Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command of The Royal Canadian Legion www.ns.legion.ca 7 The NS/NUC Veterans Outreach Program - where did it come from? When did it start? What does it encompass? And who does it serve? Many in our Command are unaware of the answers to these questions. In September 2011 NS/NUC Executive Council made the important decision to stand up a new committee - the Veterans Outreach Committee, or VOP. The 1st Committee had 2 co-chairs, Comrade Les Nash and Comrade Steve Wessel. In the following years, 2012 – 2018, it was chaired by Comrade Wessel. The VOP is now a Command standing committee, but prior to its formation, all matters dealing with Veterans’ issues were dealt with through the Veterans Services and Seniors Committee and through our Command Service Bureau. During the early days of the VOP mandate, the committee dealt with the growing situation of homelessness, or near homelessness caused in part by operational stress injuries and post traumatic stress. The mission statement of the committee was clear: VETERANS OUTREACH PROGRAM Nova Scotia / Nunavut Command, R.C.L. By Steve Wessel Mission Statement To extend a helping hand to Veterans who are homeless or near homeless by promoting recovery oriented care and connecting them with vital human resources and social services. “A Hand Up - Not a Hand Out.” This was addressed through various initiatives, such as: • Fostering and forming mutually supportive partnerships with established community resources, health care professionals, all levels of government and like-minded individuals. • Development of the “We Care” backpacks, given free of charge to any needy Veteran presenting themselves to, or being located by, NS/NUC. Backpacks contained essential personal items as well as a community bus pass and food voucher. • Development of an information poster program which provided necessary contact information for the Veterans. • Presenting information seminars throughout our Command and its branches to the benefit of our membership and their communities. • Ensuring the provision for access to emergency funds through the Command Poppy Fund and Benevolent Fund, • Coordination and administration of the PorchLight Program – a program for ill and injured Veterans helping their peers through meetings and social gatherings. • And, the Institution of the Veteran Transition Program. Legion backpacks continued ...
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