In 2012, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America saw a need to create a safety net for transitioning veterans to connect them to the extensive, but often fragmented, network of support systems and resources available to them. The Rapid Response Referral Team has connected over 7,800 veterans to more than 9,200 resources. Unfortunately, the needs of today’s veterans remain high. 

RRRP client quote of the week:  

“His name is [service animals name] he is so good. So far with his help I get out of the house more. Before I got him I did have another bipolar PTSD episode and was hospitalized in Jan. But since I have gotten stabilized…I get out of the house more….He also helps me practice assertiveness… But I want to thank you so much for helping me get him. I feel that he is slowly helping me get my life back….So you have been a great help….FinallyI am 3 classes away from my bachelors in accounting now… [service animals name] helps me with my attendance. Because I have to get up for him. It’s amazing. Seriously thank you for suggesting the dog helping me get him. I can’t thank you enough…made this possible. You saved my life for real. Cause that last PTSD episode I had I made lots of calls to the crisis center because of thoughts of suicide. Since having him not one thought. Tell you boss you need a promotion Cause you did all this from New York.  And I believe you really care.“

Trends:

Clients seeking employment and emergency financial assistance made up the bulk of new cases this week. This is followed by veterans seeking legal assistance and access to mental health services.  Veterans continue to reach out seeking help troubleshooting their education and other VA benefits. This week we had an increase in veterans contacting RRRP seeking local peer-to-peer support programs.

Overall Impact Metrics:

Total Cases: 7,850
All Referrals: 9,246
Total Benefits Received: 1,855
RRRP Customer Service Rating: 4.58
RRRP Partner Quality Rating: 4.12
Average Client Stress Level at Intake: 4.31
Average Reduction in Stress Level at Conclusion: -0.75
(* On a scale of 1 to 5)

RRRP Gender Breakdown:

80% male
20% female

RRRP Client Average Age: 39

Weekly Caseload Metrics:

New Cases This Week: 24
New Referrals This Week: 21

Top 5 Referral Areas:

• Financial Assistance: 8
• Employment: 5
• Homelessness and Housing: 4
• Suicide and Mental Health: 3
• Education: 1

Highest Rated Resources: 

Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill: 4.94*
SSVF – People Assisting the Homeless (PATH): 4.92*
RRRP Legal: 4.92*
(*On a scale of 1 to 5) 

Top 3 Programs Referred to this Week: 

Salute. Inc: 4
Operation Second Change: 4
Warrior 360: 4

Total Referrals by Referral Type

Gender Breakdown

VTM Customer Service

Average Partner Program Quality Rating

Average Stress Level at Intake

Average Reduction in Stress Level at Conclusion

Record Count – Open Cases by Location

Total Cases (veterans and family members)  Opened by Week (Last 4)

Cases by Month for last 12 months

Numbers of Referrals to Program Partners in Last 4 Weeks

Number of referrals in the past week

IAVA is changing and saving lives daily. This program is currently funded by generous grants from Educational Foundation of America, Goldhirsh Foundation’s LA2050 initiative, New York State Health Foundation, Resnick Foundation, May and Stanley Smith Charitable Trust and van Ameringen Foundation. Thank you for your continued support. To learn more about RRRP and how to support this program, please contact development@iava.org.