The Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University today announced the launch of WAServes, an innovative network that makes it easier for service members, veterans and their family members to find and access services they need. Supported by the Schultz Family Foundation, which was co-founded by Sheri Schultz and her husband Howard Schultz, the program will serve King, Snohomish, Island, Kitsap, Pierce, Thurston, Mason and Lewis counties.
“WAServes” is the eighth regional network in the country; improves quality and access to critical services for service members, veterans and their families.
WAServes is the eighth network in IVMF’s national AmericaServes portfolio which launched with NYServes in January 2015. With over 40,000 veteran organizations in the country offering medical, financial, employment, housing and other services, finding and accessing services has become the number one self-reported issue for veterans and their families according to a recent Blue Star Families survey. IVMF’s AmericaServes networks solve this problem by enabling veterans and their families to request any sort of help needed through their local “Serves” website or via a toll-free number. The local coordination center, run by WestCare Washington in the Puget Sound area, matches them with a service provider and, using HIPPA-compliant technology, then monitors cases to ensure each person’s needs are met.
“Many transitioning service members and veterans have more than one need so it can be extremely challenging for them to research hundreds of organizations to find the right services,” said Dr. Mike Haynie, IVMF executive director and Syracuse University vice chancellor. “WAServes solves this problem by bringing all of the great service organizations together in one place to make sure people can get the help they need.”
“Military and veteran families give so much to the country and the Schultz Family Foundation is dedicated to helping them during their transition back into civilian life,” said Howard Schultz, co-founder of the Schultz Family Foundation. There are over 500,000 veterans in Washington state so we are proud to bring WAServes to the Puget Sound area. It shows how powerful the community can be when we come together and offer coordinated care to these incredible men and women and their families.”
WAServes launches with over 50 service providers and that number is expected to grow. IVMF appointed WestCare Washington to recruit service providers from across the state for the WAServes network and to manage the regional coordination center.
“It has been our honor to work with the wide variety of federal, state and non-profit veteran service providers based in Washington, bringing them together under the WAServes umbrella,” explained John Lee, SVP WestCare Washington. “The network helps these providers reach more people and ensures effective outcomes.”
Individuals looking for services can engage with the WAServes network in three different ways:
- By phone: call 1-877-515-7848 to speak with a qualified professional
- Online via the WAServes website at WAServes.org
- In person by visiting any of the participating regional providers who can register people in the system and make referrals if needed.
For more information about WAServes visit www.WAServes.org. For more information about AmericaServes visit americaserves.org.
