Southwestern Oregon Veterans Outreach (SOVO) 2024: A Year of Impact and Community Support

As we reflect on the year 2024, we at Southwestern Oregon Veterans Outreach (SOVO) are filled with pride and gratitude for the many accomplishments and initiatives that have marked our journey. This year has been one of unwavering commitment to supporting veterans and their families in our community.

Key Highlights of 2024

Veterans Day Lunch at North Bend High School In November, we had the pleasure of partnering with North Bend High School for a special Veterans Day lunch. The event was a resounding success, thanks to the culinary department’s delicious meal and the enthusiastic participation of local Boy Scouts and Girl Scout troops. This event brought together veterans and the community to honor and celebrate their service.

Veteran Café Events Throughout the year, we hosted several Veteran Café events, including gatherings in North Bend on December 17 and Lakeside on December 20. These events provided a space for veterans to connect, share experiences, and find support within their community.

Mental Health Support Recognizing the importance of mental health, SOVO has provided space for veteran support groups to meet. These meetings have offered a safe and welcoming environment for veterans to discuss their experiences and receive peer support.

Community Partnerships We strengthened our partnerships with local organizations and businesses to enhance the support available to veterans. These collaborations have been instrumental in providing comprehensive assistance to those who have served our country.

Resource Fair The annual Coos County Veteran Stand Down and Resource Fair was a highlight of the year. Veterans had the opportunity to access various resources to improve their quality of life, from health services to housing assistance.

Volunteer Engagement and Educational Workshops The dedication of our volunteers has been a cornerstone of SOVO’s success. We are grateful for the countless hours they have contributed to our programs and events, making a tangible difference in the lives of veterans. This year, we also conducted several educational workshops on topics such as financial planning, job readiness, and veteran benefits, empowering veterans with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate post-service life successfully.

FriendsGiving Potluck for Thanksgiving In the spirit of camaraderie and gratitude, SOVO hosted a FriendsGiving potluck for Thanksgiving exclusively for veterans and their families. This event brought together our veteran community to share a meal, express thanks, and celebrate the bonds that unite us all. The potluck was a heartwarming occasion filled with delicious food and heartfelt conversations.

Community Outreach SOVO continued its community outreach efforts, raising awareness about veteran issues and advocating for policies that support veterans and their families.

A New Home for SOVO

In addition to these accomplishments, 2024 marked a significant milestone for SOVO as we moved to our current location, 1875 Virginia Ave., North Bend, OR 97459. This new space has enabled us to better serve the veteran community with expanded facilities and resources. A special thanks to everyone who supported this transition.

We are also proud to have a new sign out front of our building, which stands as a beacon of our commitment to supporting veterans. The sign is more than just a marker; it symbolizes our dedication to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all who seek our help.

As we look ahead to 2025, we remain committed to our mission of supporting veterans and their families. We are grateful for the continued support of our community and look forward to another year of impactful work.

Thank you for being a part of our journey.