Matt Feldhaus, program manager for the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracure University, which runs the AmericaServes network of which NCServes-Western is a part; Pack Memorial Library Manager Gigi Francis; and Brandon Wilson. Photo courtesy of ABCCM
From ABCCM:
Pack Memorial Library, NCServes-Western Expanding Network Access for Veterans Dedicated computer kiosk to open Thursday
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – NCServes-Western, a coordinated network based at Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) that connects veterans, active service members and their families in 12 Western North Carolina counties to more than 40 agencies and providers, is partnering with Pack Memorial Library to help veterans and their family members access resources and services through the network.
Starting Thursday, Sept. 7, the library is designating a computer kiosk solely for access to NCServes-Western. This is the first partnership of its kind in the country among the 12 AmericaServes networks, of which NCServes-Western is a member.
Brandon Wilson, ABCCM’s assistant director for service coordination and the network director for NCServes-Western, works with a veteran using the dedicated kiosk at Pack Memorial Library. Photo courtesy of ABCCM
NCServes -Western joined the AmericaServes network, which is administered by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University, earlier this summer with an official public announcement on Aug. 3, 2017. NCServes-Western serves as a coordinated network of public, private and nonprofit organizations working together to provide veterans, service members and their families access to services in a timely and efficient manner. Through a technology platform, NCServes – Western and its partner network guides veterans, service members and their families to the most appropriate services and resources available.
The Western network is the fourth in the state of North Carolina and extends coverage from the coastal region in the eastern part of the state to the mountains in the west, making North Carolina the most widely covered state in the nation. The Western North Carolina coverage area consists of the following counties: Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, and Yancey. There are 61,394 veterans in those counties, according to VA projections.
ABCCM’s Veterans Services of the Carolinas (VSC) handles the day-to-day management of NCServes – Western. Since 2002 VSC has administered education and employment training with job placement, housing and homeless prevention programs for veterans in 26 Western North Carolina counties. ABCCM is already part of the Charlotte-based NCServes – Metrolina network. While in the past the VSC’s focus has been on homeless veterans, NCServes – Western refocuses these efforts on connecting, equipping and empowering any veteran with a variety of opportunities.
Veterans, military members and families in need of assistance or more information should go to western.americaserves.org or call 1-855-WNC-VETS (1-855-962-8387).
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About Max Hunt
Max Hunt grew up in South (New) Jersey and graduated from Warren Wilson College in 2011. History nerd; art geek; connoisseur of swimming holes, hot peppers, and plaid clothing. Follow me @J_MaxHunt
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