Military Service Veterans.  We are dedicated to providing responsive customer service, effective communication and proper documentation to:
  • Active-Duty Military
  • Veterans
  • Firefighters
  • Police Officers
  • EMS
  • Dispatch
  • Nurses
  • Municipal Workers

   

  What We Treat:

  • Acute Mental Health Issues
  • Substance Use
  • Dual Diagnosis
  • Comprehensive/Complex Trauma Evidence-Based

   

  Our Treatment Methods:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
  • Prolonged Exposure (PE)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

   

  Our Program Features:

  • Rapid response time for admissions
  • Collaborative interdisciplinary treatment team
  • Individualized care
  • Substance/alcohol abuse treatment: 12 Step and on-site groups; relapse prevention and education
  • Individual, group and family therapy
  • Military- and First Responder-specific groups
  • Nursing education groups
  • Integrated Physical Training: Certified Physical Trainer, Certified Yoga Instructor and Activity Therapist
  • Real-time communication with supervisors, commanders and military healthcare professionals
  • Military-specific features:
    • Department of Defense-approved, evidence-based curriculum, including best practices from the National Center for PTSD
    • Adherence to military medication formulary
    • Flexible visitation hours for chain of command and chaplain

   

  TRICARE-certified. Contact Us Today! We’re here for active duty military, veterans and first responders who are struggling. A confidential, no-cost assessment is available 24/7 by calling 318-453-3357.

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.
• The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. www.aaets.org. The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress® is a multidisciplinary network of professionals who are committed to the advancement of intervention for survivors of trauma. The Academy in collaboration with the National Center for Crisis Management aims to identify expertise among professionals, across disciplines, and provide standards for those who provide intervention to survivors of traumatic events. 
• The Headstrong Project. www.theheadstrongproject.org. Veteran-founded in 2012, we are one of the nation’s leading mental health care providers for military, veterans, and their associated family members. We have developed a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive treatment program addressing the psychological aftermath of trauma. Treatment is both collaborative and evidence-based. Headstrong commits to supporting those who bravely served their country, regardless of service era or discharge status, and battle daily with the impact of trauma. We deliver the treatment, tools, and support needed to win that battle. Confidential. Barrier-free. Stigma-free. 
• The HERO Program. https://heroprogramnb.com/. The mission of the HERO program is to provide the most modern, evidence based treatment modalities available to evaluate and treat military Heroes with issues commonly experienced by service members such as psychiatric, chemical dependency and/or co-occurring disorders related to military service/combat and understanding day to day life. We serve veterans and active duty personnel of all branches of the U.S. military, male and female, of all ages. Our HERO program provides the highest quality of care and treatment for those veteran service members experiencing emotional, behavioral, cognitive and chemical dependency issues. Our treatment includes:
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • 12-Step Facilitation (TSF)
  • Specific therapies for individual needs

  We treat with a holistic approach in a safe and secure environment. We acknowledge that each veteran/service member has their own aspiration for treatment outcomes and hope to help realize the goals associated with the above.

• The National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders. NIMH is one of the 27 Institutes and Centers that make up the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the largest biomedical research agency in the world. NIH is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
• Understanding Depressive Episodes. https://whitelightbh.com/resources/what-can-trigger-a-depressive-episode/. Depressive episodes can be triggered by a variety of factors, both internal and external. These episodes are characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. They can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life, and it is important to understand what can trigger them in order to prevent or better manage them.
• United Way, 2-1-1.  www.211.org. Free, confidential service to help connect you to resources within your community to improve your life. The Helpline Center connects you to:
  • Housing, Utilities, food, and other basic needs assistance.
  • Suicide Prevention & Crisis Support
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Community Resources
  • Mental Health Services
• Vets 4 Warriors. www.vets4warriors.com. 1-855-838-8255. Vets4Warriors, housed at the Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care National Call Center, is a one-of-a-kind, 24/7 peer support network. We operate completely independent of the VA and the U.S. military. We maintain this independence so callers can feel confident that everything they share with us when we connect will always remain 100% confidential. Our program complements official government resources available to service members, veterans, family members and caregivers, but remains separate from them. This allows us to ensure that every caller always has access to every available resource to meet their needs, whatever those needs may be. And we are constantly taking steps to expand our resource network as well so that we are always able to provide access to the most comprehensive options for care that we can. We are committed to ensuring that every member of the military community in need of support always has direct and immediate access to a peer who understands what they are going through. 

• Lung Cancer Center. www.lungcancercenter.com/who-lung-cancer-affects/military/. Today, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, making up over a quarter of all cancer related deaths. For veterans of the American military, the risk of being diagnosed with the disease is even higher. Compared to the general population, military servicemembers are 25 percent more likely to receive a lung cancer diagnosis. In addition to carrying a higher risk, the survival rate among veterans has been historically lower than the general population. The causes of lung cancer among military members are largely due to lifestyle habits like smoking and occupational exposure to pollutants.
• Lung Cancer Group. https://www.lungcancergroup.com/mesothelioma/. Our main focus is to provide accurate and helpful information, support and resources to patients and their loved ones. We created a mesothelioma informational resource to help them better understand their diagnosis, how to find treatment, and all options available to them. Our team is here to help those affected by mesothelioma with compassion and care. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a lining inside of the body. Mesothelioma cancer tumors can appear in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart, or testicles. This cancer is caused by asbestos exposure. You may be able to get medical treatment and financial aid for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
• Mesothelioma Hope. www.mesotheliomahope.com/veterans. Despite the increasing number of mesothelioma cases among veterans, there is also an increase in the available support and treatments options. Veterans have access to financial compensation, top mesothelioma treatments and emerging treatment technologies at high-end mesothelioma treatment centers. Tragically, many former military members are being diagnosed with mesothelioma today. Experts believe there will be many more diagnoses among veterans in the future as the latency period of this disease comes to a head.
• Mesothelioma Hub. Mesothelioma & Veterans. https://www.mesotheliomahub.com/veterans/. Each year, an estimated 3,300 people are diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, a rare but virulent type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Of those patients, nearly a third are veterans who were exposed to high levels of toxic dust and fibers while serving on military bases and working on ships or in shipyards. Durable, light, and corrosion and fire-resistant, a naturally occurring mineral called asbestos appeared to be the perfect material for U.S. military bases. From the 1930s until the late 1970s, it was used to insulate boiler and engine rooms on Navy ships, to line brakes on vehicles and aircraft, and even in some mess halls and military barracks. As a result, service members encountered varying levels of toxins.
• Mesothelioma.net. https://mesothelioma.net/mesothelioma-and-veterans/. Unfortunately, due to the extensive use of asbestos prior to the 1980’s, more and more people come to learn that they had been developing mesothelioma for years and are only now showing symptoms. While there are steady numbers of civilians being diagnosed with the disease, Veterans tragically make up about 30% of mesothelioma victims. Asbestos was a valuable resource for military equipment and vehicles because of its heat resistant characteristics. Veterans were exposed in nearly every branch of the military. The Navy’s harbors and ships were known for their heavy use of asbestos in boiler rooms and hulls. The Air Force implemented it into their cargo holds of aircrafts and heat shields for engines.
• Mesothelioma Veterans Center. https://www.mesotheliomaveterans.org/veterans/. Thousands of military members were exposed to asbestos during their service, causing high rates of mesothelioma among veterans. Mesothelioma symptoms generally do not appear until 20-50 years after asbestos exposure, meaning veterans who served up until the 1980s may be at risk today. U.S. military veterans with mesothelioma may be eligible for various VA benefits, including VA health care and VA disability compensation.
• Mesothelioma Vets. https://www.mesotheliomavets.com/. Mesothelioma Vets is a team of people, veterans, and civilians alike, who want to provide victims of mesothelioma with everything they need to battle their diagnosis. Veterans of the United States Military make up 30% of new mesothelioma diagnoses every year. After the time spent serving their country, now it is our turn to serve them by providing them with all of the information they could need about their mesothelioma. Since 2019, MesotheliomaVets.com has been a wealth of information on asbestos cancer, its treatment, and benefits available to veterans. MesotheliomaVets.com also provides information and steps on how veterans can take action against manufacturers that used asbestos knowingly — not the military. If you have any questions that you can’t find on the site, please feel free to contact us at contact@mesotheliomavets.com.
• Outreach Department for The Pleural Mesothelioma Center. Countless veterans are currently suffering from life-threatening illnesses that are a result of exposure to asbestos, a material that was commonly used in hundreds of military applications, products, and ships because of its resistance to fire. Veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma even qualify for special benefits from the U.S Department of Veteran Affairs. We recently published an educational guide about pleural mesothelioma, the most common type of mesothelioma: pleuralmesothelioma.com/cancer/.

• American Legion. www.legion.org The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.
• Amvets. www.amvets.org AMVETS Mission: To enhance and safeguard the entitlements for all American Veterans who have served honorably and to improve the quality of life for them, their families, and the communities where they live through leadership, advocacy and services.
• Catholic War Veterans of the USA. www.cwv.org. The Catholic War Veterans of the USA and Auxiliary advocate for and support all veterans, their families, and our communities through fellowship, charitable activities, and veteran services. 
• Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. www.combatvet.us We are an Association of Combat Veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Forces who ride motorcycles as a hobby. Our mission now is to support and defend those who have defended our country and our freedoms. Our focus is to help veteran care facilities provide a warm meal, clothing, shelter, and guidance, or simply to say “Thank You.” and “Welcome Home.”
• DAV. www.dav.org DAV Mission: We are dedicated to a single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. We accomplish this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill; and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life.
• Marine Corps League. www.mclla.org. Welcome to the web site of the Department of Louisiana of the Marine Corps League. Marine Corps League was incorporated by an act of Congress in 1937. It perpetuates the traditions and spirit of ALL Marines who proudly wear or who have worn the eagle, globe and anchor of the Corps. The mission of the League is to provide an organization where Marines can join together in camaraderie and fellowship for the purpose of preserving the traditions and promoting the interests of the United States Marine Corps. As part of this mission we render aid and assistance to all Marines and former Marines and to their widows and orphans. We also support the community they live in.  The Detachments of this Department live up to these traditions by supporting Louisiana Marines and their families in their respective communities . This includes providing Funeral Honors for fallen Marines. They also help their communities by providing educational programs at local schools, participating in patriotic events, volunteering for community projects/events and supporting local charities. Members of the Marine Corps League in Louisana use this site to keep current with all information of interest to our state.  Non-League visitors are welcome to browse our site pages to see what our detachments are involved in. If you are a MARINE or an FMF Navy Corpsman and considering membership in the Marine Corps League we invite you visit one of our Detachments.  WE ARE ALWAYS  LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD MEN AND WOMEN to join our ranks. To become a Member you must have served honorably for at least 90 days. Your current status may be active, reserve, retired, or former active duty Marine or FMF Navy Corpsman. If you don’t meet these criteria many Detachments will let you join as an Associate Member. 
• Military Order of the Purple Heart. www.purpleheart.org. The mission of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is to foster an environment of goodwill and camaraderie among combat wounded veterans, promote patriotism, support necessary legislative initiatives, and most importantly, provide service to all veterans and their families. Our members are Combat Wounded Veterans who are dedicated to our country and our veteran community. We endeavor to do better for each other and by each other always. Chartered by Congress for combat wounded Veterans. The Purple Heart is composed of military men and women who received the Purple Heart Medal for wounds suffered in combat or by an act of international terrorism. Although our membership is restricted to the combat wounded, we support all veterans and their families with a myriad of nation-wide programs by Chapters and National Service Officers. 
• VFW. www.vfw.org Our Mission: To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans. Our Vision: Ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country.
• Vietnam Veterans of America. www.vva.org. VVA’s goals are to promote and support the full range of issues important to Vietnam veterans, to create a new identity for this generation of veterans, and to change public perception of Vietnam veterans.

