Have you ever considered donating to a charity that supports veterans, but you aren’t sure where the money goes?
With other charities, like those that help animals that are in shelters, it is easy to see where your donation goes. It is used to pay for the animals’ food, shelter, vet fees, and toys. But, when it comes to donating money to those who may live in your community, it can get a bit more confusing for donors. Rest assured that all funds donated to veteran-based charities are used wisely. In this article, you will be guided through what veteran-based charities do with your donations. Enjoy!
Financial Assistance
Many veteran charities, like the American Red Cross, offer financial assistance to help veterans cover the costs of necessities such as housing, food, and medical care. Indeed, when they return home from combat, many veterans may find it hard at first to seek employment due to mental or physical health issues and will need help and support during that period.
Healthcare
Some veteran charities provide access to healthcare services, including medical and mental health treatment. Once again, without employment, they will be unlikely to have access to health insurance. They have a higher incidence of musculoskeletal disorders, including back pain, neck pain, and joint injuries. They are also more prone to cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and stroke. Then, there are mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), chronic pain, and substance abuse disorders.
Education and Training
Many veteran charities offer education and training programs to help veterans develop new skills and pursue new career opportunities. After all, they will need to learn to make money in regular society again, and the training costs will need to be supported for them to do so.
Legal Assistance
Sometimes, veterans can run into legal issues and will need help. Some veteran charities provide legal assistance to help veterans navigate the complex process of applying for benefits or appealing decisions made by the VA or other government agencies.
Counseling and Support
Many veteran charities offer counseling and support services to help veterans cope with the challenges of military service, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and substance misuse.
Indeed, as a group, they have a higher incidence of PTSD than many people think (over 85%), and this can impact everything from sleeping to cognition to eating habits. To recover from this, support is usually needed in the form of therapy and medication regimens.
Community Engagement and Social Support
When most veterans return home from fighting overseas, they can and often do become depressed and need support from those who have been in similar situations. Some veteran charities provide opportunities for veterans to connect with each other and engage in activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as recreational sports or group therapy sessions.
This can help them recover mentally and physically and prevent them from feeling isolated and alone.