Services
Mental Health
The Veterans Care Trust Fund provides assistance and supportive services to help you advocate for your own care or the care of a family member. Through our Pay It Forward Grant, we help veterans work with County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) to navigate the process of completing a Mental Health Assessment, which can be crucial for their claims.
Recognizing that CVSOs often lack the time or specialized knowledge needed for such cases, we step in to offer support. Our program connects veterans with caring professionals who possess extensive expertise in military service and a deep understanding of the unique challenges veterans face. This ensures that veterans receive the compassionate guidance and resources they deserve.
We also take pride in fostering connections with amazing partners who share our mission of empowering rural veterans. As we continue to grow, we aspire to establish our own dedicated resource center: The Eagles Journey. This center will symbolize our commitment to providing unparalleled support and creating a thriving community for rural veterans and their families.
Helping Our Veteran Communities Thrive
Veteran and Family Aid Fund
Veterans can apply directly through our CONNECT WITH US link or work with their local County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO) to access personalized support close to home.
Through this process, many discover benefits and assistance they didn’t know were available—from housing support to emergency aid and beyond. Each interaction opens doors to new possibilities, dignity-restoring solutions, and pathways that honor every sacrifice.
We proudly stand in the GAPS—those critical spaces left by fragmented systems—and walk beside veterans and families to ensure no need is missed, no voice goes unheard, and no one falls through the cracks. Together, we build not just access—but connection, trust, and healing.
Application & Support Process
Veterans seeking assistance through the Veteran and Family Aid Fund begin by submitting a formal application—either directly via our CONNECT WITH US link or through a trusted County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO).
As part of our intake process, we ask that both the veteran and spouse (if applicable) are present whenever possible. This ensures shared understanding, coordinated care, and full access to resources designed to uplift the entire household.
In-person conversations—whether onsite or at a trusted community location—allow for deeper connection and clearer support pathways. Families are also asked to bring any relevant documentation (e.g., proof of service, income statements, housing status, medical records) to help ensure each solution is grounded in real-world context.
Intake Support Teams
All of our Veteran and Family Intake Advocates work in teams of two—so no one stands alone. This model fosters collaboration, cross-checking, and emotional support while ensuring that veterans and families receive consistent, informed guidance. It’s a system rooted in partnership, care, and mutual accountability.
Our intake teams also ensure each step is followed thoroughly to maximize funding impact and connect families with the best possible support. This includes:
- Activating additional available resources across county, state, and federal systems
- Coordinating services that address both urgent needs and long-term stability
- Providing responsive support with transparency, compassion, and respect
Timely Response
We recognize that many families are facing urgent challenges. Whenever possible, our team provides same-day support for pressing matters, and we guarantee a response within 24 hours for all inquiries.
Providing accurate and timely information during the application process helps ensure no veteran or caregiver faces crisis without swift, compassionate guidance.
💙 Our Mission
We are here to strengthen and uplift veteran communities—
One family. One solution. One act of dignity at a time.
Opportunity Fund
The Veterans Opportunity Fund provides short-term, low-interest loans that offer veterans fast, secure financial relief—without the burden of predatory costs. All funding is administered through a formal application process with WCCU, ensuring transparency and reliability every step of the way.
While its core purpose remains unchanged, this fund now also supports small business loans, issued in collaboration with WCCU, and directed toward Veteran-Owned Businesses (VOBs) and Veteran Spouse-Owned Businesses (VSOBs).
This effort goes beyond emergency relief—it’s a long-term investment in veteran-led entrepreneurship. By equipping families with tools for self-sufficiency and growth, we're fostering generational impact and reinforcing the belief that something meaningful can be gained, even through the sacrifices of service.
Veterans Opportunity Fund
The Veterans Opportunity Fund provides short-term, low-interest loans that offer veterans fast, secure financial relief—without the burden of predatory costs. All funding is administered through a formal application process with WCCU, ensuring transparency, reliability, and financial dignity every step of the way.
Why It Matters
According to national data, 27% of U.S. veterans live in households struggling to afford basic expenses—even if they earn above the federal poverty level. Emergency financial relief isn’t just helpful—it’s essential to prevent cascading crises in housing, health, and employment.
Small Business Expansion
While its core purpose remains unchanged, the fund now also supports small business loans, issued in collaboration with WCCU, and directed toward Veteran-Owned Businesses (VOBs) and Veteran Spouse-Owned Businesses (VSOBs).
Why It Matters
Veterans own over 1.6 million businesses nationwide, employing nearly 3.3 million workers. Yet access to capital remains a top barrier—especially for rural, minority, and spouse-led ventures. By investing in veteran entrepreneurship, we’re not just supporting individual success—we’re fueling economic resilience across entire communities.
Generational Impact
This effort goes beyond emergency relief—it’s a long-term investment in veteran-led entrepreneurship. By equipping families with tools for self-sufficiency and growth, we’re fostering generational impact and reinforcing the belief that something meaningful can be gained, even through the sacrifices of service.
Why It Matters
Veteran-owned businesses generate nearly $922 billion in annual revenue—but only 14.9% of veteran business owners report being service-disabled, and female veteran entrepreneurs face systemic barriers to capital and mentorship. Our fund helps close those gaps, ensuring that every veteran and spouse has a fair shot at building something lasting.
Essential Support for Military and Veteran Communities
Food pantries play a critical role in the military and veteran community, providing much-needed supplemental resources for service members, veterans, and their families. These pantries often act as a lifeline, ensuring that basic nutritional needs are met for those who have served our country.
Want to help at a food pantry? VCTF has a list for all seven counties.
We fill gaps and support—and look forward to launching in 2026.
Need a ride or home delivery? We’ve got you covered.
Because having food for you and your family matters.
Food Insecurity in Rural Communities
Why Food Pantries Are a Lifeline
Food insecurity isn’t just about hunger—it’s about uncertainty. In rural communities, families often face limited access to grocery stores, transportation barriers, seasonal employment, and rising costs of living. Veterans, seniors, single parents, and working families alike may find themselves choosing between food, medicine, or housing.
Unlike urban areas, rural regions often lack large-scale food banks or public transit systems. That means local food pantries become essential hubs—not just for meals, but for dignity, connection, and survival.
Why Food Pantries Matter:
Local Access: They eliminate long travel times and serve neighbors directly.
Respectful Support: Trauma-informed volunteers offer help without judgment.
Flexible Resources: Many pantries provide fresh produce, hygiene items, and even pet food.
Community Connection: They foster trust, reduce isolation, and often connect families to other vital services.
Food insecurity is invisible until it’s named. Rural food pantries make it visible—and solvable—by showing up consistently, listening deeply, and meeting people where they are.