With Thanksgiving days away, Livingston County Veteran Services sends a sincere “Thank You” to everyone in our community for the renewal of its millage on Nov. 8. Funding provided by the millage will be dedicated to expanding vital services and increasing financial relief and outreach. The Veteran Services Office deeply appreciates the community support for the millage and looks forward to improving services for our veterans.
“We have a lot of vision and ideas for our veterans and can now do it comfortably for the next 6 years,” said Ramon Baca, director of Veterans Services. “I am very happy to be a part of it!”
Since celebrating the grand opening of its new location at 1420 Lawson Drive, the Veteran Services Office has seen a dramatic increase in veterans dropping by and making appointments to explore their benefits. In 2022, the team has completed over 3,000 appointments and as a result, many of our local veterans started receiving compensation for claims, pensions, and stipends. With the addition of a full-time driver and vehicle, the transport team has completed over 1,600 rides to medical appointments. This is an increase of more than double of 2021’s completed rides.
The Veteran Assistance Programs (VAP) has provided financial assistance to more than 115 Veteran families. Assistance ranges from assisting with rent or mortgage, home and auto repairs, food and fuel vouchers, medical bills, emergency shelter, mental health services and burial benefits. With the approval of the millage, LCVS is able to maintain recently expanded VAP programs. In particular, VINA dental assistance, child clothing vouchers, and the Meals on Wheels pilot program were started in 2022. In addition, the Death Benefits policy was expanded to assist veteran families with the reimbursement of funeral expenses up to $1,000. Across all VAP programs, Veteran Services is on track to provide more than $82,000 in burial benefits and more than $235,000 in relief funds this year.
If you or someone you know in our community is a Veteran, make a plan to visit the Veteran Services Office. The helpful team members can schedule an appointment to explore your benefits, help you sign up for transportation services for medical appointments, or simply give you a tour of the new location where you can relax with a cup of coffee.
