Episode 3 kicks off a two-part series on peer support, starting with how the VA is expanding peer support to ensure justice-involved veterans have access to veterans with lived experience who provide individualized assistance connecting to VA services. Butch talks with the VA’s National Peer Services Coordinator Antonio Harris, LCSW, about the difference between VA peers and veteran mentors and the way in which both roles compliment each other and offer a more robust network of support and guidance to justice-involved veterans. Stay tuned for episode 4 which will dive into community peer support.

Veterans who are homeless or at risk for homelessness often face legal issues that make it difficult for them to obtain or maintain stable housing. Thanks to the VA's Legal Services for Veterans program, these needs are now being met in unique and effective ways. Butch sits down with program's national coordinator Madolyn Gingell to talk about how veterans can access legal support and the new grant program that is empowering local legal providers to assist.

If you are a veteran in crisis please call the Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 and press 1

Click here for more on the Legal Services for Veterans program.

In the first episode of season 2, Butch sits down with Katie Stewart, L.C.S.W., national coordinator of the Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) Program for a deep dive into the the many ways VJOs ensure that justice-involved veterans have access to the care, services, and other benefits they’ve earned. VJOs help maximize veterans’ potential for success and stability in the community, including by helping them avoid homelessness and ending their involvement in the justice system. The discussion includes an explanation of the Veterans Re-Entry Search Service, a vital resource for identifying justice-involved veterans and linking them with care.

If you are a veteran in crisis please call the Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 and press 1

Click here for more on the Veterans Justice Outreach Program.