Challenge Awards Spotlight: Nevada County’s Veterans Outreach and Wellness Program

CSAC recognized Nevada County’s Veterans Outreach and Wellness (VOW) Program with a 2024 Challenge Award for its comprehensive approach to supporting veterans through mental health services, housing assistance, employment opportunities, and community engagement.

Launched to address the unique challenges faced by veterans transitioning to civilian life, the VOW Program focuses on four key goals: preventing veteran suicides, ending veteran homelessness, providing pathways to employment, and fostering community engagement. By collaborating with Sierra Family Therapy Center, the program offers up to 10 free, confidential mental health sessions to veterans and their families, effectively reducing wait times and building trust within the veteran community.

The program’s efforts have led to a significant decrease in veteran homelessness, with the number of homeless veterans dropping from 61 in 2018 to just 18 as of July 2024. Additionally, the VOW Program has facilitated the transition of 33 veterans into civilian careers through its intern initiative, resulting in more than 29 veterans securing gainful employment and generating more than $750,000 in compensation.

Community events such as Military Appreciation Week and the Grass Valley Armed Forces Day celebration have further strengthened the bond between veterans and the local community, honoring their service and fostering a sense of belonging.

Nevada County’s VOW Program exemplifies the spirit of the CSAC Challenge Awards by demonstrating how a holistic, community-driven approach can effectively address the complex needs of veterans and enhance their quality of life.

To learn more about the CSAC Challenge Awards and other innovative county programs, visit https://www.counties.org/news-and-media-article/2024-challenge-awards/