Maine Veterans Benefit From Community Advocacy
It’s commonly said that Maine is one big town, and as an agency focused on advocating on behalf of our state’s veterans, I would have to agree with that statement. Maine veterans are incredibly fortunate to have advocates on the federal, state, and local levels that have joined together to advance initiatives that benefit our service members.
The work we do is vital to the welfare of our veteran population and much of that advocacy wouldn’t be possible without the help we receive from Fort Kent to Kittery.
Veteran Service Organizations like Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Easterseals Maine and many others are ready partners that honor our servicemen and women with support and services, which benefit not only our veterans, but also their families.
Our congressional delegation works together across party lines to provide the most efficient constituent services they can to the veterans that walk through their offices
In the past few years, we have had the privilege of working with a fantastic group of people on some very meaningful initiatives – and on behalf of the Bureau, I would like to say thank you.
In 2018, we worked alongside Easterseals Maine and Health Affiliates Maine to get the first-ever case management pilot project off the ground here in the Pine Tree State – a project that brought free mental health services to our veterans who are not VA connected. On January 1, 2018, Maine hospitals began implementing the program to identify veterans in need of mental and behavioral health care. During the first six months of the pilot, over 1,300 veterans presented to hospital emergency departments needing such care and Easterseals Maine and Health Affiliates Maine stepped in to provide that case management. It’s been a game changer for many of our veterans and we hope to be able to continue that partnership in the future.
More recently, the American Legion and Easterseals Maine partnered with the Bureau to provide financial assistance to veterans who are suffering from an emergency. The decision to contract with these two organizations was an easy one, because they are both proven and capable organizations with track-records of helping veterans in emergency situations. Thus far, the program has been a success, and it’s made an impact on the lives of those veterans who need a temporary hand-up.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention the coordination done on behalf of our homeless veteran population. It’s getting colder outside, and the need to find permanent housing quickly is real. We understand that to continue meeting the needs of our veteran population, it will take a collaborative effort from organizations and agencies on the federal, state and local levels. The VA Maine Healthcare System, Volunteers of America, Veterans Inc., Preble Street, The Elks, American Legion, Easterseals, Betsy Ann Rose House of Hope, Goodwill, Garry Owen House, and more have worked tirelessly to meet this demand and we value our partnerships very much.
For those who served in the military, no matter the branch, you understand the importance of community. That need for communal support doesn’t go away when you leave service – and we take pride in knowing that Mainers have stepped up to provide collaborative advocacy for our service members.
There is still a lot of work to be done, but I’m confident we are all up for the challenge.
Melissa Willette
Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services
207-430-6004
melissa.willette@maine.gov
