Veterans have to overcome many struggles when they begin their life after service. Some potential issues they face include homelessness, financial instability and emotional distress. Their experiences in dealing with these matters make them excellent candidates to help at-risk youth, many of whom go through the same difficulties in their own lives. Recognizing these similarities, the city of New Haven, Connecticut, in partnership with the local Veterans Affairs office, launched a new program called Veterans Empowering Teens through Support.
VETTS was designed to pair gang-affiliated or at-risk youth with veterans who may be able to help set them on the right path. The program matches troubled children and teens with a veteran who will spend at least 10 hours a week doing recreational activities, working on homework or learning positive behaviors. VETTS works on two levels: it helps veterans reconnect with their communities and it gives the youth participants connections to positive role models.
"This work is not for all veterans. It's definitely a higher calling because the kids we work with are tough. But I need veterans – people who are dedicated, motivated and up to the challenge of making a difference," the program's coordinator, Frank Galley, told WTNH News.