New System of Services and Care for Fayetteville-Area Vets launched by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) America Serves in Partnership with the USO
Fayetteville, NC (PRWEB) September 27, 2016 -- The largest military base in the world will now be part of the regional NCServes Networ,k bringing together Raleigh, Durham and Fayetteville areas’ human service providers across the state to more effectively manage medical, financial, employment, housing and other resource requests from veterans and their families. This new network affiliate, known locally as NCServes RDU/Fayetteville, is the second of four launching statewide. It is part of the Institute for Veteran and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University’s national portfolio of America Serves programs that has connected thousands of veterans, service members, and military families to more than 6,300 types of comprehensive services in less than two years.
NCServes RDU/Fayetteville will enable local service members, veterans, and their families easy access—online or in person—to a comprehensive array of services, resources, and care organized specifically around their needs. By linking local providers, it is designed to ensure that positive and quality referrals are made throughout the “Triangle” region spanning Durham to Cumberland.
The initiative is driven by a shared software platform that connects all participating federal, state, and non-profit veteran service providers allowing them to make, quick, smart referrals and track outcomes. NCServes RDU/Fayetteville then follows-up on the progress of requests, greatly reducing denial of services experienced by service members and veterans due to capacity or eligibility restrictions.
“This would have saved lives, if we had something like this when I came back from Vietnam,” said retired Army Lt.Col. Ray Schrump. Now a leading veterans' advocate in Fayetteville, NC, then-Maj. Schrump was a Green Beret serving in the Vietnam War when he was captured in 1968. Released in 1973 after serving many grueling years as a POW, Lt.Col. Schrump has been a fierce advocate for veterans and has been active in the Fayetteville-area effort to launch the NCServes Network.
The NCServes RDU/Fayetteville network is locally coordinated by the United Service Organizations of North Carolina (USO-NC) in partnership with IVMF. All software, trainings, and licenses are all provided at no cost to the North Carolina community thanks to generous support locally by the Walmart Foundation, the Leon Levine Foundation and The Foundation for the Carolinas.
“For 75 years, the USO of NC has accomplished its mission of keeping America’s service members connected to family, home, and country, throughout their service to the nation by delivering innovative programs, morale-boosting services and leveraging key partnerships in the community,” said retired Army Lt.Col. John Falkenbury, President, USO of North Carolina. “Serving as the Coordination Center for Fayetteville, the largest defense community in the world, and tying it into to our efforts in Raleigh, Durham and around the state will create a seamless provider network with “no wrong door.””
Individuals looking for services can engage the NCServes RDU/Fayetteville network four different ways:
1. By phone at the network’s toll-free number 1-800-459-8387 where they can speak with a qualified professional to secure a referral for services and the commitment for follow up.
2. Online via the NCServes website at NCServes.org.
3. In-person at the NCServes RDU/Fayetteville participating NCServes regional providers.
4. Via North Carolina’s State resource line: NC4Vets.com and (844) NC4-VETS
“After 26 years in the Army, I’m proud to bring an effort like this home to Ft. Bragg, where it belongs,” said retired Army Colonel Jim McDonough, Managing Director of IVMF and a former Director of the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs. “After years of ground work with really dedicated partners, and working closely with NCDMVA Secretary Wilson, the Governor and the State of North Carolina, we are proud to see this initiative grow from Charlotte, to Raleigh/Durham, and now Fayetteville.”
In November, NCServes Coastal will launch the network to the US Marine Corps and Air Force installations of the Carolina Coast, tying in to adjacent networks in South Carolina and Virginia.
Media Contacts:
John Falkenbury, (919) 840-3000, jfalkenbury(at)uso-nc(dot)org
Ilario Pantano, (910) 616- 9961, igpantan(at)syr(dot)edu
About the United Service Organizations of North Carolina
For 75 years, the United Service Organizations of North Carolina has accomplished its mission of keeping America’s service members connected to family, home, and country, throughout their service to the nation by delivering innovative programs, morale-boosting services and leveraging key partnerships in the community that demonstrate North Carolina’s appreciation for their service and sacrifice. The original USO formed as a result of a request made by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II for six key community organizations to come together and lift the morale of service members both on the Homefront and downrange. This heritage of community networks has demonstrated a lasting impact on service members, veterans and their families. For more information, please visit http://uso-nc.org/
About Syracuse University's Institute for Veterans and Military Families
The IVMF is the first interdisciplinary national institute in higher education focused on the social, economic, education and policy issues impacting veterans and their families post-service. Supported by a world-class advisory board and public and private partners committed to advancing the post-service lives of America’s service members, veterans and their families, the IVMF and its professional staff deliver class-leading programs in career, vocations, and entrepreneurship education and training. The IVMF also provides actionable and national impacting research, policy analysis and program evaluation; coordinates comprehensive collective impact strategies; and works with communities and non-profits to enhance service delivery for veterans and their families. Read more at http://vets.syr.edu/
Ilario Pantano, +1 (910) 616-9961, [email protected]
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