• DoD Safe Help Line. www.safehelpline.org. DoD Safe Helpline is the sole secure, confidential, and anonymous crisis support service specially designed for members of the Department of Defense community affected by sexual assault. All Safe Helpline services are: anonymous, confidential, and tailored to support members of the DoD community and their loved ones affected by sexual assault.
• Military Sexual Trauma. www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome/index.asp. VA uses the term “military sexual trauma” (MST) to refer to sexual assault or threatening sexual harassment experienced during military service. MST includes any sexual activity during military service in which you are involved against your will or when unable to say no. 
• The Road Home Program. www.roadhomeprogram.org. PTSD & MST help. Held at The Center for Veterans and Their Families at Rush University Medical Center.  Services include an intensive outpatient PTSD program where food, lodging and travel expenses are covered for veterans and support people. In some circumstances, their program may also be able to help cover other expenses incurred during the three-week stay as well. 

• Federal VA Center for Minority Veterans (CMV).  www.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/about/. The Center for Minority Veterans is the Department of Veterans Affairs model for inter-and intra-agency co-operation, to ensure all veterans receive equal service regardless of race, origin, religion, or gender. We are process improvement-oriented and both internal and external customer-centric. We assist VA in executing its mission in the most equitable, efficient and humane way possible. Dignity and an acceptable quality of life are the products we seek to deliver to ALL veterans no matter what their circumstance. We will grace our mission execution with gratitude to the men and women we now serve who in turn served our Nation so well. 
• Minority Veterans of America. https://www.minorityvets.org/. Minority Veterans of America (MVA) is a non-partisan, 501(c)3 non-profit organization designed to create belonging and advance equity for underrepresented Veterans, including women, people of color, LGBTQ, and religious minorities. We aim to transform the narrative of the American Veteran.
  • Our Mission: To create belonging and advance equity for minority Veterans.
  • Our Vision: A just world that empowers minority Veterans and is built on fundamental values that we use as our guiding principles for our organization.
• National Association of Black Military Women. https://www.nabmw.org/. To seek out, record, maintain and tell the history and heritage of African-American Military Women who served and are serving in the United States Armed Forces.

• Heroes to Heroes. www.heroestoheroes.org. Heroes to Heroes provides spiritual healing and peer support for combat veterans who have attempted suicide or are on a path to self-destruction due to moral injury and PTSD. We believe that no veteran should have to fight their battles alone, which is why our program is designed to help veterans heal, reconnect with their communities, and find forgiveness. We are a non-denominational 501(c)(3) organization.
• Moral Injury: National Center for PTSD Informative Article. www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/cooccurring/moral_injury.asp.
• Moral Injury: National Library of Medicine Article. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8270769/. Moral injury (MI), originally discussed in relationship to transgressing moral beliefs and values during wartime among military personnel, has expanded beyond this context to include similar emotions experienced by healthcare professionals, first responders, and others experiencing moral emotions resulting from actions taken or observations made during traumatic events or circumstances. In this article, we review the history, definition, measurement, prevalence, distinctiveness, psychological consequences, manifestations (in and outside of military settings), and correlates of MI in different settings. 
• The Moral Injury Project. www.moralinjuryproject.syr.edu/about-moral-injury/. Moral injury is the damage done to one’s conscience or moral compass when that person perpetrates, witnesses, or fails to prevent acts that transgress one’s own moral beliefs, values, or ethical codes of conduct. Within the context of military service, particularly regarding the experience of war, “moral injury” refers to the lasting emotional, psychological, social, behavioral, and spiritual impacts of actions that violate a service member’s core moral values and behavioral expectations of self or others (Litz et al., 2009). 

• My Move. https://www.mymove.com/moving/veteran-owned-moving-companies-to-use-for-your-next-move/. Moving is an exciting time of your life, offering new beginnings and new opportunities. It’s also the perfect time to give back to your community, like supporting a local charity with your unused items and putting your financial support behind a local, veteran-owned moving company. In fact, U.S. military veterans account for nearly 340,000 of all employer-owned businesses, so when you support the business, you are also supporting everyone else working for that company — nearly four million workers across the country. Did you know that of all veteran-owned businesses, transportation companies are the second largest category? U.S. military veterans are 45% more likely to be self-employed than non-veterans and owning a moving or shipping company fits that lifestyle well. By choosing to work with a veteran-owned moving company for your next move, you are aiding in the financial and personal success of someone who put their country first, often leaving family and friends behind, to serve our country.
• Reserve Component Transition Assistance Advisors. RCTAA can help a Reserve Component member, or Retired Reserve Member transition back to civilian life. Some services offered:
  • State and Local Benefits
  • VA Assistance for Physical and Mental Health
  • Disable Veterans Program Assistance
  • Education and Training Assistance
  • Employment Assistance
  • Health and Life Insurance
  • Financial Assistance
  • Legal Assistance
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Effects of a Career Change

   

  • Contact:
    • Damion Johnlouis
    • 202-987-3723
    • Email: Damion.j.johnlouis.ctr@army.mil
    • Email: DJohnlouis.ctr@gapsi.com
• Storage Units. https://www.storageunits.com/active-duty-storage-guide/. Military members and their families move at least twice as often as civilians and can be relocated on short notice. Moving frequently can make it challenging to take personal belongings, particularly long-term deployment overseas. Our new guide to active duty storage helps servicemembers and military families learn how to select a storage facility, including what questions to ask and red flags to look for.

• Guitars for Veterans. www.guitars4vets.org. Helping Veterans cope with PTSD through music. Veterans shouldn’t have to face the challenges of PTSD in silence or alone. Through the teamwork and camaraderie of Guitars for Vets, they can join a community where they learn to play the guitar and find solace in the songs they love as well as the songs they have yet to write.
• Music Therapy for Mental Health in Southern California. https://socalmentalhealth.com/meet-our-music-therapy-facilitator/. Music has the potential to affect most people in a significant way. Music can touch emotions, trigger memories, and plant the seed of inspiration, much like art therapy. Therefore, musical creation and performance can benefit those struggling with mental health and mental disorders. Music therapy uses music within a clinical setting to accomplish therapeutic goals. This process is supported by a professional music therapist. The therapist’s objectives are to help restore, maintain, and improve the client’s psychological and physical health. It is a proven method for mental health issues with great results.
• Songs of Survivors. www.sosmusic.org. Songs of Survivors was created in 2018 with a vision to assist survivors of trauma through the healing process with the power of song writing and music creation. SOS currently offers Songwriting Workshops, individual and group and Music Creation Classes utilizing the best in high-end equipment taught by expert engineers and overseen by professional producers & clinicians, both off and on site at the SOS main studios in Baton Rouge, LA.

• AARP Fraud Watch Network, www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork. Operation Protect Veterans. https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2019/veterans.html?intcmp=AE-FWN-LIB4-POS13. Fraud cost veterans, service members and their families more than $338 million in the five years ending in 2019, according to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) data. The median loss for military scam victims in 2019, $894, was nearly triple that for the population at large. Fraudsters come at ex-service members from many angles, employing vet-focused twists on identity theft, phishing, impostor scams, coronavirus scams, and investment and loan deceptions. The goal is often to manipulate or gain access to benefits the government provides to those who served.
• American Red Cross, Services to Armed Forces. www.redcross.org/military-services-for-veterans. American Red Cross services for veterans date back to World War I and remains consistent with the spirit of our congressional charter. Today, the Red Cross is proud to maintain our commitment to the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
  Services include: Referrals to community resources, Veterans claims for benefits, Volunteerism in VA/Military hospitals, Red Cross assistance and volunteer opportunities, Red Cross careers.
• Baton Rouge Soldier Outreach. https://brsoldieroutreach.com/. BR Soldier Outreach is a 501(C)3 Non-Profit Organization comprised of members of the Baton Rouge community who wish to bless men and women who are serving and are currently deployed by the United States Armed Forces. The organization gathers names of service members from the Greater Baton Rouge community and outreaches to those soldiers to bless them with comfort items they could use while they are deployed. Every quarter, we send care packages to troops deployed overseas.
• BK Mentoring. www.bkmentoring.org. BK Mentoring breaks negative cycles. We offer services to help those on the fringe of society. Those persons of any age who suffer from poverty, lack of education, abuse of various forms, injustice, intolerance, or lack of love; they are who we seek to help. We are the eyes and ears of the community, seeing and tackling problems found there. We provide solutions directly or through partnerships
• Christopher Youth Center. www.teen-help.com. Providing services for runaway, homeless, and victimized youth. Programs and services offered:
  • Youth Shelter & Crisis Center:
  • The Basic Center Program is a youth center that provides emergency housing, food, clothing, counseling, tutoring, transportation to school, and other appropriate referrals for males and females ages 11-17 years old.

   

  • Safe Place:
  • Youth can access help at a safe place site by simply going to the site and letting the person on duty know that they need help. Christopher Youth Center staff or volunteers will be contacted, and someone will meet the youth at the safe place site to assess the situation and determine the best options to help.

   

  • Transitional Living:
  • The transitional living program provides housing for homeless young adults 17 (emancipated) to 21 years old and their accompanying small children. Youth work to achieve financial independence and self-sufficiency.

   

  • Youth Transitions:
  • Provide housing assistance for youth ages 18-24 years of age who are homeless and youth who are aging out of the foster care system. The program works in two phases that include both transitional living and rapid rehousing.

   

  • The YAC (Youth Access Center) is a Safe Place where youth can go to talk, get information, and begin a process to get help fast! The YAC is here for victimized, homeless, and at-risk youth ages 17-24 years old.

