The transition from military to civilian life can be a challenging journey for many veterans. This week, a veterans conference was set up help those who defended our freedom.

Each introduced to a variety of services designed not only to help them with transitioning to life outside the military, but also to meet their overall needs. Among the programs present is WestCare Pacific Islands, sharing two of their key initiatives: the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program (SSVF), and the Path to Freedom Employment Support program.

Aisha Tedtaotao, a veteran advocate with WestCare, shared more about the programs, saying, “We help veterans who are experiencing a housing crisis stabilize their housing. So, for example, if they’re at risk of eviction from their unit, we can enroll them in the program, pay off their rentals, their utilities, things like that. Or if they’re straight homeless, we help them go into emergency housing. We help them identify a unit and then we also are able to pay for security deposits, utility deposits, and offer financial assistance for a period of six to nine months.”

She added, “WestCare also has another program that assists veterans, which is called Path to Freedom...they help them obtain employment. They offer trainings. They offer sessions like help with resume writing or practicing how to do job interviews.”

For Tedtaotao, the Veterans Conference is an invaluable opportunity not just to showcase these programs, but also to expand her own knowledge as a case manager.

By connecting with other service providers, she’s able to ensure that veterans get access to as many resources as possible.

“Going around, getting pamphlets, asking people exactly what their program can do can also help me as a case manager help my clients stabilize their housing even further. And it's always good to have multiple support systems," she said.

Many veterans face more than just financial challenges, they may also be dealing with mental health issues or physical disabilities. Tedtaotao emphasizes that it’s important for veterans to access a broad network of support services to truly thrive.

“Honestly, a lot of the times they’re experiencing a lot of difficulties, whether it’s financially, mentally, or even physical disabilities, so, having them connect to the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities, to Got Your 671, or I Hinanao, I Magahet Yan I Inina (HMI), as well as SSVF, is also really beneficial for them," she explained.

The programs on display at the Veterans Conference reflect a deep commitment to addressing the full spectrum of challenges that veterans face.

Events like this serve as a powerful reminder that veterans are never alone on their journey, and that it’s our responsibility to ensure they have the resources they need to thrive.