Working with the Chamber of Commerce, local business and community leaders, trade unions, community colleges and technical schools, the Patriot’s Path Foundation is developing broad support for our objective of streamlining veterans into the workforce at the highest levels consistent with their abilities and desires.

Once a veteran has been introduced to the Foundation and a mentor has been assigned, the next step is to determine the veteran’s existing job skills and interests as well as identifying opportunities for skills enhancement through on-the-job or more formal training.  This is accomplished through several interview/discussion sessions.  Then, working with both the veteran and his mentor, a “Workforce Integration Plan” is developed.

Many veterans will qualify for educational benefits as a result of their service and the Foundation will work with them to take advantage of those benefits if they so desire.  For others, the Foundation is developing several programs to assist them financially if they wish to improve or broaden their skills through attending classes at institutions approved by the Foundation.

In collaboration with Blue Ridge Community & Technical College, the Foundation will operate a fully equipped computer skills classroom and learning lab.  This facility and its classes will be available to veterans while they are in treatment at the VA as well as after treatment is completed.

The Foundation does not “find” jobs for veterans.  Our goal is to ensure that the veteran enters the job market with the highest skills possible and to identify to the veteran those employers who understand and support the Foundation’s objectives.  It is up to the veteran to take the initiative to seek out the employers, fill out the applications and go through any required interviews.

Keep in mind that the veteran’s “Touchstone” mentor is an integral part of this entire process.

In Greek mythology, “Temenos” was a safe place where warriors could lay down their swords and shields and heal without fear of vulnerability.

In addition to effective money management, one of the greatest challenges facing veterans as they complete their course of treatment in the structured environment at the VA Medical Center is the transition into a safe and affordable housing environment that is conducive to their continued recovery.

To meet that need, the Patriot’s Path Foundation maintains a network of small (3-6 people) residences throughout the community.  All residences are fully furnished and include living and dining rooms with complete kitchens and laundry facilities.  Each house has cable TV, a computer with Internet access and each veteran occupies a private room.

Moving into a “Temenos” house is a veteran’s first step on the journey to independent living.  Rents are modest and all utilities are included.  No security deposit is required and only the first month’s rent is necessary in order to move in.  The typical length of stay is 6-12 months.

Residents live in a relatively unstructured environment; “house rules” are minimal – mostly common sense.  Veterans are subject to random drug & alcohol testing at all times and continued active participation in 12 Step Recovery Programs is required and monitored.

The Foundation sponsors a variety of activities such as cookouts, trips to sporting events, fishing & camping weekends as well as other indoor and outdoor activities.  These activities bring together veterans living in the various houses as well as those still in the more structured environment of the VA Medical Center.  We firmly believe that these activities are fundamental in fostering a strong sense of “family & fellowship” among the veterans we proudly serve and, in so doing, greatly enhance their chances of continued recovery.

 Perhaps one of the most challenging life skills facing veterans in early recovery is that of effective money management.  Many veterans coming through treatment have never had a bank account, have used payroll check cashing services and paid their bills, if they paid them, with money orders or cash.

Working with veterans in small groups and then with individual veterans and their mentors, the Foundation assists veterans with understanding and applying the basics of everyday money management.

The process may begin while the veterans are still in treatment and living at the VA.  At that time, their expenses are usually limited to cell phones, clothing, some transportation, entertainment and meals outside the VA.  Also, once they are employed, veterans often purchase TVs or stereos while still at the VA.

Many do not give much thought about how they will acquire a vehicle or how much it will cost them to live once they leave the VA.  Some have never had a place of their own and still others have, more or less, lived in a series of institutions for years.

Our approach is not one of esoteric financial planning involving Roth IRAs and asset allocation models that are meaningless, but rather, one that focuses on everyday issues and pitfalls.

The process begins with identifying any existing financial obligations that the veteran may have. i.e. alimony, child support, etc.  Next, we calculate the veteran’s projected monthly income based on current employment.  Then, working with both the veteran and his mentor, a “Pre-discharge Budget Plan” is developed.  This Plan covers the period until the veteran is discharged from treatment (approximately 5 months).  Among other things, it addresses:

¨      Existing financial obligations

¨      Saving for a vehicle down-payment

¨      Auto insurance

¨      Weekly gas expense

¨      Saving for substantially increased housing and living expenses post-discharge

This “Pre-discharge Budget” will be reviewed with the veteran on a periodic basis by both his VA counselors and his “Touchstone” mentor.  As circumstances dictate, adjustments may be made to the budget.  How well a veteran adheres to the budget will be one of the considerations when the veteran seeks to participate in additional Foundation programs.

As veterans progress toward their discharge from treatment, a more comprehensive “Post-discharge Budget Plan” will be developed utilizing a similar process.  However, this budget includes food, rent and, where it applies, cable, water, electric, heat, etc.  This budget covers 12 months post-discharge and will be reviewed periodically by the veteran and his mentor.

 “Helping others” is a key component in almost all recovery programs.  In that context, it most often refers to helping those who are in recovery or are seeking help with their substance abuse problem.  In that regard, veterans are most frequently advised and guided by their Twelve Step program sponsors.

The Patriot’s Path Foundation believes that there is another very important aspect of “helping others” and that is community service.  By participating in the “Pay It Forward” program, veterans not only demonstrate their gratitude for the benefits they are receiving from the Foundation, but, they are contributing in a meaningful way to the betterment of the community in which they live.

All veterans receiving benefits from the Patriot’s Path Foundation must participate in the “Pay It Forward” program.  Working with the veteran and his mentor, and taking into consideration work and Twelve Step meeting schedules, a required number of monthly hours of service is agreed upon.

The Foundation is partnering with a wide variety of community service organizations such as:

 ¨      United Way 

 ¨      Habitat for Humanity

 ¨      American Red Cross

  ¨      Community Parks & Recreation departments

  ¨      Local church and civic groups

Veterans may choose where and when they fulfill their monthly requirements based on their own schedules and interests.