   

  • Services include the following:
  • Basic Needs — Food, personal hygiene items, laundry facilities
  • Housing — Access to emergency shelter (based on age), Transitional Housing and Rapid Rehousing Services
  • Life Skills — One-on-one life skills instruction and application assistance
  • Computers — check email, job search, etc.
  • Counseling — as requested
• Easterseals. www.easterseals.com/louisiana/. Easterseals is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through life-changing disability and community services. For more than 100 years, we have worked tirelessly with our partners to enhance quality of life and expand local access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. And we won’t rest until every one of us is valued, respected, and accepted. Through our national network of affiliates, Easterseals provides essential services and on-the-ground supports to more than 1.5 million people each year — from early childhood programs for the critical first five years, to Autism services, to medical rehabilitation and employment programs, to veterans’ services, and more. Our public education, policy, and advocacy initiatives positively shape perceptions and address the urgent and evolving needs of the one in four Americans living with disabilities today. Together, we’re empowering people with disabilities, families and communities to be full and equal participants in society. 
• Families 4 Veterans. https://www.families4veterans-directory.com/louisiana. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/families4veteransdirectory. Based in the United Kingdom, Families4Veterans-Directory is a one stop directory committed to helping Veterans to find reputable help and services online around the world. You will have the ability to comment on your experiences after dealing with groups and pages from the site so that fellow Veterans can choose from the best. Everything Veteran related is on this site. Whether you are looking for personal regimental groups, need support or advice, or need urgent help.
• FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance/Reimbursement.  https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance/faq. VA’s National Cemetery Scheduling Office and VA national cemeteries have received many calls from family members and funeral homes asking how they can apply for the Funeral Expense Reimbursement Program that covers funeral expenses when a loved one’s death was related to COVID-19. This new program, which began on April 12, 2021, is run entirely by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). VA has no role in creating or tracking claims for this reimbursement program.
• Louisiana Emergency Preparedness. www.getagameplan.org. Preparedness and hazard mitigation can save lives, protect property, and lessen impacts of future disasters. To reduce risk and ensure Louisiana citizens and communities are better prepared, this Guide is intended to help Louisiana residents benefit from the experience of past events and recommendations from experts in disaster preparation, prevention, response, recovery, and mitigation.
• Military One Source. www.militaryonesource.com. We serve active-duty service members, National Guard and reserves, recently separated service members, military families and survivors. Service members, their families, survivors, and the entire military community have access to Military OneSource resources anywhere in the world, at no cost. We are ready to assist by phone and online, around the clock. Connect with Military OneSource at 800-342-9647, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the world.
• National Resource Directory, www.nrd.gov, a searchable national database of resources vetted for the use of service members, veterans, family members and caregivers. Benefits & Compensation, Education & Training, Employment, Family & Caregiver Support, Health, Homeless Assistance, Housing, Military Adaptive Sports Program, Transportation & Travel.
• Operation We Are Here. www.operationwearehere.com. Resources for the military community and military supporters. 
• Our H.O.M.E. (Honor, Opportunity, Mindset, Encouragement). Facebook: www.facebook.com/OurHOME.Vet. Our HOME is an organization that believes that our Veterans and their families deserve to live a healthy lifestyle balance. We help encourage Veterans and their families to do so by connecting them with the services and support groups that are the right fit for them.
• Real Warriors, www.realwarriors.net, The Real Warriors Campaign promotes a culture of support for psychological health by encouraging the military community to reach out for help whether coping with the daily stresses of military life, or concerns like depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. Founded in 2009, the campaign supports the Defense Department’s Psychological Health Center of Excellence in its mission to break the stigma associated with psychological health concerns and encourage those who are coping with a psychological health concern to seek help. The campaign links service members, veterans and their families with care and provides free, confidential resources including online articles, print materials, videos and podcasts. If you or someone you know is coping with any concerns, know that reaching out is a sign of strength. Talk to a health care provider or start with one of many available resources on the Real Warriors Campaign website, including the Psychological Health Resource Center where you can speak with a confidential health resource consultant 24/7.
• Slidell Ladies for Liberty. https://www.slidellladiesforliberty.org/. Slidell Ladies for Liberty is a group of women (and men) in Slidell, Louisiana dedicated to adopting local soldiers being deployed on active duty around the world by sending monthly “We Care” packages.  We want every local serviceman & woman to know unequivocally that their service and sacrifices do not go unnoticed.  We will continue to stand by them in this most difficult time, in any and all ways that we can, and that no effort will be spared on their behalf.
  • Email: slidellladiesforliberty@gmail.com
  • FB Messenger: Slidell Ladies for Liberty
  • Mail: Slidell Ladies for Liberty

  1527 Gause Blvd. #26

  Slidell, LA 70458

• The Military Guide. http://themilitaryguide.org/. The Military Guide is the straight shooters handbook for future, current, and former military service members. It’s no doubt that service men and women face countless uncertainties at every stage of their military career. From those first timid steps into the recruiter’s office to walking proudly off base with your DD-214 as a newly minted Veteran, we’re here to help. At the Military Guide, we.ve got your six. It’s our mission to create informative and reliable resources for Veterans, Active Duty Service Members, Reservists, and anyone considering joining the Armed Forces.
• United Way, 2-1-1. www.211.org. Free, confidential service to help connect you to resources within your community to improve your life. The Helpline Center connects you to:
  • Housing, Utilities, food, and other basic needs assistance.
  • Suicide Prevention & Crisis Support
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Community Resources
  • Mental Health Services
• USAA Educational Foundation. www.usaaef.org. The USAA Educational Foundation offers free financial education resources from experts in personal finance and military life. As an educational foundation, we provide trusted information and do not endorse or sell any products. We’re here to empower people to take actions that increase their financial resiliency and improve their quality of life.
• Veteran Benefits, Financial Resources, and Discounts for Military Families. https://couponfollow.com/research/discounts-for-military-families. Military families have a lot to deal with – emotionally, logistically, and financially. What benefits are out there for military families to make life a bit easier for them? Where can they find discounts and deals? We’ve created this helpful financial guide aimed specifically to help military family members learn about the different resources, federal programs, retail discounts, and deals for dependents of U.S. soldiers.
• Vet Center, www.vetcenter.va.gov, Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active duty service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. Readjustment counseling is offered to make a successful transition from military to civilian life or after a traumatic event experienced in the military. Individual, group, marriage and family counseling is offered in addition to referral and connection to other VA or community benefits and services. Vet Center counselors and outreach staff, many of whom are Veterans themselves, are experienced and prepared to discuss the tragedies of war, loss, grief and transition after trauma.
• Veterans Guide. www.veteransguide.org. As a retired servicemember of the United States military, obtaining the maximum VA compensation isn’t a simple task. There are many benefits available to you as a veteran of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines and Space Force. Veterans Guide provides you with the necessary information you need to obtain the maximum benefits when you leave military service.
• Volunteers of America Veterans Services. www.voanorthla.org/veterans. Many veterans find their military experience does not quite prepare them for civilian life or sometimes the trauma of war makes the transition more complicated. We are committed to serve those who have served us, whether homeless or struggling to find stability. Currently we offer a full continuum of services for veterans ranging from emergency shelter to permanent housing all with the necessary support to move forward and live independently.
  • Veterans Transitional Living Program. In April 2010, Volunteers of America North Louisiana welcomed the first 20 residents to its newest program, a 46-bed transitional facility for veterans.
  • Safe Haven. Veterans living on the street can be housed almost immediately at Safe Haven. This low-barrier, emergency shelter accepts male and female veterans who are currently homeless. The goal of the shelter is to build relationships with veterans and connect them with longer-term services. All potential residents must be referred from other agencies.
  • Veterans Treatment Court. Volunteers of America’s Veterans Court in partnership with the Caddo District Courts and Overton Brooks VA Medical Center helps non-violent veteran offenders have a chance to work through their issues, get sober and earn a clean slate.
  • Supportive Services for Veteran Families. As more veterans continue to struggle when they return from war and leave the service, Volunteers of America is here to provide a short-term safety net for very low-income veterans and their families. Through emotional and financial support, we can prevent homelessness and help veterans in transition to find safe, stable housing.
• Wounded Warrior Project. www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) began in 2003 as a small, grassroots effort providing simple care and comfort items to the hospital bedsides of the first wounded service members returning home from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. As their post-service needs evolved, so have our programs and services. Today, through our direct programs in mental health, career counseling, and long-term rehabilitative care, along with our advocacy efforts, we improve the lives of millions of warriors and their families.
• Wreaths Across America. https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/. Our mission is to Remember, Honor, and Teach. All throughout the year, Wreaths Across America works in a number of ways to show our Veterans and their families that we will not forget — we will never forget. Our work extends beyond the single day in December when we coordinate wreath laying ceremonies.

• POW/MIA National Alliance of Families. https://www.nationalalliance.org/. The goals of the National Alliance of Families are simple. The return of any live Prisoners of War, accurate accounting of the missing, the recover and scientific identification of remains, or a reasonable explanation as to why return, recovery, or accounting is impossible. We invite you to explore our site, join the cause, and spread the word. Within the website you will find official government documents that lead to the inescapable conclusion that Prisoners of War were left behind at the end of World War II, Korea, Cold War, Vietnam, and the Gulf War.
• The National League of POW/MIA Families. https://www.pow-miafamilies.org/. Incorporated on May 28, 1970, was formed to obtain the release of all prisoners, the fullest possible accounting for the missing, and repatriation of all recoverable remains of those who died serving our nation during the Vietnam War. Without the League, America’s POW/MIAs would long ago have been forgotten. The League is proud that our efforts led to today’s worldwide mission.

