IAVA’s Rapid Response Referral Program (RRRP) was created in 2012 to help new veterans navigate their transitions. Over the past six years, RRRP has grown into a best-in-class national program that is recognized for its impact and innovation. Veterans work one-on-one with professionally qualified and culturally competent Veteran Transition Managers (VTMs) who provide free and confidential support identifying transitional challenges and obtaining the resources necessary to meet their goals.

VTMs work on the frontlines everyday changing and saving the lives of veterans and families that reach out for help. Our VTMs are all master-level social service professionals, have a high level of military cultural competencies and their passion and commitment to the veterans they serve is what drives the program and enables the extraordinary impacts and outcomes for their clients. One of the very first VTMs that was hired in 2013 continues to provide heroic services to clients nationwide and recently had her five year IAVA anniversary.

Julienne Williams is IAVA’s Senior VTM, Military Services & Faith-Based Lead and is on the frontlines everyday working with RRRP clients and has single handedly prevented evictions, foreclosures, car repossessions and utility shut-offs. Julienne has connected hundreds of her clients with live saving mental health support, basic needs like food and shelter and has ensured access to benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Julienne has served nearly 1,400 clients in the past five years and approaches each case with care and creativity and is savvy in getting the needs of her clients met. As a team member, Julienne is the first to raise her hand to take on a new client and goes out of her way to support her colleagues with challenging cases. Julienne also currently still serves in the military and has dedicated her life to helping others.

Prior to joining IAVA, Julienne provided educational and crisis intervention and counseling to children and families in New York City and has over fifteen years experience as a professional counselor, program coordinator, child welfare worker, clinical case manager, crisis interventionist, and advocate serving various populations nationwide. Julienne holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology, a Bachelor’s Degree from Fordham University as well as Acquisitions Certifications through Defense Acquisition University as a Contract Specialist.

IAVA is tremendously lucky to have such a talented, caring, compassionate and tenacious colleague on the RRRP team. Here is a recent quote from one of Julienne’s clients:

“Thank you for being so kind and helpful all the time! The IAVA is blessed to have you as an employee! Truly!”

At IAVA we are all grateful for Julienne and her five years of selfless service as a VTM, advocating and working to improve the lives of our nation’s veterans and their families.

If you or a veteran you know is in need of support, RRRP’s Veteran Transition Managers are standing by to assist. Contact us today.