A new nationwide initiative – a “Summer of Service” – seeks the help of citizens in Los Angeles to create and build partnerships to grow the number of individuals and organizations serving veterans. The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) is renewing its commitment to veterans by inviting the community to visit and explore opportunities to serve veterans.
“We have made progress over the past year addressing the challenges we face in delivering care and benefits to millions of veterans and their families,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald. “While there is more work to do to honor our commitment to veterans, we also recognize that VA cannot do it alone. We are asking Americans everywhere to join the Summer of Service and help us give back to those who have given so much to our nation.”
VA has also established the following goals to achieve by Labor Day:
• Increasing the number of volunteers: Committed to engaging with 100,000 volunteers nationwide to support care and benefits programs and local events.
• Increasing Community Partners: Committed to expanding current agreements to provide services and support reaching more than 15,000 Veterans and family.
• Recruiting Medical Professionals: Hiring clinicians and clinical support staff to further expand access to care and homelessness.
• Congress: Host Congressional Members and Staffs at VA facilities across the country.
The Department has an outstanding volunteer program, which will be highlighted throughout the country this summer. VA will build upon the ongoing work of its more than 350,000 employees and 76,000 volunteers around the nation – and the 2,200 plus volunteers at the VAGLAHS.While
the central focus of the campaign will be increasing volunteerism and partnerships, it will also provide individuals and communities an opportunity to support other important priorities.
Volunteers can help serve veterans by visiting www.volunteer.va.gov to find out the needs of your local VA facility. Follow #VASummerOfService on Vantage Point, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and join VA in caring for America’s veterans.
