VetResources Community Network
The VetResources Community Network (VRCN) increases community Veteran engagement support to local communities, facilities, and external partners; enhances trust and access to care and benefits; shares promising practices, information and resources; and channels the Voice of the Customer through proactive outreach and communications. The VRCN is VA’s front door for outreach and community engagement to co-design collaboration strategies, bridge gaps in service, maximize collective impact, and breakdown silos.
Launched in November 2022, the VRCN (PDF, 1 page) includes community outreach partners such as non-profits, Veterans Service Organizations, strategic partners, coalitions, peer networks, community partnerships, Community Veterans Engagement Boards, and federal and state organizations.
The VRCN provides tools, connections, and advice to external community partners and outreach collaborators to increase access to VA, build trust, reach underserved and untethered Veterans, and improve community engagement efforts. The VRCN is supported through a Community of Practice (CoP) where promising practices, information, and tools are shared to support the Voice of the Customer.
What’s New
Employer Collaborative
VRCN is reaching the Veteran workforce to raise awareness about VA programs and services, encourage VA health care and benefits enrollment, tap into and inspire Veteran-employee resource group formation, cultivate Veteran employee peer and mental health support, and increase Veteran and military spouse employment opportunities. Department of Labor VETS and the Chamber of Commerce are partnering with VA to share information and resources for Veteran employees in the workplace.
Gaming
VRCN is hosting a Gaming Partner War Room to convene gaming collaborators and organizations to strategize on the best ways to reach Veterans and their families, offer VA services and benefits, and support Veteran wellness and health outcomes through recreational sports modalities.
Catalyst Award
The 2025 VRCN Catalyst Award launches January 20, 2025 on challenge.gov, and we’re seeking volunteer judges! The challenge engages non-profit organizations to improve customer experience and outreach, build trust, and increase access to VA and non-VA services for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. A total of $100,000 will be awarded to 10 non-profit organizations to implement new, innovative community-based outreach activities to reach over 5,000 underserved Veterans. Apply to serve as a volunteer judge by January 10, 2025.
Research
This case study in partnerships (PDF, 5 pages) identifies barriers and facilitators to forming effective collaborations between VA medical centers and community-based social service networks that cover similar catchment areas. Learn more about essential elements required for successful partnerships as well as navigating leadership levels, defining requirements, and sustaining collaborative efforts.
Resources and Tools
The VRCN’s flagship resource, the VA Community Playbook (PDF, 49 pages), helps build effective, sustainable community coalitions with VA, federal and state partners, community stakeholders, and service providers. This collection of practices contains valuable insight for a broad range of stakeholders at all levels and delivers tools to help cultivate and maintain a successful Veteran-friendly community with a built-in, coordinated, localized support system that is needs-based and outcome-driven.
The VetResources Community Idea Lab fosters conversation and knowledge sharing in an open, collaborative environment. The platform helps promote dialogue on key community engagement challenges and solutions; share innovative ideas on special topics, such as PACT Act outreach; and generate partner networking and mentoring opportunities.
Additional Resources and Tools
- 10 Ways to End and Prevent Homelessness (PDF, 9 pages)
- Homeless Veterans Outreach Toolkit (PDF, 26 pages)
- Medical-Legal Partnerships and Community Engagement (PDF, 1 page)
- Mental Health – Community Provider Toolkit
- Post-9/11 Veteran Organizations (PDF, 1 page)
- Talking with a Veteran in Crisis Handout (PDF, 2 pages)
- Traditional Veteran Organizations (PDF, 1 page)
- Understanding Public/Private Partnerships (PDF, 6 pages)
- VA Cemetery FAQs
- Blank Veterans Journey Map (PDF, 1 page)
- Blank Veterans Journey Map Activity Guide (PDF, 3 pages)
- Women Veterans Journey Map (PDF, 1 page)
- Women Veterans Storybook (PDF, 40 pages)
Contact Us
The Veterans Experience Office stands ready to support you. Request to join the VA VRCN or schedule a no-cost consult with VA to learn more about the VRCN, partnerships, outreach efforts, and upcoming community engagement events.
To complete the vetting process with VA, please also register with the National Resources Directory.
