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Federal workers represent caring and strong communities through the CFC (Combined Federal Campaign), which is dedicated to making a massive difference across the country, in local communities, and worldwide. According to Wounded Warriors Family Support experts, the CFC allows the Federal community to make donations and support many participating charities.
How Giving through CFC Works
Are you a federal retiree or employee? You know that you have many giving options. But you may be wondering why you need to provide through payroll deductions in the following environment. Ideally, you should give through payroll deductions, give to several charities, and give for collective impact.
Issues CFC Veterans Deal With
Most CFC veterans deal with complex challenges as they transition from military to civilian life. Some of these challenges include the following:
- Changing veterans’ needs – The face of the military and the service it provides is ever-changing. This means veterans need personalized support, depending on how, where, and when they are served. For instance, traumatic brain injuries, illnesses, hearing losses, and PTSD that toxic exposure causes may show up a few years later and may affect them. In addition, veterans might face crises or lose jobs. New veterans, including minorities and women, can face inequities. As their needs change, we need to provide them with lifetime support.
- Difficulty transitioning from military to civilian life – Transitioning to civilian life, getting affordable housing, applying for jobs, and navigating VA healthcare systems may present many challenges. Veterans may also experience relational and social challenges with friends and family post-service. Shifting from service duties to civilian life demands a complicated journey that some cannot relate to.
What to Do to Help
We can help veterans in various ways, depending on our interests, resources, and time. The following are some of these ways to impact the lives of veterans positively:
1. Get Veterans Employed from Your Home
You can partner with non-profit organizations to support military spouses and veterans in getting jobs outside the military through mentorship, career counseling, and resume editing.
The best part is that you can help local veterans and others nationwide get jobs from home. When filling out a volunteer application, you can choose from tasks such as sharing industry expertise or conducting mock interviews.
2. Support Veterans’ Well-Being
If you are an employer and have hired veterans in your workplace, you must show them that you understand that transitioning from service duty to civilian life is complicated.
But don’t stop there. You will also need to support their well-being. You can do that by providing comprehensive development/training, offering mentorship programs, and giving them access to wellness/mental health resources.
3. Provide Transportation
The best way to support veterans or ex-militants within the local area is to offer transportation for their mental and medical treatment appointments.
VA programs usually have volunteer transportation networks, allowing volunteers to donate their time and transportation services to needy veterans. Some programs also accept or use donated vehicles.
4. Advocate and Raise Awareness
You can achieve this in various ways. First, talk to family and friends to share VAs’ challenges and motivate them to learn more.
Second, support veteran-owned businesses. Always opt to patronize organizations that support and hire veterans. Lastly, contact all elected officials, then voice your assistance programs that benefit VAs, like increasing funding for affordable housing and healthcare.
5. Volunteer as Legal Aides, Counselors, or Mentors
A homeless veteran in permanent or transitional supportive housing requires support in learning basic social and life skills. You may also help them with resume writing, interview techniques, and legal issues, such as the following:
- Child support
- Child custody
- Tax
- Tenant eviction
- Bankruptcy
- Consumer debt
- Discharge upgrades
In conclusion, most ex-militants have successfully navigated through different life stressors. However, some still struggle with readjustment and transition to civilian life. Regardless of these challenges, Wounded Warriors Family Support must help VAs transition and adapt to the new life through voluntary programs and donations.