Veterans in Lewis County will soon be offered peer counseling services in addition to housing, health care and other community resources, according to a news release from Lewis County. On Tuesday, $75,000 in county veterans’ relief funds were authorized by the Lewis County commissioners to begin the new peer-to-peer program.
The Lewis County Veterans Service Office, in cooperation with the local organization Veterans Journey Forward and Veterans Memorial Museum, will coordinate the new services to be offered at the museum, located at 100 SW Veterans Way in Chehalis, according to the release.
“Having different options available to our veterans in beneficial,” Lewis County Veterans Specialist Heidi Palmer said.
Jesse Lloyd, director of Veterans Journey Forward added, “This is going to help build a bridge for additional health and resources that are desperately needed.”
Peer counseling volunteers who want to participate can apply at the Veterans Memorial Museum.
Lewis County Commissioner Lindsey Pollock said is “an opportunity for our community to show the federal government how it’s done.”
Commissioner Lee Grose said he hopes the county can become an example for the nation. .
Commissioner Sean Swope added, “I’m thankful we can support our veterans in this way.”
The county previously stated it would need $300,000 to start the program.
