VA Voluntary Service extends VA’s reach to serve more veterans

Sabrina Clark, PhD — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 11:27:52 -0400

This is the first in a series of blogs about the VA Voluntary Service.

With more than 9 million veterans receiving care at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the VA Voluntary Service (VAVS) offers 9 million opportunities to give back as a volunteer, donor or partner.

“Volunteering has tremendously changed me as a person,” says Dan, a volunteer in Syracuse, New York, who shared his story in one of our videos. “What started as wanting to give back to those who have served our country has become much, much more than that.”

Who we are

Not only do most people not know that they can volunteer at a federal agency, few are aware VAVS is one of the largest volunteer programs in the federal government. Since our founding in 1946, volunteers have provided over 760 million hours of service. We’re proud to call 7,400 national and community organizations our partners in serving those who have served.

“Volunteering isn’t necessarily mopping floors or taking out the garbage,” says Dan, “it’s a way that you can help people through something that you love and through something that you’re doing already.”

In the most recent fiscal year, about 61,000 volunteers provided over 9.2 million hours in volunteer service to the nation’s veterans. In addition, individuals and partnering organizations gave nearly $100 million in gifts and donations. All of this saved VA — and our veteran patients — more than $332 million.

What we do

Before the new coronavirus pandemic struck this country in early 2020, VA volunteer services mostly took place on-site at VA clinics, hospitals, national cemeteries, regional offices and other facilities around the country. Volunteers hosted special events, drove veterans to and from medical appointments, engaged veterans in recreational activities like fly fishing and did so much more.

Now, with the need to respect physical distancing rules and prevent the spread of COVID-19, our volunteers haven’t stopped serving — they’ve simply gone virtual. Two virtual initiatives benefiting from a recent $100,000 grant to our office from our long-time partner, Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL), illustrate the way our volunteers and partners have adjusted to meet the needs of veterans:

• Compassionate Contact Corps. This program offers a virtual phone or video buddy if you or a veteran you know receives care at one of nine VA facilities. A joint effort of several VA offices, including the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and National VA Chaplain Service, the program virtualizes what was — before the pandemic — our Volunteer In-Home Visitor Program. Ask your primary care provider about the Compassionate Contact Corps if you normally receive service at one of these VA locations: Baltimore, Maryland; Columbus, Ohio; Fargo, North Dakota; Marion, Illinois; Minneapolis, Minnesota; St. Louis, Missouri; Syracuse, New York; Tucson, Arizona; and White City, Oregon. Video and audio calls are both an option.

• Tele-yoga therapy. The recent BVL donation is also allowing us to improve our already robust tele-yoga therapy program by supplying veterans with yoga kits. Kits include a mat, two blocks, yoga strap, instructional DVD and water bottle. Ask your telehealth or whole health coordinator about tele-yoga through your primary or mental health care team.

• Virtual baby showers. VA volunteers are also assisting in setting up virtual baby showers. These unique events help expecting veteran moms safely connect with family and friends for advice and support before the big day.

We’ve also joined the fight against the novel coronavirus by facilitating the collection of donations of medical supplies to VA, part of our office’s coordination of all types of donations throughout the year.

We are thankful that we can accept items like face shields, gloves, gowns and masks and non-PPE handmade face coverings. We can only accept donations into the VA supply chain through established protocols for safety, tracking and compliance with regulations. (With questions or to offer a nationwide donation, send an email to [login to see] .)

Ways you can serve

“I oftentimes, after a day of volunteering at the VA, drive home feeling enlightened and empowered and unbelievably happy,” says Dan. “And that is a feeling I think anyone, young or old should experience.”

Are you ready to give back to other veterans? Here’s how to get started:

• Online: Go online to https://www.volunteer.va.gov/apps/VolunteerNow and fill out the form, which emails the volunteer coordinator in your area. Someone will contact you to set up an interview.

• In person (when permitted): Let your VA medical center’s Voluntary Service Office know you’re interested in volunteering (find your local office here, https://www.volunteer.va.gov/directory/index.asp).

• Donate: Are you unable to volunteer but want to give instead? Follow this link to find out how to donate, https://www.volunteer.va.gov/apps/VolunteerNow.

Get involved

Volunteer, donate or partner with us by contacting VA Voluntary Service here: https://rly.pt/Volunteer

Sabrina C. Clark, Ph.D., BCDPN, CAVS is director of VA Voluntary Service, an office of the Veterans Health Administration.

VolunteerNow

Response by PO1 H Gene Lawrence made Aug 13 at 2020 11:29 AM

PO1 H Gene Lawrence — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 11:29:46 -0400

A wonderfully great service.

Response by Ryan Callahan made Aug 13 at 2020 11:31 AM

Ryan Callahan — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 11:31:28 -0400

Thanks Sabrina Clark, PhD, it's unbelievable to see 61K volunteers donate over 9 million hours in volunteer service!

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Aug 13 at 2020 11:31 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 11:31:36 -0400

We "get" each other. That's why I volunteer with Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces

Response by SFC William Farrell made Aug 13 at 2020 11:41 AM

SFC William Farrell — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 11:41:06 -0400

Way to go Sabrina Clark, PhD. Keep up the good work.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 13 at 2020 11:42 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 11:42:30 -0400

Thank you for the great share Ms Sabrina

Response by Wayne Soares made Aug 14 at 2020 10:23 AM

Wayne Soares — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 10:23:07 -0400

Wonderful share Dr. Clark