What We Do

Our mission: Empower rural veterans and their families by connecting them with the tools, education, and community they need to thrive.

Who we serve: Veterans and their families across rural Virginia. In-person outreach focuses within ~75 miles of Floyd, VA, with phone and email assistance available statewide.

How we work: Hands-on, trauma‑informed support delivered through outreach events, one‑on‑one navigation, education for caregivers, and partnerships that bring resources to rural communities.

Program Snapshot

  1. Rural Veteran Outreach (Weekly Pop‑Ups)
    We set up in libraries, clinics, and community spaces across rural Virginia to connect veterans and families with benefits and local resources — where they already are.

  2. Benefits & Healthcare Navigation
    Confused by Veterans Affairs or Virginia Department of Veteran Services? We walk with you through claims, healthcare enrollment, and next steps — without the jargon.

  3. Caregiver & End‑of‑Life Support
    Practical, compassionate guidance for spouses and caregivers: survivor benefits, documents, and planning — before and after a crisis.

  4. Mountain Valor Fest (MVF)
    Our flagship annual event unites hundreds of veterans, families, and resource providers in one place — connection first, paperwork second.

  5. Elder & Long‑Term Care Outreach (2026 launch)
    Taking benefits education directly into elder‑care and long‑term living facilities so aging veterans and spouses aren’t left behind.

  6. Case Support (Complex Needs)
    For situations that need more than a quick answer, we provide limited, deeper support and coordinate with trusted partners.

1) Rural Veteran Outreach (Weekly Pop‑Ups)

What it is
From May through November, our team hosts weekly outreach tables across rural communities (typically on Saturdays). We bring VA, Virginia DVS, and community resources into one conversation so veterans don’t have to drive hours or navigate a maze of numbers.

What we do on site

  • Quick intake and triage (benefits status, healthcare, housing, urgent needs)

  • Resource matching (federal VA, Virginia DVS, local agencies, nonprofits)

  • Follow‑up scheduling for complex cases

Who it’s for
Any veteran, spouse, caregiver, or family member — no wrong door.

2) Benefits & Healthcare Navigation

Plain‑language guidance. We help you understand:

  • VA disability/service‑connection basics and evidence requirements

  • Virginia DVS programs and how they complement federal benefits

  • Healthcare enrollment options and levels of VA care

  • Education benefits (GI Bill, Chapter 35/VR&E) and what to do when payments are disrupted

How it works

  1. Brief intake (10–15 minutes)

  2. Prioritized next steps and documents checklist

  3. Warm handoffs to accredited reps/partner agencies when needed

  4. Follow‑up check to make sure you aren’t stuck

3) Caregiver & End‑of‑Life Support

Why it matters
Caregivers shoulder a lifetime of invisible work. When the veteran’s health declines, decisions and paperwork stack up fast — often with little guidance.

We cover

  • Survivor and burial benefits checklists (what to do now vs. later)

  • Power of attorney, beneficiaries, and document organization

  • Local supports for respite, counseling, and financial guidance

  • Plain‑language briefings for families or church/community groups

Special focus: Rural widows and spouses with limited internet access or minimal computer literacy. We meet you where you are and keep instructions simple.

4) Mountain Valor Fest (MVF)

One day. Hundreds of connections.
An annual, free event in Floyd County that brings veterans, families, and dozens of resource providers together in one place. Features a remembrance ceremony, live music, kid‑friendly activities, and on‑site benefits help. Attendance includes veterans and spouses from across rural Virginia.

Why it works
Isolation is one of the biggest challenges for rural veterans. MVF creates a welcoming, low‑pressure space to ask questions, meet providers, and reconnect with community.

Get involved

  • Attend (families welcome)

  • Table as a resource provider

  • Volunteer or sponsor

5) Elder & Long‑Term Care Outreach (2026 Launch)

The gap
Many aging veterans — especially in rural long‑term care — never hear about the benefits and supports available to them or their spouses.

What we’ll do

  • On‑site briefings for residents, spouses, and facility staff

  • One‑page checklists and leave‑behind packets in large print

  • Warm handoffs to DVS/VA and local partners for follow‑through

6) Case Support (Complex Needs)

Some situations need deeper work: layered disabilities, housing insecurity, or multiple agencies. We take on a limited number of complex cases at a time, coordinate with partners, and keep everyone moving toward a plan.

Impact & Accountability

  • 1,200+ veterans and family members supported since launch (first 20 months)

  • Support provided in person across the New River Valley and surrounding rural counties; phone/email support available statewide

  • Volunteer‑powered, veteran‑led; committed to accessibility for aging veterans (large‑text packets, captioning, ADA accommodations)

Want the full picture? Read our Annual Report (publishes January 5).

Accessibility & Inclusion

  • Large‑print materials for all briefings

  • Plain‑language versions of complex topics

  • Captioning on videos and public briefings when possible

  • Trauma‑informed, judgment‑free support

Have an accessibility request? → [Contact]

Ways to Support These Programs

  • Donate (monthly giving keeps outreach steady through rural seasons)

  • Volunteer (event support or case support — we’ll train you)

  • Partner (host a pop‑up, table at MVF, or offer in‑kind services)

FAQs

Do you serve active‑duty service members?
We focus on veterans and their families so we can stay effective and within our mission.

Do I need an appointment?
No. Walk up at any outreach location or use the contact form for follow‑up.

Is there a cost?
No. Our programs are free, thanks to donors and sponsors.

Are you an accredited VA claims office?
We provide navigation and warm handoffs to accredited representatives and trusted partners. We’ll never leave you to figure it out alone.