How do local veterans know how to navigate the resources they require? On Wednesday, Oct. 9, The Voorhees Care and Rehabilitation Center will host the “Because You Served” Veterans’ Forum. This event will put Camden County veterans in touch with experts in a series of disciplines including: residential, claims, benefits, transportation, health, education and more. The forum will be presented by various veteran-resource professionals speaking on these areas of focus with an opportunity for vets to ask questions and gather further insight.
Organizer Ami Feller discovered how challenging it is to navigate and coordinate the resources veterans need.“I wanted to proactively spearhead connecting resources to this segment who needs them, especially as they experience some major life-altering transitions and pair them with the services they require. There is no better time than the present.”
Currently, there are many veterans from the influx of wars and conflicts. Now these service-people need to determine how to access resources; whether they are just returning or a vet who has life issues that they need assistance with. Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, part of the Joint Chiefs, reflected on the cultural link between the contemporary all-volunteer military forces and civilians to attempt to dispel stereotypes.
Briana Goff, director of the Institute for the Health and Security of military families, stated, “A lot of people have sort of expected the military to take care of its own and think, ‘Oh, that’s a problem for the military,’ or “Oh, that’s a problem for the VA.” But, now I think there is recognition that if vets are coming into the community there must be people and agencies that are willing to step up.”
The “Because You Served” Veterans’ Forum will do just that. Camden County veterans and those involved in their decision-making are invited to this free, firsthand multi-disciplinary informational event. The forum will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 1302 Laurel Oak Road and will offer veterans free breakfast, entertainment, prizes and valuable information. For details contact Ami Feller, Community Relations at afeller@thevoorhees.org
Bob Looby past commander of NJ American Legion, stated, “Thank you all! It’s all about communication.”
“Thanks for your efforts on behalf of our veterans. There is a definite need among the veteran community” indicated Retired Lt. Paul McIntyre.
Diane Jones, Palliative Consultant for veterans mentioned, “Thank you for offering a valuable program. You really help raise the awareness of caring for veterans with the unique circumstances they have.”
The Voorhees Care and Rehabilitation Center is a Veteran Administration-approved sub-acute and long-term care facility, providing many types of rehabilitative programs to enhance quality of life while maximizing wellness, including certified dementia care specialty services, ongoing enrichment for veterans and a unique Chinese cultural resident unit. The clinical teams enable patients to reach their individualized goals within a 240-bed sub-acute rehab and skilled nursing setting to addresses specific treatment needs delivering unsurpassed, patient-focused care. For more information, please contact: Feller, Admissions and Community Relations 346–1200.
