VET TO VET MAINE

Vet2Vet Maine (V2VME), a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to serving Veterans in the state of Maine, offers support, companionship, a friend who understands, and a link to services to lonely and socially isolated Veterans.

V2VME matches Veteran volunteers (peer companions) with other Veterans who need a friend. The two Veterans visit on a regular basis (at least twice a month), sharing stories, enjoying activities together, and developing a friendship that can last a lifetime. Trained volunteers guide their Veteran friends in applying for needed services that can improve their quality of life and help them remain in their homes.

For soldiers just returning from the battlefield, they provide a mentor who can help lead the way back to civilian life, a fellow soldier who has been there and understands, a friend who listens and offers a helping hand.

For older Veterans dealing with illness, aging, the loss of a spouse, or other challenges, V2VME Maine’s volunteers provide companionship, a link to the greater community, assistance in addressing needs, and a friend who shares stories and activities.
V2VME focuses on providing peer companionship and support that will enable Veterans to remain in their home or residence of choice and have their needs met. V2VME supports Veterans who are isolated by bringing the people and programs to them, into their homes.

Caregivers of Veterans in the V2VME program also benefit from our Caregivers Support Network, which provides information helpful to caregivers, assistance with accessing programs and benefits, and a link to other caregivers in V2VME. Monthly lunches connect the caregivers and give them respite from the all-consuming duties of caregiving. Peer companions’ visits also provide periods of respite.

V2VME volunteers and staff make a significant impact on the lives of lonely and/or socially isolated Veterans by helping them gain access to programs that provide such necessities as supplemental food, fuel assistance, case workers, and home health aides. Veterans who are not enrolled in the VA are encouraged to do so. V2VME assists Veterans in obtaining VA benefits and services and helps them access funds for emergency problems such as home and car repairs. An intake form captures Veterans’ current housing environment and warning signs that they need help or require additional assistance to maintain their home safely. Peer companions serve as “eyes and ears” to detect issues that occur as time progresses. Unsafe or worrisome findings are routed to V2VME staff for resolution or referral to the applicable organization or agency if needed.

The value of the peer companion connection for lonely Veterans should not be underestimated. In addition to providing assistance with referrals and problem-solving, these peers become friends and form a bond that not only makes a difference in the lives of the Veterans they visit but also enriches their own lives. Studies show that loneliness and social isolation, which was exacerbated for these Veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic, have a serious impact on Veterans, increasing the risk of suicide and many diseases. Having a peer companion eases the social isolation/loneliness felt by these Veterans and connects them to the wider community.