Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the American Legion, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about VA Veterans Centers. Stoffer also discussed the assistance available to veterans at these centers and what the VA’s Readjustment Counseling Services is doing to staff the centers. Stoffer finished his appearance by addressing why younger veterans do not trust the VA like older veterans.
Stoffer and the Legion are working to educate veterans on the purpose of VA Veterans Centers, including what services are offered. The centers fall on the fringe of Veteran Benefits, Stoffer said, but they operate autonomously to better adapt to veterans' needs. He discussed the help needed for the centers to continue providing a safe space for veterans to improve their mental health.
The VA’s Readjustment Counseling Services is an arm that oversees the Veteran Centers. Stoffer talked about how the readjustment counseling services team is working to provide the workers needed to operate the Veterans Centers. Among the efforts is a program announced at the 2023 Student Veterans of America Conference that provides scholarships to veterans seeking higher education degrees in social work and mental health work. Stoffer said certain requirements must be met, but the scholarship and benefits of the program would allow these students to obtain their degrees at no cost.
Stoffer concluded by discussing why the younger generation of veterans does not trust the VA as much as older generations. During the 2023 Student Veterans of America Conference, there were several discussions on how the VA could reach the younger generation and build a better relationship. The Legion is working with the VA to find ways to engage and educate younger veterans so they will be able to access all the benefits provided by the VA, Stoffer said.
Learn more about the VA Veterans Centers by listening to the show above.