Two-day Training set for Oct. 26-27, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. – ODVA release – The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) is seeking volunteers for its Veteran Volunteer Program who are interested in serving aging veterans in their own communities by helping veterans learn how to access potential earned benefits and resources. The goal of this program is to equip volunteers with information so they can help educate and connect veterans — primarily, seniors — to their earned benefits and other potential resources. Volunteers work closely with ODVA’s Veteran Volunteer Coordinator and accredited local county veteran or tribal service officers in the area, locating veterans who may need assistance accessing their benefits in long-term care facilities, senior centers, libraries, mobile home parks, and retirement communities, or wherever people gather. The program is open to anyone 18 years or older. Volunteers are asked to commit to serving eight to 10 hours per month. A background check will be performed (at no cost to the volunteer) before the volunteer is permitted to work with veterans. If you enjoy working with the aging population and want to make a difference in the lives of veterans, you are encouraged to apply. The next training is scheduled for interested volunteers in Lane and Douglas counties and will be held virtually, Wednesday-Thursday, October 26-27. The training will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. both days and attendance to both sessions is required. To register or get information about an upcoming training in your area, or for more information about the program, please visit oregonvetvolunteer.com or contact Veteran Volunteer Coordinator Mark Newell at 971-720-8911 or ODVA_VeteranVolunteer@odva.oregon.gov.
