STRUGGLES OF MILITARY TRANSITION TO CIVILIAN LIFE
Written by: Paul Bastaich
Director of Veteran Services | Denton County Veteran Service Office
“Transition should not be difficult. Sometimes a Veteran and their family just need some guidance to get over the hurdles of life as a civilian.”
In my personal opinion, the largest hurdle to Veteran Transition is Employment. Finding satisfying career employment is vital to Quality of Life. With the assistance of the Texas Veterans Commission, Veterans Employment Services, Veterans will find a huge step in the right direction utilizing this free service. Veterans Employer Liaison is located in the Texas Workforce Office at 1300 Teasley Lane, Denton Texas, (940) 323-4335. There are several other organizations and employment services in the Metroplex that offer opportunities to our Veterans but my trust and confidence is with the Texas Veterans Commission and their services. If employment is not an issue for a transitioning Veteran and Family, but other obstacles emerge, I would focus on assistance from the Denton County Veteran Service Office and the Veterans Community Navigator Program.
The Veteran Community Navigator (VCN) program is a holistic, short-term case management model to assist Veterans in multiple life domains to achieve stability and sustainability.
The Veteran Community Navigators: Receive referrals from various community partners (Denton County Veterans Coalition, Texas Workforce Commission, Catholic Charities, Giving Hope, Law Enforcement, Denton County Veterans Service Office, etc.). Assess the extent of the Veterans needs as they relate to mental health (may include substance abuse, TBI, PTS, or physical health component), and emergency financial needs such as food, housing, transportation, etc. Determine a plan of action, level of case management, and follow-up required. Make referrals to community service providers (help set appointments, arrange transportation, etc.). Follow up as necessary to assure the Veteran and his/her family is getting the help needed. Coordinate regular case staffing meetings to determine clients’ stabilization.
The Veteran Service Office, located in the Mary and Jim Horn Government Building (940)-349-2950 can assist with a referral to the VCN Program. Additionally, the Denton County Veterans Service Office offers vital assistance to Denton County Veterans and their dependents in filing VA benefit claims. The veterans’ benefit counselors of the Denton County Veterans Service Office assist veterans of the Armed Forces and their dependents file claims and obtain their benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs after service to our country.
There are many service providers willing to assist. There are resources available but identifying the need and getting the right contact for resolution is key. Texas Veterans Commission Employment Services, Denton County Veterans Services and the Veterans Community Navigator Program are ready to assist.