Of the 25 million veterans currently alive, nearly three of every four served during a war or an official period of hostility. About a quarter of the nation's population approximately 70 million people – are potentially eligible for benefits and services because they are veterans, family members or survivors of veterans.
An abundance of service providers exist to ensure a smooth transition for veterans from active military service to civilian life and to help restore the capability of veterans with disabilities. This abundance, however, often leaves veterans with fewer answers and more questions: Which organizations are the most knowledgeable about my need? Which can offer the help I need right now? Which can help me two years down the road, when my needs change?
In addition, service providers struggle to find the best method for identifying veterans and providing prompt and seamless service to them.
KCVetLink is a proven system that connects veterans to the right resources when and where they need it.
KCVetLink identifies, brings together and makes visible the network of service providers that support veterans in the Kansas City region. This seamless system provides veterans, their families and caregivers easy access to services ranging from health care to business development and more. Access to needed services is provided through a Web site, or by phone. Any group providing direct support to veterans can be part of this network.
Currently, more than 80 local resources are partners are interested in taking part in the KCVetLink network, and more are being identified every day. Through a simple Web interface, veterans can search through these resource providers to find the right resource at the right time. This search tool laid over the database makes KCVetLink stand out among other state and federal databases which provide masses of information in directory form.
Because the implementation is local to a region, many services are made visible that would not be found through national directory Web sites. In addition, the KCVetLink program goes beyond the limitations of electronic communication by helping the service provider organizations meet, interact and learn about each other so that they can make more accurate referrals for their clients.