Oregon Veteran Volunteer Training Program to Host Training Jan. 26 in Albany

from ODVA

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veteran Volunteer Program is seeking volunteers who are interested in serving aging veterans in their communities by helping veterans learn how to access potential earned benefits and resources.

The next training is scheduled for interested volunteers in Linn, Benton and Marion counties (but is open to all interested parties) and will be held at 9 a.m. January 26, 2023, in Albany. To attend this training, interested persons must fill out the online interest form at oregonvetvolunteer.com or contact Veteran Volunteer Coordinator Mark Newell at 971-720-8911 or ODVA_VeteranVolunteer@odva.oregon.gov by 4 p.m. January 19.

The goal of the Oregon Veteran Volunteer 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 the Veteran Volunteer Coordinator and the accredited local veteran service officer or tribal veteran service officer in their 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.