Volunteer with Veterans: Make a Real Impact

Veterans spend their lives serving the country, and they face significant challenges when returning to civilian life. Veterans often experience physical injuries, mental illness, and social reintegration. As a community, we have the opportunity to show our appreciation to these heroes, volunteering our time, skills, and compassion in whatever capacity we can. Joining an organization like MOWW will offer effective volunteer opportunities for veterans. Read more below.

The Importance of Volunteering with Veterans

It is not simply an act of kindness to volunteer with veterans, but an opportunity to recognize and appreciate their service as well as to tangibly contribute to their well-being. Many veterans struggle with homelessness, unemployment, PTSD, and social isolation. We support them and help with the transition from military to civilian life, one step at a time.

Research indicates that veterans with strong social support have lower rates of depression and anxiety. Volunteering opportunities for veterans allow them to maintain companionship, mentorship, resources, and a level of quality of life that gives so much in return to them, free of charge.

How You Can Make an Impact

There are many opportunities to volunteer with veterans, depending on your skills, availability, and interests. Here are some meaningful ways to be involved:

1. Volunteer at VA Hospitals and Clinics

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) runs hospitals and clinics nationwide, a lot of which depend on like-minded volunteers to support their projects. Volunteers can assist with:

Transportation of patients to appointments
Offering companionship to those receiving treatment
Helping with leisure activities
Assisting with administrative duties

2. Be a Mentor or Career Coach

Often, veterans need help with resume building, interview prep, and career planning. Hire Heroes USA and American Corporate Partners are among the organizations that provide volunteering opportunities for veterans looking for job-related support. If you are retired but have worked in one or more professions, mentor a veteran transitioning into a new pathway.

3. Housing and Homelessness Initiatives Support

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) notes that hundreds of thousands of veterans face homelessness each year. Many nonprofits focused on housing solutions include Homes for Our Troops and Habitat for Humanity’s Veterans Build. Volunteers can help by:

Helping with home building and renovation
Transporting individuals to shelters or housing appointments
Collecting donations of hygiene items or clothing

4. Provide Companionship and Emotional Support

Many veterans experience loneliness and social isolation, especially younger and elderly veterans and those with disabilities. For example, Soldier’s Angels and the VAVS (Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service), match volunteers with veterans in need of companionship. You can spend time with veterans by:

Sending letters or calling
Going to see them in hospitals or long-term care facilities
Engaging in activities like playing board games, sports, telling stories, etc.

5. Support PTSD and Mental Health Programs

Many veterans suffer from PTSD and other mental health issues. Veterans can find mental health support from organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project and Give an Hour. You may be qualified to provide direct assistance if you have experience in psychology, counseling, or social work. Otherwise, you can also support by:

Raising awareness and de-stigmatizing PTSD
Volunteering for a crisis hotline
Engaging in peer support programs

6. Support Adaptive Sports and Recreation Activities

Sports and recreation therapy help many disabled veterans. People have the opportunity to join organizations such as Team Red, White & Blue, and Disabled Sports USA, which have veterans getting out and involved in doing physical activities like cycling, skiing, and yoga. Volunteers are needed to:

Assist in organizing events
Encourage veterans to train and compete in sports
Transport to activities

7. Foster a Service Dog or Support Animal Program

Veterans with disabilities, PTSD, and emotional issues rely heavily on service dogs to help them cope with real-life challenges. Nonprofits such as Paws for Purple Hearts train service dogs for veterans. Volunteering opportunities for veterans include:

Co-facilitating training sessions
Fostering service dogs before they meet veterans
Raising awareness & funds to subsidize the cost of training these life-changing animals

8. Attend Veterans Appreciation Events

One easy, but effective volunteer activity is to participate in appreciation events, including:

Organizing and leading local parades and ceremonies
Sending care packages for deployed troops and veterans
Yours in service, Writing thank-you notes in gratitude for their service

Giving Back By Volunteering For Others

Serving veterans isn’t just a one-way street with giving back, though, it’s about personal growth and fulfillment as well. Many volunteers say that working with veterans gives them an increased appreciation for the sacrifices of service members. It can be life-changing both for volunteers and veterans due to the bonds formed through the connection.

Also, volunteering has been associated with better mental and physical health. It can lower stress and boost happiness, building a great sense of purpose.

Take the First Step Today

Volunteering opportunities for veterans is a great way to create a big difference in the lives of veterans as well as young people. The Dallas Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars is one of the best veteran organizations, helping veterans to transition into civilian lives. Volunteering is an opportunity to ensure that veterans don’t feel forgotten and get the support and appreciation they deserve.