On Wednesday, March 19, White County veterans gathered at the White County Veteran Service Office in Monticello for an important town hall event aimed at strengthening support for those who have served our country. Hosted by the Community Foundation of White County in partnership with TPMA, “Veteran Conversations” provided an opportunity for veterans to share their perspectives on services they find valuable and to suggest initiatives that could better support their needs.
The town hall is a key piece of a broader initiative by the Community Foundation to improve mental wellness across White County. Recognizing that veterans play a vital role in the fabric of the community, this conversation was designed to listen and learn directly from those who have given so much.
Prior to the town hall, a community leader round table was convened, bringing together local officials to discuss current challenges facing the veteran population and to explore collaborative solutions. Insights from this leadership discussion set the stage for a more informed and responsive dialogue with veterans later that evening.
Data collected in partnership with TPMA leading up to the event revealed that White County is home to 1,515 veterans, representing a significant portion of the county’s 24,000 residents. A majority of these veterans served during the Vietnam or Korean War eras, underscoring the importance of addressing aging-related needs alongside broader mental health concerns.
The insights gathered during both the round table and the town hall will be used to guide the next steps in creating or enhancing programs and services that benefit White County veterans. As part of its mission to improve community well-being, the Community Foundation of White County will continue to work alongside local partners to build a stronger support system for veterans.
TPMA will combine the gathered research and community insights to create a report that not only shares key findings but also offers actionable recommendations. These strategies will help the Foundation and other local leaders strengthen the network of support for our veterans, creating a more resilient and caring community.
For more information about this initiative or to stay involved in efforts to uplift White County’s veterans, please contact the Community Foundation of White County at (574) 583-6911.
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