Female veterans find hope and help through conferences and new programs

Backed by Columbus car donations, veterans and their families are receiving improved services.

Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio welcomed October with this year's Ohio Women Veterans Conference in Columbus. With over 700 women in attendance, this biannual conference featured breakout sessions, speakers and a multitude of platforms for attendees to connect with other female veterans.

The Ohio Women Veterans Committee, the Ohio Department of Veterans Services and the other women’s associations present made this year’s event one to remember.

Former prisoner of war, Jessica Lynch, as well as Ohio Adjutant General Major General Deborah Ashenhurst spoke about their experiences. The conference also featured breakout sessions focused on job exploration strategies, health and wellness and updated benefits.

New program seeks to support low-income and at-risk Ohio veterans.

Volunteers of America also took the opportunity to educate female veterans and service providers on our new Veterans & Families FIRST program, which launched on October 1. This new program assists and supports low-income veterans at risk of becoming homeless, currently homeless and/or in need of help transitioning to permanent housing. Veterans & Families FIRST aims to ensure housing stability among local veterans and their families in order to prevent homelessness while promoting independence.

Our ongoing and family support includes:

  • Housing counseling
  • Personal financial planning
  • Healthcare referrals
  • Childcare help
  • Legal aid
  • Transportation
  • Daily living needs

Veterans & Families FIRST also provides financial assistance to those we serve.

You can change the lives of women veterans when you donate your car in Columbus.

At Volunteers of America, we rely on the generosity of our neighbors to continue to develop new programs like Veterans & Families FIRST. If you’d like to change the life of a female veteran and her family, it’s as simple as donating your car in Columbus. Complete this short online auto donation form or call (800) 862-6030. The Volunteers of America staff will then arrange a time and place at your convenience for your free same-day towing of your car, truck, motorcycle, boat or RV. Did you know you could even receive more for your auto as a charitable contribution than would selling it privately?

If you have any questions, please visit our Donate Your Car FAQ or give us a call today. There are no limits to caring.