On September 11th, Rotarian Kent Swanson, addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding Veterans Count. After retiring ten years ago, Kent joined Nashua Rotary and was looking for something else to get involved in. He joined Veterans Count and is in his seventh year of fundraising. Veterans Count provides critical case management and emergency financial assistance to service members, veterans, and their families since 2007. The idea for the program started with two guys from Hollis NH and a $500k grant.
Veterans Count offers support and resources for a variety of needs. Counseling and emotional support, substance use treatment, housing stability, employment, legal concerns, aging and senior needs, parenting, financial and budgeting management, and emergency financial assistance are just some of the services provided. Since 2007, Care Coordinators at Veterans Count have helped 19,260 individuals, 1,419 program participants have secured employment, 2,655 individuals have successfully engaged in mental health treatment, 1,175 homeless families secured permanent housing, and 125 cases of significant suicide mitigated.
By their one-of-a-kind holistic approach focusing on well-being, Veterans Count is able to deliver the best possible outcome. Treatment plans consider all factors; Hunger, Housing, Education, Income and Jobs, Mental Health, Access to Care, Isolation, Environment and Safety, and Transportation.
Kent talked about fundraising and the different events the Veterans Count has yearly. A 50k Bike Ride, music festivals, beer and wine tastings, golf tournaments, and the upcoming surf and turf Veterans Count Dinner Gala on November 4th at Sky Meadow in Nashua. Donations provide emergency assistance for food, utilities, fuel, emergency shelter, housing, and vehicle repairs.
Since inception, Veterans Count has reached thousands across the state. They have an Executive Committee and Chapters in the Lakes Region, Manchester, Nashua, and the Seacoast.
Veterans Count Creed ‘We pledge to serve those who served our nation with honor, integrity, and a rapid response. We will always put our mission first. We will never quit. We will do whatever it takes to meet the needs of service members, veterans, and their families. We respect and appreciate the pledge that they have made to serve. Because of their commitment, we pledge to uphold these values.’
You can contact Veterans Count at 844-650-VETS or vetscount@eastersealsnh.org