• Acadiana Veteran Alliance. https://www.supportava.org/. Acadiana Veteran Alliance was formed to build new economic development and industry WITH veterans, and fund PTS healthcare treatments FOR veterans. The Mission of the Acadiana Veteran Alliance (AVA) is to unite veterans, veteran-owned businesses, and all companies for a common purpose; supporting veterans in job creation and work placement, assisting veterans in mental health solutions, creating a new, fully-developed support system for brothers-in-arms through financial/legal/housing assistance, and funding existing veteran-focused philanthropies through focused efforts. AVA serves the following parishes:
  • Acadia
  • Evangeline
  • Iberia
  • Jefferson Davis
  • Lafayette
  • Landry
  • Martin
  • Vermilion
• Anxiety & Depression Association of America. www.adaa.org. ADAA improves the quality of life for those who suffer through evidence-based educational resources, professional practice, and scientific research. ADAA’s promise is to raise awareness about the impact of mental health on physical health, to find new treatments, and one day prevent and cure anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders. ADAA brings together mental health professionals who lend their time and expertise to improve patient care by promoting the implementation of best practices and treatments across disciplines through continuing education and training and accelerating dissemination of research into practice. 
• Brainline. www.brainline.org/military-veterans. BrainLine is a national multimedia project offering authoritative information and support to anyone whose life has been affected by brain injury or PTSD: people with brain injuries, their family and friends, and the professionals who work with them. BrainLine also provides military-specific information and resources on traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to veterans, service members, and their families. Through BrainLine, we seek to provide a sense of community, a place where people who care about brain injury can go 24 hours a day for information, support, and ideas. 
• Chennault Aviation & Military Museum. www.chennaultmuseum.org. PTSD meetings 1^st and 3^rd Wednesdays of each month, 3-4/4:30 p.m. Led by Dr. Mitch Young, PhD, LPC, NCC, and a Vietnam Veteran. Call 318-362-5540 for more information.
• Fort Freedom. www.myfortfreedom.org. Based in Florida, Fort Freedom frees veterans from the imprisonment of PTSD and guides them to a newfound sense of purpose. As a non-profit, veteran-owned and operated organization, we’re well aware of the struggles that come with returning home. We offer a life-restoring program supported by holistic and wellness-based services. Our experts range from fitness instructors and nutrition coaches to trauma therapists.
  • Phone: (561) 208-1853
• Heroes to Heroes. www.heroestoheroes.org. Heroes to Heroes provides spiritual healing and peer support for combat veterans who have attempted suicide or are on a path to self-destruction due to moral injury and PTSD. We believe that no veteran should have to fight their battles alone, which is why our program is designed to help veterans heal, reconnect with their communities, and find forgiveness. We are a non-denominational 501(c)(3) organization.
• Homecoming For Veterans. www.homecoming4veterans.org. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homecoming4vets. Neurofeedback (EEG Feedback) is training in brain function based on information derived from the EEG (electroencephalogram). With such training, rapid recovery can be achieved for the relief of PTSD symptoms that include sleep problems, pain, irritability, anger, and rage, as well as cognitive deficits. The training can also help soldiers recover from drug, alcohol, and tobacco dependency. The training is based on reinforcement of better regulated brain behavior as judged by the EEG. The repetition of this exercise for a number of thirty-minute sessions leads typically to improved cognitive function and improved emotional control. The work is success-oriented rather than deficit-focused. It is a fitness strategy that avoids the jargon of mental health and suits the soldier’s natural orientation toward a training and fitness program. Substantial functional recoveries and even functional enhancements are routine. We urge veterans to avail themselves of this free service. There is no need to live with nightmares, flashbacks, loss of emotional control, lack of energy, and inability to plan for the future. Even chronic pain can be substantially helped. And if you are suffering physical injuries, your brain should not also be your problem. When it comes to symptoms you have not had before, stop thinking it’s you. Start thinking it may just be a matter of your brain, and that remedies are available and highly accessible. (P.S. The VA offers only very limited access to neurofeedback at this time.)
• Horses for Heroes. www.horsesforheroes.org Cowboy Up! Program:
  Cowboy Up! is a unique horsemanship, wellness and Skill-set Restructuring program based in Santa Fe, NM free to ALL post 9/11 Veterans and active military (both men and women) especially those who have sustained PTSD (We like to call it Post Traumatic SPIRITUAL DISSONANCE, physical injuries 0r have experienced combat trauma during their time serving our country. We provide a unique environment and opportunity in which post 9/11 and active military can Reconnect, Re-create and Reintegrate, essentially giving them a New Mission. Cowboy Up! consists of performance objectives centered on a natural horsemanship school of thought where horse and handler bond through communication, trust and understanding of the horses’ natural instincts. Participants also learn techniques of handling livestock while horseback and afoot.
• International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. www.istss.org. The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies is dedicated to sharing information about the effects of trauma and the discovery and dissemination of knowledge about policy, program and service initiatives that seek to reduce traumatic stressors and their immediate and long-term consequences. ISTSS is an international interdisciplinary professional organization that promotes advancement and exchange of knowledge about traumatic stress. 
• National Center for PTSD. www.ptsd.va.gov. We are the world’s leading research and educational center of excellence on PTSD and traumatic stress. PTSD is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. It’s normal to have upsetting memories, feel on edge, or have trouble sleeping after this type of event. If symptoms last more than a few months, it may be PTSD. The good news is that there are effective treatments.
• Operation Warrior Resolution. www.operationwarriorresolution.org. To transform veterans to health and wellness. To provide innovative, holistic treatments for mental health to veterans and their family members; alleviating PTSD, anxiety and other mental health related issues.
• PTSD: Specialized Care and Supportive Services Article. www.nursingeducation.org/resources/ptsd-in-patients. Stressful and traumatic events happen throughout life. Being frightened and having an added layer of tension while you process these emotions is a normal reaction. If you begin to have flashbacks, recurring memories or dreams, distressing thoughts, or physical symptoms of stress about the event, you may have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Let’s delve into understanding PTSD and explore various care options available to help you through this difficult time. 
• Real Warriors, www.realwarriors.net, The Real Warriors Campaign promotes a culture of support for psychological health by encouraging the military community to reach out for help whether coping with the daily stresses of military life, or concerns like depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. Founded in 2009, the campaign supports the Defense Department’s Psychological Health Center of Excellence in its mission to break the stigma associated with psychological health concerns and encourage those who are coping with a psychological health concern to seek help. The campaign links service members, veterans and their families with care and provides free, confidential resources including online articles, print materials, videos and podcasts. If you or someone you know is coping with any concerns, know that reaching out is a sign of strength. Talk to a health care provider or start with one of many available resources on the Real Warriors Campaign website, including the Psychological Health Resource Center where you can speak with a confidential health resource consultant 24/7.
• SOF Missions, www.sofmissions.com, PTSD therapy. Christian based group offering holistic and spiritual guidance to help veterans suffering from negative impacts of combat. Based out of Florida. For more information on this program from a local liaison with experience, call Layne Smith 318-307-8321.
• Southern Brain and Body Solutions. www.southernbrainandbody.com. FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthernBrainAndBody. We are a natural health care provider, Southern Brain and Body Solutions, that provides neurofeedback for those suffering with PTSD, Anxiety, Depression and more. We are part of a neurofeedback group called Homecoming for Veterans. As a member of the group we provide neurofeedback/brain training to one discharged veteran at a time for 20 sessions at no charge. This system has been successfully used at Camp Pendleton to help soldiers suffering with PTSD. We do not use drugs to rewire the brain but get to the root of the problem and help it function optimally in a natural way there by reducing symptoms and sometimes medication. Once we are done the results are permanent.
  • Phone/Location:
    • 985.626.4422
    • 2201 11th Street
    • Mandeville, LA 70471
• Stay Honest Association. https://www.stayhonest.org/guide/using-cannabis-safely-to-help-veterans-with-ptsd-post-traumatic-stress-disorder/. Our non-profit association, StayHonest.org, is a network of academic experts set to provide consumers with data-driven and research-supported information on CBD, cannabis and how it affects our society. We have created what we believe to be the most comprehensive, easy-to-read guide on assisting veterans with PTSD, as well as exploring whether CBD is a safe medical option to consider. We are featuring our expert, Dr. Stephen Willis, who is a former instructor for Harvard University and a member of the American Psychological Association and its Society of Consulting Psychology. Our guides are featured on the US Department of Veteran Affairs, Virginia Tech, PTA.org, The University of Iowa and others.
• The Headstrong Project. www.theheadstrongproject.org. Veteran-founded in 2012, we are one of the nation’s leading mental health care providers for military, veterans, and their associated family members. We have developed a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive treatment program addressing the psychological aftermath of trauma. Treatment is both collaborative and evidence-based. Headstrong commits to supporting those who bravely served their country, regardless of service era or discharge status, and battle daily with the impact of trauma. We deliver the treatment, tools, and support needed to win that battle. Confidential. Barrier-free. Stigma-free. 
• The HERO Program. https://heroprogramnb.com/. The mission of the HERO program is to provide the most modern, evidence based treatment modalities available to evaluate and treat military Heroes with issues commonly experienced by service members such as psychiatric, chemical dependency and/or co-occurring disorders related to military service/combat and understanding day to day life. We serve veterans and active duty personnel of all branches of the U.S. military, male and female, of all ages. Our HERO program provides the highest quality of care and treatment for those veteran service members experiencing emotional, behavioral, cognitive and chemical dependency issues. Our treatment includes:
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • 12-Step Facilitation (TSF)
  • Specific therapies for individual needs

  We treat with a holistic approach in a safe and secure environment. We acknowledge that each veteran/service member has their own aspiration for treatment outcomes and hope to help realize the goals associated with the above.

• The Mighty Oaks Foundation, www.mightyoaksprograms.org, The Mighty Oaks Foundation is a faith-based Veteran service organization that teaches combat Veterans struggling with Post Traumatic Stress how to get beyond combat trauma and live their lives in the manner God intended. Many combat vets are unable to reintegrate back into civilian life, leaving their families to deal with the aftermath of broken homes and suicide at times. By aligning their lives to Biblical principles, these Warriors are able to lead their families, their communities and our nation. Our mission is to serve and restore our nation’s Warriors and families, who have endured hardship through their service to America, and to help them find a new life purpose through hope in Christ and our resiliency and peer-to-peer recovery programs.
• The Road Home Program. www.roadhomeprogram.org. PTSD & MST help. Held at The Center for Veterans and Their Families at Rush University Medical Center.  Services include an intensive outpatient PTSD program where food, lodging and travel expenses are covered for veterans and support people. In some circumstances, their program may also be able to help cover other expenses incurred during the three-week stay as well. 
• USA Re-Boot Resort. www.usarebootresort.org. This is a week-long camp for treating the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress. The Louisiana camps are held on 800 acres of rolling hills in Dubach, LA. Evidence based therapies include EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), Equine Therapy, Brain Wave Optimization, Community Resilience Model and IBAM (Integrated Breathing and Movement). All therapies are brought together for the duration of the camp. For more information, please visit the website. At this time, these camps are held in Louisiana, Idaho and California. Contact: Johnny Urrutia 208-280-0576 and Pam Cannon 318-355-7673
• Vet Center, www.vetcenter.va.gov, Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active duty service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. Readjustment counseling is offered to make a successful transition from military to civilian life or after a traumatic event experienced in the military. Individual, group, marriage and family counseling is offered in addition to referral and connection to other VA or community benefits and services. Vet Center counselors and outreach staff, many of whom are Veterans themselves, are experienced and prepared to discuss the tragedies of war, loss, grief and transition after trauma.
• Warrior Bonfire Program. www.warriorbonfireprogram.org. Warrior Bonfire Program provides opportunities that improve the lives of enemy combat-wounded veterans Purple Heart recipients on their lifelong journey of recovery and healing. Your donations create activity-based, stress-free environments that promote camaraderie and therapeutic healing. We place warriors, wounded in combat with others of a similar experience, in a stress free, safe and secure settings designed to help our Purple Hearts become better individuals, discover their post service purpose, and encourage building strong family and community relationships.
• Warrior Horse. www.warriorhorse.net. FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/warriorhorse. @warriorhorse.  Warrior Horse transforms the lives of military veterans, one horse at a time. The Warrior Horse program uses a personalized and interactive equine-assisted method, which we call the Bonding Process to assist military veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to begin their recovery from this debilitating disorder. Our program is open to current and former members of the armed forces of the United States who have been diagnosed with PTSD and have had some let down period after a tour of active duty. The program is provided at no financial cost to the veterans. Warrior Horse is a 501(c)3 organization, and offers a three-day program, at various dates throughout the year. We serve five military veterans per program and will expand the program as our funding permits. The Warrior Horse program is supervised and operated by the Executive Director and founder, Kevin Russell. All of Warrior Horse’s operations are conducted in Frierson, Louisiana, where the headquarters of Warrior Horse is located.

• Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/black-bayou-lake. Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located within the City Limits of Monroe and offers easily accessible opportunities for visitors to spend time in nature birdwatching, taking photos, paddling, hunting, fishing, hiking, and so much more.
• Heroes on the Water, www.heroesonthewater.org, A 501(c)3 veterans charity, creates alternative therapeutic programs to serve veterans, active duty, first responders, and their families to help relax, rehabilitate and reintegrate through kayak fishing and the outdoors.
• Louisiana Hunters for Heroes. www.louisianahuntersforheroes.org. FaceBook: @huntersforheroes https://www.facebook.com/louisianahuntersforheroes/ .  Louisiana Hunters for Heroes is a non-profit dedicated to giving back to the wounded veterans of our great country’s military by introducing them to the joys of hunting and the great outdoors.
• Military Wild. www.militarywild.com. www.facebook.com/militarywild. @militarywild. We’re here to connect military families with each other and the wild places we live through community and adventure in the outdoors. Not every military family, spouse, or service member has an identical story, but we all know what it’s like to feel alone, to crave relationships, and to desire connection with the landscapes we live in. Our founders and ambassadors believe that laughter, struggles, bravery, and adventures in the outdoors bring us closer together and teach us love for the places we live. It doesn’t matter how many miles you’ve hiked or how heavy your pack is – adventure is out there anywhere for anyone. You deserve a community that supports you. You deserve adventure that makes you feel alive. You deserve friendships that last far beyond duty stations. So pack your backpack, grab your trail snacks, leave room for post-hike tacos, and let’s adventure together.
• National Resource Directory, www.nrd.gov, a searchable national database of resources vetted for the use of service members, veterans, family members and caregivers. Benefits & Compensation, Education & Training, Employment, Family & Caregiver Support, Health, Homeless Assistance, Housing, Military Adaptive Sports Program, Transportation & Travel.
• OWL Center. www.lumcfs.org/owl-center/ Our purpose is to create opportunities for personal growth and development through experiential learning activities and use of our facilities. We strive to provide programming that is challenging, beneficial, and financially accessible, in a peaceful environment that is conducive to learning and healing.
• Spartan Adventure Park. www.spartanadventurepark.com– Veterans jump free!
• Warrior Bonfire Program. www.warriorbonfireprogram.org. Warrior Bonfire Program provides opportunities that improve the lives of enemy combat-wounded veterans Purple Heart recipients on their lifelong journey of recovery and healing. Your donations create activity-based, stress-free environments that promote camaraderie and therapeutic healing. We place warriors, wounded in combat with others of a similar experience, in a stress free, safe and secure settings designed to help our Purple Hearts become better individuals, discover their post service purpose, and encourage building strong family and community relationships.
• Warrior Hunts, www.facebook.com/warriorhunts, Therapy through the outdoors for veterans and their families. Email: warriorhunts@gmail.com

• Operation Red Wings Foundation. www.orwfoundation.org. The ORWF Retreat was developed with YOU in mind. Led by a Veteran who works alongside licensed therapists & a certified yoga instructor, you will receive a variety of therapeutic approaches to help you learn how to manage Service-related trauma and symptoms you may be experiencing. Do you want support navigating life after Service? Are you interested in learning strategies to manage Post-traumatic Stress, Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, and chronic pain? Are you in need of the company of people who actually get what you’re going through? Our Retreats provide all these things & more. You will receive the tools you need to take control of your life. We offer retreats at no cost to you, that will introduce therapeutic approaches to the symptoms you have due to Service-related trauma. Are you ready to take the next step on your journey? 

• A Guide to Psychiatric Service Dogs. https://www.zocdoc.com/blog/a-guide-to-psychiatric-service-dogs/. Helpful guide with information on the classification of service animals, how they help, what they’re trained for, and how to qualify to get one.
• America’s VetDogs. vetdogs.org. FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericasVetDogs. The service dog programs of America’s VetDogs were created to provide enhanced mobility and renewed independence to veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities, allowing them to once again live with pride and self-reliance. America’s VetDogs specializes placing highly-skilled service and guide dogs to individuals with physical injuries, PTSD, hearing and vision loss, and seizures. Our mission is to help those who have served our country honorably live with dignity and independence. All services are provided at no cost — including transportation to and from our campus in Smithtown, New York, instruction, and more.
  • Phone/Location:
    • 1-631-930-9000
    • (Toll-free in the U.S.) 1-800-548-4337
    • 371 East Jericho Turnpike,
    • Smithtown, NY 11787-2976
• Canine Companions. www.canine.org/service-dogs/our-dogs/veterans-initiative/. Canine Companions places service dogs with military veterans and veterans with disabilities entirely free of charge. Service dogs can assist veterans with a variety of physical, auditory and trauma-related disabilities. Canine Companions expertly trained service dogs can perform physical tasks to enhance independence, including retrieving dropped items, opening doors, picking up prosthetics and alerting a veteran with hearing loss to important sounds in their environment.
• Patriot Paws. patriotpaws.org. FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/PatriotPAWS. The mission of Patriot PAWS is to train and provide service dogs of the highest quality at no cost to disabled American veterans and others with mobile disabilities in order to help restore their physical and emotional independence. Patriot PAWS intends to build partnerships with state and community organizations to help develop and support this goal.
  • Phone/Location:
    • (972) 772-3282
    • 254 Ranch Trail
    • Rockwall, TX, 75032
• Train A Dog-Save A Warrior. www.tadsaw.org. FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/postwarbuddy. The TADSAW, INC. mission is to provide for the training of a Medical Alert Service Dog, as designated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990/2010 guidelines, for any wounded Veteran Service Member (Active Duty. Retired, Discharged) surviving with Military Induced Anxiety Depression Syndrome (MIADS), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and/or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), in order to restore and improve the Veteran’s Quality of Life with a canine Battle Buddy, at NO CHARGE to the Veteran or the family.
  • Phone/Location:
    • (210)-643-2901
    • 13423 Blanco Rd. Suite 218
    • San Antonio, TX 78216

• Blue Star Mothers of NELA. www.facebook.com/BlueStarsChapter6/ Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. is a national 501c3 non-profit org. made up of mothers, mostly, of active duty and honorably discharged military
• Building a Career as a Military Spouse. https://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/career-guide-military-spouse/. Since many military spouses struggle to build a career compatible with their partner’s service, our experts created a guide offering resume and networking tips, a list of career resources, and advice on how to build a meaningful career on the go.
• Chennault Aviation and Military Museum. www.chennaultmuseum.org More than just a museum! Offer Veterans outreach services, education programs, and international opportunities.
• Child Care Aware. www.childcareaware.org. Child Care Aware of America (CCAoA) works with a national network of more than 500 child care resource and referral (CCR&Rs) agencies and other partners to ensure that all families have access to quality, affordable child care. CCAoA leads projects that increase the quality and availability of child care, conducts research, and advocates for child care policies that positively impact the lives of children and families. CCAoA also provides child care assistance for military families through Fee Assistance and Respite Child Care Programs that have served more than 150,000 families and worked with more than 60,000 child care providers over nearly two decades.
• Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana. www.childrenscoalition.org/. The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana is dedicated to creating communities where children and families thrive. We address the needs of children and youth ages 0-18 in four main areas: Early Care and Education, Healthy Living, Parent Education and Youth Development. We are located in Downtown Monroe, Louisiana and we serve the northeast region of Louisiana which includes the following parishes:
  • Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union, and West Carroll.

  We always need a helping hand, and all volunteers are welcome! With events like Super Saturday, Dragon Boat Festival, and more there are opportunities to get involved with us. Learn more about volunteering and sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest information.

