Bridging the Gap: Kayla Arestivo on the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation's Mission to Support Virginia Veterans

Welcome Home - A Podcast for Veterans, About Veterans, By Veterans

Unlock the secrets of how Virginia is transforming veteran support through the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation (VSF). Join us as we sit down with Kayla Arestivo, the Executive Director of VSF, to uncover the foundation's pivotal role in bridging funding gaps and providing essential services to over 700,000 veterans across the Commonwealth. Kayla demystifies the distinctions between the Virginia Department of Veteran Services (DVS) and VSF, detailing the foundation's independent operations, funding mechanisms, and how they manage a significant budget to prioritize vital services like employment assistance, family support, housing initiatives, and behavioral health care. This episode promises to highlight the behind-the-scenes efforts that keep our veterans supported and thriving.
We also tackle veterans' specific challenges in underserved rural areas, especially in Shenandoah and southern Virginia, and discuss innovative strategies to reach those without internet access or reliable transportation. Get the latest updates on the much-anticipated Puller Center, where administrator Brock Bakos shares his vision for creating a vibrant, supportive environment for veteran residents despite delays and regulatory hurdles. From claims assistance to housing support, this episode is packed with valuable insights and updates that will give you a deeper understanding of the ongoing efforts to serve Virginia’s veterans better.

Luvut

1. Supporting Virginia's Veterans With VSF (00:00:00)

2. Veterans Services and Puller Center Updates (00:09:22)