September is Suicide Awareness Month |
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Hello Friends,
Do you know a military friend who is hurting? Maybe it's time to connect with that person. The sad truth is that the military suicide rate is much higher than the general population. According to the latest VA report, in 2019, the Veteran suicide rate was 31.6 per 100,000, substantially higher than the rate among non-Veteran US adults (16.8 per 100,000). The number of suicides decreased from 2018, but the statistics are still alarming. If you want to read more about the report, click here.
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Qualified Listeners was founded in January 2017 to train combat Veterans to listen to Veterans so they can have a safe listening ear. A fellow Veteran is less likely to judge; talking can help dispel anxiety and possibly prevent suicide. We haven’t waned from that since the beginning and exercise suicide awareness every month. Sometimes just having someone to talk with can ward off thoughts of suicide. In more urgent cases, we have professional resources we can call for help.
Due to recent activities in Afghanistan, we want Afghan Veterans to know we are here for them and welcome the opportunity to listen.
During our almost five years in existence, we’ve listened to over 2,000 Veterans. Many have experienced multiple listening sessions that continue today. We change lives; we impact lives; we save lives.
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This Is Why We Do What We Do |
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A 56-year-old Army Veteran’s 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee developed “Jeep Death Wobble,” a rapid oscillating in the steering components, resulting in the steering wheel moving quickly from side to side. The front-end components wore out, and the slightest imperfection in the road resulted in a severe, uncontrollable shudder that required him to significantly slow down to gain control.
He was concerned about safety for himself and others by causing an accident. He was also worried about not being able to drive to work. By partnering with Disabled American Veterans Chapter 8 in Greeley, we could help repair his vehicle. Please read on:
September 4, 2021
“Barb,
I can not begin to thank y'all enough. Having a vehicle that I can safely drive over 25-30 mph will help me find better employment and expands the area in which I can find housing. These last 8 months have really knocked me to my knees and knocked a lot of 'Pride' out of me. If there is a way I can help y'all in return, please let me know.”
Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.
- Helen Keller
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Service dogs are not the same as emotional support or comfort dogs. Instead, service dogs are trained to provide services to its master.
To be eligible for a Military Service Dog, you will have to get approval from a licensed professional. If you’re enrolled in VA healthcare, talk to your primary care physician first. If not in the VA, you will have to obtain approval from a certified mental health professional. Your licensed professional will guide you on requirements, eligibility, and costs.
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Unlock Hidden Benefits--Using a Veteran Service Officer
Veterans and their dependents are potentially eligible for benefits that are determined during an intake interview. The Veteran Service Officer (VSO) will serve as your advocate to assist you with the preparation, presentation, and possible appeal of your VA benefits.
When you need assistance in getting the benefits as a Veteran, you should utilize the assistance of a VSO. They are trained and accredited by the VA to aid Veterans, their dependents, and survivors. These services are provided at no charge:
VA Enrollment/Reinstatement
Filing Claims
Service-Connected Compensation
Non-Service-Connected Pension
Death Pension
Medical Benefits
Education
Home Loans
Military Records, Awards, or Medals
Insurance
Burial Benefits
Headstones
Survivors Benefits
You do not have to fill out VA forms yourself. It’s the job of the VSO to do this for you.
Almost every county in the U.S. has a VSO. Shown below are helpful links.
VSOs may also be a resource for services other than what the VA provides. For those needs, you can also call Qualified Listeners at 720-600-0860.
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Our “Suits for Veterans” Program is Back
Through our partnership with ARC Thrift Stores, we are once again providing vouchers to Veterans needing clothing for job interviews, work, or just something to wear. Vouchers are redeemable at any ARC Thrift Store in Colorado. Just email your DD-214, name, mailing address, and phone number to Resource@QualifiedListeners.org.
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Qualified Listeners has become a community partner with SCHEELS All Sports in Johnstown, Colorado. The store is offering valuable coupons to Veterans and family members. Scheels recognizes our military heroes' dedication and sacrifice and their families. The organization wants to give back to the Veteran Community. The coupon value is $10 off with a $50 purchase through 12/31/21 and is redeemable at the Johnstown location only. All you have to do is contact us by phone or email to let us know how many coupons you would like and where we should send them.
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Seeking Reputable Resources
Since we cover such a large geographic area of Colorado and Wyoming, we cannot be in every community, so we ask for your help. We need to create a list of excellent service providers in your area, such as plumbers, electricians, lawn care, painting, sprinkler systems, handypersons, home contractors, moving companies, home cleaning, and others. We want to find business owners who recognize that their freedom to own a business comes from Veterans. They also need to work with us on pricing. If you’ve had success working with a Veteran-friendly company, please let us know so we can reach out to them.
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For Veterans From Veterans |
- If you need a mobility device contact us!
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Veterans enrolled in the VA Healthcare system and admitted to a non-VA emergency room or urgent care facility can call the VA Authorization Office at 1-888-795-0773, option 1. A Veteran DOES NOT have to call this number before being admitted to the ER or urgent care but must do so within 72 hours post-admission.
If a Veteran is 100% disabled or retired from the military, and is in the Cheyenne VA Medical Center catchment area, call 307-778-7310 to check eligibility for dental benefits.
To transfer your records to the Cheyenne VA Medical Center catchment area, call 307-778-7555
If you fall and need help getting up, call your local fire department. If you lock your keys in the car, call your local fire department.
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August Progress
472.75 Volunteer Hours | 1,570 Miles
26 Veteran Transports
18 Listening Sessions
Facilitated car insurance payment for 1 Veteran
Facilitated rent deposit for 1 Veteran
Delivered donated power chair to 1 Veteran
Helped 1 Veteran family with packing to move
Onboarded 47 new Veterans into our system
Created 48 new cases
Ended month with 69 work-in-process cases
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What exactly do we do?
- We listen
- Provide transportation to medical appointments
- Help with mobility equipment
- Offer vetted resources for Veterans
- Help Veterans & families find more peace in their lives
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Monetary Donations:
We are always grateful for monetary donations, which allows us to continue serving Veterans and families. If you can contribute whatever amount you feel comfortable with, please click here. It’s not about donating; it’s about making a difference. We’re a 501(C)3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible under our EIN 81-5381427.
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Qualified Listeners
Mailing Address:
PO Box 563
Dacono, CO 80514
Tel: 720-600-0860
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