VA launches partnership to benefit veterans
1/7/2009 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Department of Veterans Affairs officials have launched a new partnership to help non-government organizations, or NGOs, plan, improve and carry out their own programs on behalf of veterans, their families and their survivors.
"VA has a track record of success in working with non-profit groups and businesses that have their own programs for veterans, but we can do more," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. "By tapping into the power and resources of NGOs, we can ensure more veterans, families and survivors receive not only VA services, but also other assistance in their own communities."
Under the new NGO Gateway Initiative, launched Jan. 7 with the Veterans Coalition Inc., a non-profit organization formed more than two years ago by several major national veterans groups, the Veterans Coalition is available to assist NGOs in identifying the unmet needs of veterans, families and survivors, working with VA to help minimize duplication of effort and confusion among NGOs with programs for veterans.
In addition, the program will encourage continuous feedback from NGOs on issues such as physical and mental health, employment and satisfaction with government services and benefits affecting veterans.
"The Veterans Coalition is dedicated to marshalling energy and resources from all communities to better serve service members, veterans and their families," said Harry Walters, chairman of the Veterans Coalition and former administrator of the Veterans Administration. "Together we can do a better job than any of us can do alone."
VA officials will provide a senior-level, career federal employee to serve as an ombudsman to assist NGOs with their programs to serve veterans. To ensure a cooperative relationship, VA's deputy secretary will serve as a non-voting advisory liaison to the group's board of directors.
VA officials have a long tradition of working with national veterans service organization representatives on programs benefitting all veterans. They also have had close relationships with private-sector groups, churches, charities and other non-profit organizations that provide housing for homeless veterans. This new gateway initiative is one more way to extend services to veterans.
(Courtesy of VA News Service)
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