1. Vet Center Chanel Santiago, MBA Veterans Outreach Program Specialist
Department of Veterans Affairs

2. Introduction Chanel Santiago, MBA
Served in the Army and Deployed to Iraq as a Truck Driver
Montgomery County Vet Center
Veterans Outreach Program Specialist

3. Vet Center Purpose
We are the people in the VA who welcome home with honor the war veteran by providing quality readjustment services in a caring manner assisting them and their family members toward a successful post-war adjustment in or near their respective communities.

4. Vet Center Mission Statement
Vet Centers serve veterans and their families by providing a continuum of quality care that adds value for veterans, families, and communities. Care includes professional readjustment counseling, community education, outreach to special populations, the brokering of services with community agencies, and provides a key access link between veterans and other services in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

5. History Part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
First opened in 1979 to provide services to Vietnam and Vietnam era veterans
Services subsequently extended to all combat veterans

6. Offer counseling to all military combat veterans and their families:
Services
Offer counseling to all military combat veterans and their families:
Individual counseling
Group counseling
Marital and family counseling
Bereavement counseling
Sexual trauma counseling and referral
Readjustment counseling
Medical referrals
Assistance in applying for VA benefits
Employment counseling
Alcohol/Drug assessments/referrals
Community education
Information and referral to community resources

7. Services Completely Confidential and Free
No person or entity outside of the Vet Center can access Vet Center records
Majority of the Vet Center Staff are Veterans

8. Appointments
Call Chanel at the Mont. Co. Vet or at
Walk-ins are welcome
Need proof of military service (DD214)
320 E.Johnson Hwy, Suite 201 Norristown, PA 19401

9. Many Vet Centers have Outstations
Locations
Bucks County:
DuBois:
Erie:
Harrisburg:
Lancaster County:
McKeesport:
Montgomery County:
Philadelphia:
Philadelphia (NE):
Pittsburgh:
Scranton:
Williamsport:
Many Vet Centers have Outstations
Mobile Vet Centers

10. Questions?