ABOUT
VetConnect SD is a statewide pilot initiative designed to strengthen how South Dakota connects service members, veterans, and military families to the resources they need. Led by Community Action for Veterans (CAV), this effort builds on years of experience evaluating what works in outreach, coordination, and care for the military community.
VetConnect SD brings together public and community partners to improve how information is shared, referrals are made, and services are delivered. It was created from a decade of learning through CAV’s collaborative programs and events, which revealed where gaps exist and what practices lead to stronger outcomes for veterans and families.
WHAT PARTNERS DO
Partners in VetConnect SD work together to make care and connection simpler for those who serve. Some host local outreach and peer events. Others provide navigation or training to increase cultural competence. CAV coordinates the collaborative so that every effort stays connected, informed, and responsive to community needs.
Their work focuses on three key goals:
*Improving access to the right resources at the right time.
*Building community connection through peer support and outreach.
*Strengthening cultural understanding among providers and systems of care.
IMPACT
VetConnect SD represents the next step in a long-term commitment to improve how South Dakota serves its military community. Veterans and families experience more coordinated, culturally informed support. Providers gain the tools and relationships they need to collaborate effectively. Communities become more responsive to the needs of those who have served.
Through initiatives such as Operation Chow Line, Stand Up for Women Veterans, and the CAV Conference and VA 1 on 1 Veterans Assistance Expo, this collaborative model has already connected hundreds of veterans and families to services, benefits, and community support. VetConnect SD will expand this approach statewide beginning in 2026.
WHY IT MATTERS
South Dakota’s veterans and military families often live in rural areas where services are limited or difficult to find. VetConnect SD bridges these gaps by linking local organizations, healthcare systems, and peer programs in one coordinated network. Each partnership strengthens trust, reduces barriers, and ensures that no veteran or family has to navigate support alone.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
VetConnect SD partners gain access to shared tools, training, and evaluation methods that improve coordination and communication. Participating organizations can:
*Take part in cultural competence and PsychArmor training.
*Collaborate with peers to identify service gaps and best practices.
*Track outcomes and share data to inform ongoing improvements.
*Build partnerships that make care and connection easier to access statewide.
OUR VISION
VetConnect SD envisions a unified community of care that listens to veterans and families, learns together, and leads through collaboration. It connects people, organizations, and systems to ensure that support is timely, coordinated, and grounded in understanding. Together, we are building a stronger and more connected South Dakota for those who have served and the families who stand beside them.