  • Location/Contact:
  • 117 Hall St. Monroe, LA 71201
  • 318-323-8775
• Coaching into Care, www.mirecc.va.gov/coaching, Coaching Into Care is a national telephone service of the VA which aims to educate, support, and empower family members and friends who are seeking care or services for a Veteran. Our goal is to help Veterans, their family members, and other loved ones find the appropriate services at their local VA facilities and/or in their community. We also provide coaching to family and friends of Veterans who see that a Veteran in their life may be having difficulty adjusting to civilian life. Coaching is provided by licensed psychologists or social workers, free-of-charge. Coaching involves helping our callers figure out how to motivate the Veteran to seek treatment. We can help you get information about mental health, services at the VA and tips on how to begin the conversation about treatment with a loved one who is a Veteran.
• Easterseals. www.easterseals.com/louisiana/. Easterseals is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through life-changing disability and community services. For more than 100 years, we have worked tirelessly with our partners to enhance quality of life and expand local access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. And we won’t rest until every one of us is valued, respected, and accepted. Through our national network of affiliates, Easterseals provides essential services and on-the-ground supports to more than 1.5 million people each year — from early childhood programs for the critical first five years, to Autism services, to medical rehabilitation and employment programs, to veterans’ services, and more. Our public education, policy, and advocacy initiatives positively shape perceptions and address the urgent and evolving needs of the one in four Americans living with disabilities today. Together, we’re empowering people with disabilities, families and communities to be full and equal participants in society. 
• Every Warrior. www.everywarrior.org. We envision a culture where every Warrior serving in our Armed Forces receives support, finds value, has purpose, embraces potential, and uses their influence to make a difference.
• Families Helping Families Network. www.fhfnela.org. Families Helping Families is one of the lead resource centers serving individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in Northeast Louisiana. Disabilities include physical, mental, emotional, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities. Caring for individuals with disabilities takes a wealth of support, knowledge, and information and the FHF center is uniquely committed to serving this population. Each staff member at FHF is personally connected to the disability community and has the experience through which they are able to give families first-hand information and encouragement. The FHF Center utilizes a parent-driven, coordinated network of services to assist families in achieving the ultimate goal of full inclusion for individuals with disabilities. The Center provides information and referral, education and training, peer to peer support, and advocacy training to strengthen and empower families. By building upon its networks with local, regional, and state agencies such as Children’s Special Health Services, the Louisiana State Department of Education, the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, the FHF Center has successfully assisted thousands of families in connecting to services and understanding their rights and responsibilities which allow individuals to live, work, and play in our communities. Families Helping Families of Northeast Louisiana, Inc. serves the 12 parishes that comprise Region 8 — Ouachita, Richland, Franklin, Caldwell, Tensas, East Carroll, West Carroll, Madison, Union, Morehouse, Jackson, and Lincoln.
  • Location/Contact:
  • 5200 Northeast Road Monroe Louisiana 71203
  • 318-361-0487
• Folds of Honor. www.foldsorhonor.org/. Honor Their Sacrifice. Educate Their Legacy. Provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled service members.
• Louisiana Nation Guard Youth Challenge Program. www.langycp.com The mission of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of 16-18 year-old youths, producing program graduates with the values, life skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as productive citizens.
• Macaroni Kid Monroe — West Monroe. www.monroela.macaronikid.com/ For list of children’s activities in Monroe/West Monroe area.
• MedCamps of Louisiana. www.medcamps.org. Our mission is to improve the health and wellness of people living with chronic illnesses and disabilities through unique recreational and educational camping experiences. We believe that all people, regardless of medical or special needs, deserve to experience life to the fullest and that camping is an American tradition which epitomizes normalcy and provides participants with a sense of well-being, belonging, accomplishment and self-worth. In light of these beliefs our mission is to provide at no charge a medically supervised residential camping experience that supports growth in the physical, social and emotional aspects of the life of a young person with special needs by developing normalcy, confidence and independence within each participant.
• Mental Health First Aid. www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org. Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance-use issues. Mental Health First Aid takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems by improving understanding and providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental illness or substance use disorder. When more people are equipped with the tools they need to start a dialogue, more people can get the help they need. Mental Health First Aiders are a vital link between someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge and appropriate support. 
• Military Spouse Advocacy Network, www.militaryspouseadvocacynetwork.org, Facebook: MSAN — New Military Spouse Support Forum. Peer-to-peer mentorship and support to all new military spouses from the beginning. Finance, deployment & reintegration, career & employment, mental health, wellness and education.
• Military Wild. www.militarywild.com. www.facebook.com/militarywild. @militarywild. We’re here to connect military families with each other and the wild places we live through community and adventure in the outdoors. Not every military family, spouse, or service member has an identical story, but we all know what it’s like to feel alone, to crave relationships, and to desire connection with the landscapes we live in. Our founders and ambassadors believe that laughter, struggles, bravery, and adventures in the outdoors bring us closer together and teach us love for the places we live. It doesn’t matter how many miles you’ve hiked or how heavy your pack is – adventure is out there anywhere for anyone. You deserve a community that supports you. You deserve adventure that makes you feel alive. You deserve friendships that last far beyond duty stations. So pack your backpack, grab your trail snacks, leave room for post-hike tacos, and let’s adventure together.
• MilSpouse Money Mission. www.milspousemoneymission.org. FaceBook: @MilSpouseMM https://www.facebook.com/MilSpouseMM/.   MilSpouse Money Mission was created by a team of financial professionals who understand military life because they have experienced military life. Our goal is to educate and empower military spouses to help them make smart money moves. Why? Because military spouses usually manage the finances in their households, but they don’t have to do it alone. Our team combines passion and expertise to ensure you get the most accurate and relevant information. Take comfort knowing Certified Financial Planner professionals, an Accredited Financial Counselor and the Department of Defense Office of Financial Readiness have vetted the content on this site. We provide free financial education and resources. We’re simply here to help!
• Mission 22, www.mission22.com, is looking for Mission Troopers! These are students who support, honor, and respect our military veterans. Duties include:
  • Tell everyone (veterans included) how awesome veterans are and how important they are to the world.
  • Represent Mission 22 with pride and honor at school and in your community.
  • Volunteer at events that benefit veterans.
  • Always be aware of veterans in your community and reach out to them, even just to say hello.
  • Be a positive role model for others.
  • Hold fundraisers to raise awareness and support for Mission 22.
  • Respect our flag.
• Moose Lodge. www.mooseintl.org. West Monroe, LA Moose Lodge: https://www.facebook.com/westmonroemooselodge1723.  In our local Lodges, you will find a wide array of activities to participate in both as an individual and as a family. From holiday parties, dances, sports, themed dinners and live entertainment, the Moose has much to offer. Membership can mean different things to different people. You are the one determining what you want to get out of the organization, and what you want to give back. The Moose is about celebrating life together, serving those in need within our local community, supporting our children at Mooseheart and standing by our senior members at Moosehaven.
• National Child Identification Program. https://childidprogram.com/the-id-kit/. The National Child Identification Program Inkless Fingerprint I.D. Kit. This is the only In-Home Identification Kit to have partnered with and been approved by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This kit allows parents to take, store and control their child’s fingerprints/DNA in their own home.
• National Resource Directory, www.nrd.gov, a searchable national database of resources vetted for the use of service members, veterans, family members and caregivers. Benefits & Compensation, Education & Training, Employment, Family & Caregiver Support, Health, Homeless Assistance, Housing, Military Adaptive Sports Program, Transportation & Travel.
• Office of Family Programs and Child and Youth Programs, www.geauxguard.la.gov/office-of-family-programs
  • Receive messages about Services or Events from La. National Guard Family Programs: TEXT 81010
• Operation Heal Our Patriots, www.samaritanspurse.org/patriots, Operation Heal Our Patriots, a ministry project of Samaritan’s Purse, focuses on bringing spiritual refreshment, physical renewal, and marriage enrichment to wounded and injured U.S. military service members and their spouses. To thank these brave men and women for their service and sacrifice, we offer programs uniquely developed to strengthen the marriage relationship and build hope for the future through the transforming power of God’s Word.
• Operation Homefront. www.operationhomefront.org. Our mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive, not simply struggle to get by, in the communities – OUR communities – they have worked so hard to protect. A key aspect of our mission is to ensure that military families have access to the support and resources they need to stay strong, stable, and secure in the face of adversity. As a military family support organization, we strive to provide respect and understanding to our military families while ensuring that all families in need of assistance receive it.
• Our H.O.M.E. (Honor, Opportunity, Mindset, Encouragement). Facebook: www.facebook.com/OurHOME.Vet. Our HOME is an organization that believes that our Veterans and their families deserve to live a healthy lifestyle balance. We help encourage Veterans and their families to do so by connecting them with the services and support groups that are the right fit for them.
• Our Military Kids. https://www.ourmilitarykids.org/. FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/OurMilitaryKids/. Our Military Kids supports military children (ages 3 – 18) by funding sports, arts, and other extracurricular activities while a parent is deployed with the National Guard, deployed with the Reserve, or recovering from severe injuries sustained in a post-9/11 overseas mission. Participation in these activities helps military children cope with stress and build self-confidence during an otherwise difficult time in their lives.
• OWL Center. www.lumcfs.org/owl-center/ Our purpose is to create opportunities for personal growth and development through experiential learning activities and use of our facilities. We strive to provide programming that is challenging, beneficial, and financially accessible, in a peaceful environment that is conducive to learning and healing.
• PILLAR, The Digital Retreat for Deployment Countdowns. https://pillardeploymentretreat.com/. 100% online! There’s no need to do your hair or leave the house–we’ll be hosting speakers, giveaways, and discussions all day from our interactive Facebook group. PILLAR is partnering with seasoned military spouses & lifestyle experts to bring you short, actionable advice about everything from long-distance relationships to managing the stress of a deployment. Each presentation is 5-15 minutes and can be watched any time you’re available! It’s not just about learning–this weekend is a true retreat including opportunities for connection, actionable growth, and relaxation.  We’ll have everything from panel discussions to yoga and vision-boarding sessions. Fill up a cup of your favorite beverage and join the party!
• Real Warriors, www.realwarriors.net, The Real Warriors Campaign promotes a culture of support for psychological health by encouraging the military community to reach out for help whether coping with the daily stresses of military life, or concerns like depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. Founded in 2009, the campaign supports the Defense Department’s Psychological Health Center of Excellence in its mission to break the stigma associated with psychological health concerns and encourage those who are coping with a psychological health concern to seek help. The campaign links service members, veterans and their families with care and provides free, confidential resources including online articles, print materials, videos and podcasts. If you or someone you know is coping with any concerns, know that reaching out is a sign of strength. Talk to a health care provider or start with one of many available resources on the Real Warriors Campaign website, including the Psychological Health Resource Center where you can speak with a confidential health resource consultant 24/7.
• Spartan Adventure Park. www.spartanadventurepark.com– Veterans jump free!
• The Center for Children and Families. www.standforhope.org. The Center for Children and Families is redefining the way children in crisis are being served in communities throughout Louisiana. What began in 1999 as a tiny one-room office has now grown into a thriving, nationally recognized non-profit agency that stands as a beacon of hope for those in crisis situations. Our mission is to promote safe, healthy environments through advocacy, counseling, education, and prevention services. Community, Respect, Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Empowerment, and Excellence are the stated core values at The Center for Children and Families. These are the key factors in the long-term success of our agency, and we believe that these core values are present in every employee and are the foundation for our philosophy, culture, and practices.
• The Family Resource Center for Northeast Louisiana. www.childrenscoalition.org/frc.html. A program of the Children’s Coalition for NELA. Although our primary purpose is to provide parent education, visit coaching and a safe environment for families and children receiving services through DCFS Child Protective Services, our ultimate goal is to provide comprehensive parenting education, resources and information. The Family Resource Center for Northeast Louisiana serves families and parents at no cost in the following parishes:
  • Bienville
  • Caldwell
  • East Carroll
  • Franklin
  • Jackson
  • Lincoln
  • Madison
  • Morehouse
  • Ouachita
  • Richland
  • Tensas
  • Union
  • West Carroll
• United Through Reading. www.utr.org. Deployments and frequent separations are a reality for military families. In fact, every year, more than 100,000 military parents deploy leaving nearly 250,000 children at home. That’s millions of bedtime stories missed each year by military children. United Through Reading knows that hearing a parent’s voice and seeing their face is a truly unique experience that cannot be replaced. That’s why our storytime video recordings are able to be watched on-demand with their own copy of the book, whenever the child misses their service member. Being read to by a parent helps military children feel like their parents are closer to home, reducing stress and anxiety levels and making it easier to cope while their parents are away. Our storytime video recordings also have many developmental benefits for military children. The shared read aloud experience expands their literacy, vocabulary, and imagination. Also, according to a National Academies of Sciences study, reading stories aloud is associated with positive child outcomes in emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and social competence. United Through Reading provides benefits for all military family members, not just children. Through these storytime video recordings, servicemembers are also able to maintain close emotional bonds with their families at home, reducing feelings of separation or loneliness and helping them reintegrate to home life when they return. United Through Reading’s free program is available to all branches of the military, regardless of duty status, including Veterans.
• USA Cares Veteran & Family Support System. www.usacares.org. USA Cares’ mission is to provide post-9/11 military veterans, service members, and their families with financial assistance and post service skills training to create a foundation for long-term stability.  Our services improve the quality of life for veterans and their families and reduce potential factors that can contribute to veteran suicide. 
• Vet Center, www.vetcenter.va.gov, Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active duty service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. Readjustment counseling is offered to make a successful transition from military to civilian life or after a traumatic event experienced in the military. Individual, group, marriage and family counseling is offered in addition to referral and connection to other VA or community benefits and services. Vet Center counselors and outreach staff, many of whom are Veterans themselves, are experienced and prepared to discuss the tragedies of war, loss, grief and transition after trauma.
• Vets 4 Warriors. www.vets4warriors.com. 1-855-838-8255. Vets4Warriors, housed at the Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care National Call Center, is a one-of-a-kind, 24/7 peer support network. We operate completely independent of the VA and the U.S. military. We maintain this independence so callers can feel confident that everything they share with us when we connect will always remain 100% confidential. Our program complements official government resources available to service members, veterans, family members and caregivers, but remains separate from them. This allows us to ensure that every caller always has access to every available resource to meet their needs, whatever those needs may be. And we are constantly taking steps to expand our resource network as well so that we are always able to provide access to the most comprehensive options for care that we can. We are committed to ensuring that every member of the military community in need of support always has direct and immediate access to a peer who understands what they are going through. 
• Volunteers of America Veterans Services. www.voanorthla.org/veterans. Many veterans find their military experience does not quite prepare them for civilian life or sometimes the trauma of war makes the transition more complicated. We are committed to serve those who have served us, whether homeless or struggling to find stability. Currently we offer a full continuum of services for veterans ranging from emergency shelter to permanent housing all with the necessary support to move forward and live independently.
  • Supportive Services for Veteran Families. As more veterans continue to struggle when they return from war and leave the service, Volunteers of America is here to provide a short-term safety net for very low-income veterans and their families. Through emotional and financial support, we can prevent homelessness and help veterans in transition to find safe, stable housing.

