Qlarant Foundation Grantee VAMSA Lifts the Quality of Life for Veterans

2024 Qlarant Foundation Grantee Veteran and Military Support Alliance (VAMSA) is dedicated to providing accessible and free resources uniquely tailored to the needs of military members and veterans, their families, and their caregivers. VAMSA is a proud component fund of Chesapeake Charities, Inc. which provides innovative leadership and quality services that encourage charitable giving, builds community resources, and enables donors to achieve their charitable purposes.

VAMSA provides accessible and free resources uniquely tailored to the needs of military members and veterans, their families, and their caregivers. The Qlarant Foundation grant of $20,000 supports Operation Volunteer Activation, which mobilizes volunteers to expand the ability to provide services supporting the people they serve.

The purpose of the program is to mobilize volunteers to expand the ability of VAMSA to provide services. The current VAMSA team, comprising an executive director and a director of program development and grant funding, cannot fulfill the increasing demands within the community.

“We require additional staff who then can leverage the use of trained volunteers to greatly expand the scope of services available to serve the target population,” said Eric Johnson, Executive Director. “Additionally, volunteers will undergo a background check and onboarding training, including Mental Health First Aid, suicide prevention screening, and peer support education.”

Qlarant’s mission aligns with the volunteer activation program’s objectives, as both are committed to increasing access to quality health services for individuals and communities. The focus of the program encompasses a wide range of areas crucial for the well-being of the target population, including support for: claims and benefits, education, employment, housing, behavioral health care, and somatic care.

“Recognizing the unique challenges faced by veterans, military personnel, and their families and caregivers, the program aims to provide comprehensive assistance,” Johnson continued.” By mobilizing volunteers, the program seeks to enhance the capacity to address the diverse needs of this population, ensuring that they receive the necessary support in areas such as healthcare, education, and social services. The collaboration between the program and Qlarant is essential in achieving the overarching mission of improving access to quality health services for these individuals and communities.”