• 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 & 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.
• 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.
• 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.

• 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
• 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.

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.)
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• United Way www.unitedwaynela.org , or call 2-1-1
• Upper Iowa University, www.uiu.edu, Princess Redden, Regional Senior Admissions Advisor-Baton Rouge Center, 225-923-2331, www.uiu.edu/batonrouge. Email: reddenp58@uiu.edu. 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.
• 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.

• 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.
• American Gold Star Families. https://www.amercasgoldstarfamilies.org/. America’s Gold Star Families is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization created to provide honor, hope, and healing to those grieving any military loss through active-duty service. We include all family members representing all conflicts, all branches of service, and all circumstance of death. America’s Gold Star Families honors our fallen heroes who served in the United States Armed Forces and cares for their survivors through programs and services at no cost to them.
• 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.
• 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.com 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.com
• 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™ 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 week long 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
• 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.
• 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, clarence.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, Melissa.a.primeaux.ctr@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, Maggie.e.cabot.ctr@mail.mil
  • • St. 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
• 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 Warrior Network, www.thewarriornetwork.org, 318-230-3940. 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.
• United Way www.unitedwaynela.org , or call 2-1-1
• 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.
• 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.
  Shreveport, Overton Brooks VA Medical Center, Courtney Fitzgerald, MSW, LCSW
  318-990-5077, Email: Courtney.fitzgerald@va.gov.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• 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
• 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/

• 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.
• 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.
• 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, or contact Holley Talley, 225-219-5000, 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!
• Robert Ewing | Personal Financial Counselor | 318-449-0788 | Email: PFC2.LA.NG@zeiders.com
• United Way www.unitedwaynela.org , or call 2-1-1
• 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.

• 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.
• 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/
• 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
• 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.
• 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.com 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.com
• 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.
• 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 Act. http://www.missionact.va.gov/.
• 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 week long 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.
• 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.
• 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
• 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.
• 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.
• United Way www.unitedwaynela.org , or call 2-1-1
• 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.
  Shreveport, Overton Brooks VA Medical Center, Courtney Fitzgerald, MSW, LCSW
  318-990-5077, Email: Courtney.fitzgerald@va.gov
• Young Living Essential Oils. www.getoiling.com/SherrySmith 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.

• 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.
• 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 War 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
• 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.
• 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 www.unitedwaynela.org , or call 2-1-1
• VA Loan Tips. https://money.com/va-loan-tips/.  A 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
• 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.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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
• 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).
• 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

• 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.
• 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. 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. If you’re a veteran with mesothelioma, learn how you can find help at https://mesothelioma.net/mesothelioma-and-veterans/.
• 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/. This guide would be a valuable resource to assist veterans. David Sides, Public Outreach Coordinator, Pleural Mesothelioma Center. Email: dsides@pleuralmesothelioma.com.

Military Groups

• 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.
• Combat Veterans Motorcylce 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.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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/get-help/military-families/services-for-veterans.html. Colleen Morgan, Louisiana Regional Program Specialist, Phone: 318-456-6539. 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.
• 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. 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.helplinecenter.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
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

• 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
• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• 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.
• 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 NWR
• Gracie Barra Calhoun. www.gbcalhoun.com The benefits of Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are far reaching and will touch every aspect of your life. At Gracie Barra, our students become leaders. Gracie Barra nurtures your independent thinking, supports your fighting spirit, and helps you achieve your personal BJJ goals.
• 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!
• United Way www.unitedwaynela.org , or call 2-1-1
• 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

• 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
• 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

• American Gold Star Families. https://www.amercasgoldstarfamilies.org/. America’s Gold Star Families is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization created to provide honor, hope, and healing to those grieving any military loss through active-duty service. We include all family members representing all conflicts, all branches of service, and all circumstance of death. America’s Gold Star Families honors our fallen heroes who served in the United States Armed Forces and cares for their survivors through programs and services at no cost to them.
• 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.
• Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana. www.childrenscoaltion.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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• 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 Warrior Network, www.thewarriornetwork.org, 318-230-3940. 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.
• United Way www.unitedwaynela.org , or call 2-1-1
• 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.
• 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.

• 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.
• 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.
• Veterans Crisis Line. www.veterancrisisline.net. 1-800-273-8255 (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.

• 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.

• 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 www.unitedwaynela.org , or call 2-1-1

• 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.
• 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. Shreveport, Overton Brooks VA Medical Center, Courtney Fitzgerald, MSW, LCSW. 318-990-5077, Email: Courtney.fitzgerald@va.gov.
• 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.