• Sugar Bear Foundation. www.thesugarbearfoundation.org. The mission of the foundation is to support the Gold Star/Surviving Spouses (Active-Duty and Service-Connected loss) and children of fallen United States military personnel by providing career, educational, financial, and wellness programs to help meet their immediate and ongoing needs, fostering their personal, emotional, and social well-being. 
• Survivor Outreach Services, www.sos.army.mil, Facebook: Louisiana Army Survivor Outreach Services. Help connect families of fallen active, guard, and reserves members with people and services to help through the grieving process.SOS Support Coordinator and their areas:
  • Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, Union, Lincoln, Jackson, Bienville, Red River, Desoto, Sabine, Natchitoches, Winn, Grant, Vernon, Beauregard, Allen, Calcasieu, Jefferson Davis, Cameron Parishes: Clarence Harmonson, 337-531-1940/1941, l.harmonson.civ@mail.mil

   

  • Morehouse, West Carrol, East Carrol, Ouachita, Richland, Madison, Caldwell, Franklin, Tensas, LaSalle, Catahoula, Concordia, Rapides, Avoyelles, Evangeline, St. Landry, Acadia, Lafayette, Vermilion, Iberia Parishes: Melissa Primeaux, 337-212-1715, tony.t.kennedy.ctr@army.mil

   

  • Martin, Iberville, Iberia, St. Mary, St. Martin, Assumption, St. James, St. John, St. Charles, Jefferson, Plaquemines, LaFourche, Terrebonne Parishes: Melissa Scott, 5074-552-5836, Melissa.y.scott2.civ@mail.mil

   

  • West Feliciana, East Feliciana, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, Washington, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge, Livingston, St. Tammany, Ascension, Orleans, St. Bernard Parishes: Maggie Cabot, 504-278-8189, e.cabot.ctr@mail.mil
• Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). www.taps.org. TAPS is the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources for all those grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one. Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope 24/7 through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones. TAPS provides a variety of programs to survivors nationally and worldwide. Our National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp has been held annually in Washington, D.C., over Memorial Day weekend since 1994. TAPS also conducts regional survivor seminars for adults and youth programs at locations across the country, as well as retreats and expeditions around the world. Staff can get you connected to counseling in your community and help navigate benefits and resources. If you are grieving the loss of a fallen service member, or if you know someone who can use our support, the TAPS 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline is always available toll-free with loving support and resources at 800-959-TAPS (8277). 

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. www.afsp.org/military-and-veteran-suicide-prevention/. AFSP is committed to protecting those who protect us and believes that Veteran and military suicide prevention must continue to be a national priority. Currently, AFSP is focused on supporting the passage of legislation that prioritizes suicide prevention for Veterans, Service members, and their families, enhancing programs that target at-risk Veterans, and aiding the Department of Veteran’s Affairs in its mission to serve and honor our former Service members. 
• Heroes to Heroes. www.heroestoheroes.org. Heroes to Heroes provides spiritual healing and peer support for combat veterans who have attempted suicide or are on a path to self-destruction due to moral injury and PTSD. We believe that no veteran should have to fight their battles alone, which is why our program is designed to help veterans heal, reconnect with their communities, and find forgiveness. We are a non-denominational 501(c)(3) organization.
• Mental Health First Aid. www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org. Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance-use issues. Mental Health First Aid takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems by improving understanding and providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental illness or substance use disorder. When more people are equipped with the tools they need to start a dialogue, more people can get the help they need. Mental Health First Aiders are a vital link between someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge and appropriate support. 
• National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. www.theactionalliance.org. Established in 2010, the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance) is the nation’s public-private partnership for suicide prevention, working with more than 250 national partners to advance the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. Current Action Alliance priority areas include: transforming health systems, transforming communities, and changing the conversation. 
• National Depression Hotline. www.nationaldepressionhotline.org. (866) 629-4564. The National Depression Hotline is a nationwide resource for people struggling with depression. We know how hard it is to find reliable, and free resources to help yourself or a loved one. This website does just that. If you want to talk, getting help for depression is only a phone call away. Our free hotline is available 24/7.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-yourself/veterans/.     1-800-273-8255. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We’re committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.
• Resources for Suicide Prevention. https://onlinemftprograms.com/suicide-prevention/. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal ideation or thoughts of harming yourself, help is out there. This site lists resources for suicide prevention that you can use for yourself or pass along to someone you know. Consider an online MFT program and learn how you can help families by preventing suicide among struggling individuals.
• Roger: Modern Mental Wellness for the Military Community. www.goroger.org. ROGER is the mental wellness resource for the military community, built to serve all branches and every generation regardless of discharge status. We deliver innovative mental wellness care via telehealth, at absolutely no cost to you. Whether you served one day, 20+ years or anywhere in between, ROGER is for you. With 24/7 coverage, we’re here when you need us. 
• Stop Soldier Suicide. https://stopsoldiersuicide.org/get-help/ U.S. Army veterans Brian Kinsella, Nick Black, and Craig Gridelli co-founded Stop Soldier Suicide in 2010 amid the worst suicide crisis our military has ever seen. Each of them knew fellow soldiers and veterans who were struggling, and they were determined to create a solution. Today, the risk of suicide is 50% higher for veterans than for their peers who have not served. It’s simply unacceptable — especially given that most suicides are preventable. The problem is clear: The systems in place aren’t working. Getting help isn’t as easy as it should be, and trying to navigate a complicated maze of organizations and resources can be overwhelming when you’re in crisis. We’re here to change that.
• Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE). www.save.org. Call 1.800.273.8255. SAVE was one of the nation’s first organizations dedicated to the prevention of suicide. Our work is based on the foundation and belief that suicide is preventable and everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide. Through raising public awareness, educating communities, and equipping every person with the right tools, we know we can SAVE lives. SAVE is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors and operating under the nonprofit laws of the State of Minnesota. SAVE works at the international, national, state and local levels to prevent suicide using a public health model in suicide prevention; concentrating its efforts on education and awareness. SAVE operates by the guidelines published in the Surgeon Generals Call to Action to Prevent Suicide (1999) and the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (2012). Over the years, SAVE’s Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers have included survivors who bring a special affinity for suicide prevention, along with other skills, to ensure organizational growth, development and effective management and operational talents to the agency.
• Trauma and Resiliency Resources (TRR). www.trrhelp.org. The Mission of Trauma and Resiliency Resources (TRR) is to end military suicides. We do this by focusing on Military Moral Injury© – a term we have coined to describe the wounding to the heart and soul of our warfighters, and to distinguish that experience from what others are calling “moral injuries.” TRR saves the lives of military veterans, and also improves and changes their lives. We do this through our Warrior Camp® program. TRR’s focus is not simply the prevention of veteran suicide, but on improving the day to day lives of our nations combat veterans and the people closest to them. 
• United Way, 2-1-1. www.211.org. Free, confidential service to help connect you to resources within your community to improve your life. The Helpline Center connects you to:
  • Housing, Utilities, food, and other basic needs assistance.
  • Suicide Prevention & Crisis Support
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Community Resources
  • Mental Health Services
• USA Cares Veteran & Family Support System. www.usacares.org. USA Cares’ mission is to provide post-9/11 military veterans, service members, and their families with financial assistance and post service skills training to create a foundation for long-term stability.  Our services improve the quality of life for veterans and their families and reduce potential factors that can contribute to veteran suicide. 
• Veterans Crisis Line. www.veterancrisisline.net. Dial 988 (Press 1). Text 838255.  The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource available to any Veteran, even if they are not enrolled in VA health care or registered with VA. Care does not end when the conversation is over. The Veterans Crisis Line can connect Veterans to their local suicide prevention coordinators (SPC), who follow up to coordinate care.
• VISION Coalition. www.visioncoalition.net. Our team includes veterans, community leaders, and experts in various fields. The VISION coalition works with firearm professionals and instructors, law enforcement officers, community leaders, and healthcare professionals to develop strategies to prevent veteran suicide by creating time and distance between a person in a suicidal crisis and a firearm. The Armory Project is a VISION pilot project that includes firearm retailer partners in South Louisiana who have agreed to provide this storage service for their customers. Many of the retailers involved in the pilot are veterans, and all seek to serve the veteran community as well as cultivate additional community partners to make the project more successful. We are very proud of the dedication and thoughtfulness of our partners.

• Brainline. www.brainline.org/military-veterans. BrainLine is a national multimedia project offering authoritative information and support to anyone whose life has been affected by brain injury or PTSD: people with brain injuries, their family and friends, and the professionals who work with them. BrainLine also provides military-specific information and resources on traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to veterans, service members, and their families. Through BrainLine, we seek to provide a sense of community, a place where people who care about brain injury can go 24 hours a day for information, support, and ideas. 
• Centre For Neuro Skills. www.neuroskills.com. For over 40 years Centre for Neuro Skills® has been recognized as an experienced and respected world leader for providing intensive post-acute community-based brain injury rehabilitation. With facilities in California and Texas, CNS’ specially trained staff offers outcome driven medical treatment, therapeutic rehabilitation and disease management services for individuals recovering from acquired and traumatic brain injury. 
• Shepherd Center: Share Military Initiative. www.shepherd.org/share. Mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can cause a variety of symptoms, including headaches and issues with balance, poor sleep, vision, memory, and problem-solving, among others. But, like every SHARE Military Initiative client, every brain injury is unique. With that in mind, SHARE can customize an evaluation and treatment plan based on a client’s personal needs. 
• Team Seth Foundation. www.teamsethfoundation.org. The Team Seth Foundation for Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness is a community non-profit organization, and our purpose is to offer HOPE, HEALING and ENCOURAGEMENT to those suffering through the most misunderstood injury. We are working to bring greater awareness and understanding to those with a Traumatic Brain Injury. It is the number 1 injury our soldiers defending our freedom in foreign countries are returning home with. 1.4 million people a year receive a T.B.I. in the USA, with 50,000 of those injured resulting in death. With those statistics, in your lifetime either you or someone you love will suffer a T.B.I. We are fortunate to have been given numerous opportunities to speak in many forums on this injury. We have recently stood before our state legislators to lobby for funds for care and assistance for children with this disability and funds for continued care. We still take every opportunity given to us to visit the hospitals and encourage patients, as well as caregivers, that they can move past this injury and the prognosis given and live a full life.

• A veteran’s guide to starting a small business. https://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/building-a-business-as-a-veteran/. Veterans not only protect our country,  they build it up, too. According to the Annual Business Survey data released by the U.S. Census Bureau in Jan. 2021, approximately 5.9% of all businesses in the U.S. are veteran-owned, and these veteran-owned businesses employ roughly 3.9 million employees. Additionally, based on previous surveys of veteran business-owners, the Small Business Administration (SBA) estimates that 85.3% of veteran business owners founded their businesses themselves. With their well-honed skill sets, tireless work ethic and dedication to the betterment of our country, veterans are uniquely poised for entrepreneurial success, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy journey. As with any business venture, starting out as a veteran entrepreneur has its ups and downs. From coming up with a killer business idea to finding the financing to make it happen, there are a lot of steps along the way. Are you thinking of joining the ranks of veteran entrepreneurs and small business owners? This guide is here to help.
• Federal Trade Commission Small Business Protection. www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/small-businesses. As a small business owner, you have a lot on your mind. You can’t afford to lose time or money to scammers or a compromised network. We can help you avoid scams, protect your computers and networks, keep your customers’ data safe – and protect your bottom line. 
• Louisiana’s Veteran Initiative (LaVETBIZ). www.opportunitylouisiana.com/veteran-initiative. Louisiana’s Veteran Initiative (LAVETBIZ) is a certification program that is designed to help eligible Louisiana Veteran-owned and Service-Connected Disabled-Veteran-owned small businesses gain greater access to purchasing and contracting opportunities that are available at the state government level.
• Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD). https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/veteran-owned-businesses/. Devoted exclusively to promoting veteran entrepreneurship, the OVBD facilitates the use of all U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) programs by veterans, service-disabled veterans, reservists, active-duty service members, transitioning service members, and their dependents or survivors. The SBA offers support for veterans as they enter the world of business ownership. Look for funding programs, training, and federal contracting opportunities.
• Pathway to Assist Veteran Entrepreneurs (PAVE). www.opportunitylouisiana.com/pave. The Pathway to Assist Veteran Entrepreneurs program (PAVE) offers Louisiana veterans the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills that are necessary to effectively start or manage a business. In partnership with Louisiana Economic Development, Louisiana Small Business Development Center Network, Louisiana Department of Veterans Affair, and Louisiana National Guard, PAVE will follow a virtual format which allows veterans to participate in this program at their own pace.
• Small Business Entrepreneur Outreach Program. https://digital.com/veterans-business/. As a veteran, many of the skills you learned in the military can be especially helpful in running a business. The wide range of hard and soft skills you acquired through service can be transferred with great success to the private sector. Many veterans are doing just that. In this guide, we outline the steps you’ll take to get a successful company off the ground. We’ll dive deep into each step and explain exactly what you need. We’ll introduce you to the wide range of excellent resources that can help you turn an idea into a successful business.
• The Louisiana Veterans First Business Initiative. www.laveteransfirst.org. The program will allow for veterans, active-duty or reserve military, or Gold Star spouses who have a fifty-one percent ownership in a business to apply for and gain certification to recognize and promote their businesses. In addition, a searchable database is provided for anyone seeking to patronize a veteran, active-duty or reserve military, or Gold Star-spouse business.
• USAA Resources for VOSB. https://www.usaa.com/inet/wc/advice-military-resources-for-veteran-owned-businesses/. Making the transition to civilian life isn’t always simple. But as a veteran, you have access to a variety of benefits and resources if you choose to start your own business. These advantages can help you kick off the next phase of your professional life and stay on the path to success.
• Veteran Owned Small Business Guide for Contractors. https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/vosb-for-contractors/. Veteran-owned businesses make up a significant part of the U.S. economy. As of 2021, there were nearly 338,000 such businesses nationwide, accounting for 5.9% of all businesses. Most veteran-owned businesses are small businesses. The majority (54%) of veteran-owned firms have just one to four employees and 71.3% have between one and nine. With that in mind, lawmakers have made it their business to help veteran entrepreneurs succeed, especially those who own small businesses. In 1999, Congress passed the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act. The new law directed that aid be given both to veterans and service-disabled veterans. As a result, the federal government now prioritizes contracts for veteran-owned small businesses (VOSB) and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB).

• Elahi Eye Care. www.elahieyecare.net/ Elahi Eye Care is a full service eye and vision care provider and will take both eye emergencies as well as scheduled appointments. Our one-on-one approach to optometry makes Dr. Elahi-Neal and the Elahi Eye Care staff the eye and vision care providers of choice in the West Monroe area.
• Vision Center. www.visioncenter.org/resources/veterans/. At Vision Center, we have created a comprehensive guide for veterans that includes information on eye health, vision loss, and treatment options. Our goal is to ensure that every veteran has access to the care they deserve. Our guide would be a valuable addition to your resources page. Here are some of the benefits of including our guide on your website:
  • Comprehensive information on eye health and vision loss for veterans
  • Useful tips and resources for veterans to improve their eye health
  • High-quality and trustworthy information from medical experts
  • Provides support to veterans and their families

• Humane Society. www.bayoudogs.org Have a couple of free hours? Our dogs love the time and attention that volunteers bring! If you have time for one Saturday a month and have a passion for dogs volunteering just might be for you!
• Patriot Guard. www.patriotguard.org Founded in 2005 to shield families of fallen heroes from those that would disrupt the services of their loved ones, the Patriot Guard Riders has grown to include thousands of members across all 50 states in the US. We are a 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) organization. As for requirements, anyone and everyone can join and stand with us. You don’t need to be a veteran, and you don’t need to ride a bike. All you need is respect for our military, veterans, and first responders; and desire to show that respect to them and their families.
• PAWS of NELA. www.pawsnela.org/volunteer.php If you would like to volunteer, please email us at pawsnela@yahoo.com and we will put you on our email list! You will then receive emails when we have events or volunteer opportunities.
• Red Cross, www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.html
• United Way, 2-1-1.  www.211.org. Free, confidential service to help connect you to resources within your community to improve your life. The Helpline Center connects you to:
  • Housing, Utilities, food, and other basic needs assistance.
  • Suicide Prevention & Crisis Support
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Community Resources
  • Mental Health Services

• Connected Warriors. www.connectedwarriors.org. To elevate the warriors in our community by engaging them in a process of healing, growth and change in ways that benefit themselves, their families and the community. Using a community based approach, Connected Warriors strives to partner with all agencies that benefit veterans and their families.  Connected Warriors acts as a leading advocate for veterans, active duty military, first responders and veteran services with local, state, and the federal government.
• Goat Yoga at Double BB Farms. www.doublebbfarms.com. Double BB Farms is a local Micro Farm located in Monroe, LA. It is owned and operated by Bryan and Judy Babb. The vision of Double BB Farms is to become self-sufficient by raising livestock, growing fruit and produce and making products used in everyday life, all while leaving as minimal of a footprint it can on the environment.  
• Operation Warrior Resolution. www.operationwarriorresolution.org. To transform veterans to health and wellness. To provide innovative, holistic treatments for mental health to veterans and their family members; alleviating PTSD, anxiety and other mental health related issues. 
• Twenty-Two Until None. www.22untilnone.org/wellness-program. 22 Until None is a firm believer in augmenting traditional therapy with newer methods to help treat the symptoms of PTSD: depression, anxiety, etc. In that light, our Wellness Program seeks to offer a way for some veterans to try different classes they may be interested in but may not have a means to afford at the time. This is a one-time assistance and is counted toward the numbers of times a veteran can receive assistance. 

• Center for Women Veterans (CWV). www.va.gov/womenvet/. The Center for Women Veterans’ (CWV) mission is to monitor and coordinate VA’s administration of health care, benefits, services, and programs for women Veterans. We serve as an advocate for cultural transformation and to raise awareness of the responsibility to treat women Veterans with dignity and respect. 
• Final Salute. https://www.finalsaluteinc.org/. Final Salute Inc. was founded in 2010 by a woman Veteran and cancer survivor who became aware of the many homeless women Veterans in the United States. She realized a need for an organization designed to meet and understand the unique needs of homeless women Veterans and their children. There may no longer be front lines in war; however, female Veterans feel they are put at the end of the line when seeking housing and other supportive services. Since the Revolutionary War, over 2,000,000 women have served with honor. They have fulfilled their obligations to their country. We need to support them during their time of need. With the help of the American people, foundation, and corporate supporters, we know our mission is achievable. Why do we do this? Because it’s the right thing to do. The mission of Final Salute Inc. is to provide homeless women Veterans with safe and suitable housing. Final Salute Inc. is taking a three-pronged approach to addressing the issues associated with the homelessness of women Veterans: Awareness. Assistance. Aspiration.
  • Awareness: Bringing attention to the American people that homelessness among women Veterans is on the rise and their support needs are immediate.
  • Assistance: Providing housing/supportive services to homeless women Veterans and aiding in the prevention of homelessness for at-risk women Veterans.
  • Aspiration: Instilling in women Veterans that their situations are temporary and their goals are still achievable.
• Foundation For Women Warriors. https://foundationforwomenwarriors.org/. Foundation For Women Warriors is a 100-year old nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and empowering the women veteran community. Often overshadowed by their male counterparts, our programs honor, empower and support the women who answered our nation’s call to serve. A world in which the service of every woman veteran is honored, and she can achieve the quality of life she fought for. At Foundation for Women Warriors, we are on a mission to serve women veterans and their children so that their next mission is clear and continues to impact the world. Designed to enhance the personal and economic wellbeing of women veterans and address the growing needs of the increasing population of military women transitioning to civilian life.
• Louisiana Women Veterans. https://louisianawomenvets.wixsite.com/louisianawomenvets.  We are a God-based ministry. We render Military Funeral Honors for any woman veteran in the state of Louisiana. In addition, we do presentations informing others of how women served in the military. We visit military organizations, civilian clubs/organizations, churches, and schools. We support our troops and their families. We invite any woman serving on Active Duty, in the Reserves, National Guard, or have been honorably discharged from the military to come and join us. We meet on the 1st Saturday of each month at 11:30am at a designated location. If you are interested in more information about our ministry, please contact us at (225)572-8314 or email us at: louisianawomenveterans@yahoo.com.
• Military Sexual Trauma. www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome/index.asp. VA uses the term “military sexual trauma” (MST) to refer to sexual assault or threatening sexual harassment experienced during military service. MST includes any sexual activity during military service in which you are involved against your will or when unable to say no. 
• National Association of Black Military Women. https://www.nabmw.org/. To seek out, record, maintain and tell the history and heritage of African-American Military Women who served and are serving in the United States Armed Forces.
• Women Veterans Alliance. https://www.womenveteransalliance.org/. We are the premier national network focused on directly impacting the quality of life of women veterans. We do this successfully through transforming the way the community networks to bring people and programs directly together through a reliable and resourceful platform. To CONNECT over 2 million Women Veterans (and our supporters) globally for the PURPOSE of sharing our gifts, talents, resources and experience. We are committed to creating a community that Equips, Empowers & Encourages women that have served our country with knowledge, resources, tools, mentorship, key insights, and career opportunities to discover & fulfill their greatest potential. Create a community both online and off-line including local women veteran networking groups, community events and national conferences world-wide which provide opportunities to connect and grow.
  • Career opportunities, advancement — relationship with major corporations.
  • Connect with potential private and state employers to gain employment.
  • Assist women that are looking to start or expand a business.
  • Mentorship
  • Partner with professional women & Community Colleges to discover and enter desired careers.
  • Directory of Women Veteran Owned Business to promote or connect with local and global businesses.
• Women Veterans Network (WoVeN). https://www.wovenwomenvets.org/. To provide a unique social network of women Veterans to foster connections and build relationships in local communities and across the nation. Established in 2017, WoVeN is a vibrant community for women Veterans of all eras and service branches. In addition to providing community, WoVeN strives to empower women Veterans with information, education, and resources to improve their quality of life.
• Women Veterans Program, www.womenshealth.va.gov. At each VA Medical Center nationwide, a Women Veterans Program Manager is designated to assist women Veterans. She can help coordinate all the services you may need. Services include primary care, pregnancy care, psychiatric care and sexual abuse counseling, inpatient medical/surgical care, programs for homeless women Veterans, and quality of care issues. Visit the women’s Health Care Services page for a listing of services available. Woman Veterans who are interested in receiving care at VA should contact the nearest VA Medical Center and ask for the Women Veterans Program Manager.
• Women Vets USA. https://www.womenvetsusa.org/. Dedicated to connecting women with active duty, Reserves, and/or Guard military service and their families, caregivers, advocates, and communities to local, state, and federal online resources 24/7. Involved with grassroots, community-based vet-to-vet outreach providing printed resources and assisting with connections to close-to-home services. Committed to providing multi-media information to women veterans, service women, service providers, researchers, educators, historians, lawmakers, grant writers, and other interested persons. A veteran-initiated project…all-volunteer and self-funded.