Resources
About The Resources
We do our best to list organizations and programs that are reputable, mission-aligned, and trusted by veterans and local partners. This list is not exhaustive, and many good resources exist beyond what's shown here. Because we take stewardship seriously, we do not add links simply because they're requested or marketed to us. If you have a recommendation, we welcome it. But inclusion is at our discretion and does not imply endorsement.
Benefits & VA Support
Resources to help veterans and their families navigate VA benefits, claims, healthcare, and eligibility. Includes official VA links, peer-guided assistance, and trusted partners who understand the system.
County Veteran Service Officers
Local VSOs provide in-person, accredited help with claims, benefits, and referrals.
Colorado County VSO Directory
Accredited Veteran Service Organizations
Free, accredited assistance with VA claims and appeals.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
American Legion
Official VA Resources
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs: The primary source for VA benefits, healthcare, and services.
VA Benefits & Services
File or Manage a Claim
VA Health Care Enrollment
VA Forms
State-Level Veteran Support
Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (CDVA): State benefits, resources, and veteran programs.
Veterans Crisis Line
Confidential support, 24/7.
Call or text 988, then press 1
Chat
Education & Planning Tools
VA GI Bill Comparison Tool: Compare schools, housing allowance, and benefits.
VA Caregiver Support Program: Resources for family members and caregivers.
Local San Luis Valley Veteran Services
Organizations and programs serving veterans in the San Luis Valley. These are local, boots-on-the-ground resources mentioned often by the community.
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing and Tying
A local chapter of a national program offering fly fishing and fly-tying experiences for veterans. The focus is on skill-building, time outdoors, and camaraderie through shared activity.
Valley Veterans ReCreation
A San Luis Valley-based organization providing outdoor archery and ice-fishing opportunities for veterans, first responders, and their families. Activities are designed to build connection, confidence, and community through shared experiences in nature.
American Heroes Foundation
Provides outdoor and recreational opportunities for veterans and first responders, including hunting, fishing, and outdoor experiences that emphasize camaraderie, mentorship, and time together outside.
Legal & Financial Guidance
Support for legal questions, financial planning, housing stability, and related issues. Includes nonprofit legal aid, benefits-related legal assistance, and financial education resources.
Veterans Legal Service Clinic
Law school-based clinics providing free legal help to veterans. Common focus areas include benefits appeals, discharge upgrades, housing, and consumer issues.
Colorado Legal Services
Free civil legal assistance for income-qualified Coloradans, including veterans. Practice areas include housing, benefits, consumer law, and family law.
Military Saves
Free resources focused on budgeting, debt reduction, savings, and financial readiness.
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
National Veterans Legal Service Program (NVSLP)
National nonprofit specializing in VA benefits law and systematic advocacy.
Colorado Bar Association - Military & Veterans Legal Help
Operation Homefront
Provides financial assistance, housing support, and emergency relief for eligible veterans and families.
Stateside Legal
Helps veterans, service members, and families find free or low-cost civil legal aid by state.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau - Office of Servicemember Affairs
Trusted financial tools and education for veterans and military families.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - HUD VASH
Housing assistance program for veterans experiencing housing instability.
Career & Transition
Resources for veterans navigating employment, education, and life after service. Includes resume help, training programs, job placement, and transition-focused support.
Hire Heroes USA
Free, personalized career coaching for veterans, service members, and spouses. Includes resume support, interview prep, ad job placement assistance.
O*NET - Military Crosswalk
Helps translate military occupations into civilian career paths.
Veterans Upward Bound
Academic support and college prep for veterans returning to school.
Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF)
Business education, startup support, and resources for veteran entrepreneurs.
RecruitMilitary
Connects veterans with employers through job fairs, hiring events, and job listings.
My Next Move for Veterans
Explore careers based on interests, skills, and military experience.
Onward to Opportunity (O2O)
Free professional certification training and career support for veterans and spouses.
Veterans Employment Center
VA-supported job board and employment tools for veterans and transitioning service members.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Education & Training
Official VA inforamtion on GI Bill, education benfits, and training programs.
Small Business Administration - Boots to Business
Entrepreneurship training for veterans interested in starting or growing a business.
Peer Connection & Community
Programs and organizations centered on camaraderie, shared experience, and peer-based connection. These are nonclinical spaces focused on conversation, belonging, and mutual support.
Team Rubicon
Veteran-led disaster response and service projects that rebuild purpose, teamwork, and community.
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (AIVA)
Irreverent Warriors
Hikes and gatherings focused on connection, humor, and breaking isolation, no clinical framing.
The Mission Continues
Service-based volunteer opportunities that connect veterans through meaningful community impact.
Vets4Warriors
Confidential peer support by phone, chat, or email. Staffed by veterans and family members. (not clinical or crisis only)
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership
Supports access to outdoor recreation and community-based nature programs.
Team RWB
Local chapters offering social, fitness, and community events that build connection and belonging.
The Soldiers Project
Peer-informed support and referrals for veterans and families navigating life after service.
RallyPoint
Online platform for veterans to connect, share experiences, and build community across eras.
Outdoor & Experiential Programs
Nature-based programs that use shared experience and time outdoors to build connection and purpose. These resources focus on experience and community, not therapy.
Warrior Expeditions
Self-led expeditions for combat veterans using hiking, paddling, or cycling to foster reflection and connection through challenge.
Overland Bound
Global overlanding community with regional chapters, training, and ground trips.
Higher Ground
Outdoor recreation programs for veterans and first responders, including skiing, hiking, and fly fishing.
U.S. Forest Service
Information on public lands, trails, camping, and recreation opportunities nationwide.
Veterans Overlanding Collective
Peer-led overlanding trips and meetups focused on shared adventure, self-reliance, and community.
Bureau of Land Management
Access to dispersed camping, off-highway vehicle areas, and outdoor recreation across the West.
Crisis & Immediate Support
Trusted 24/7 resources for veterans or loved ones who need immediate help. These options are here when they're needed. No judgement, no pressure. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number.
Veterans Crisis Line
Confidential support, 24/7.
Call or text 988, then press 1
Chat
Vets4Warriors
Confidential peer support by phone, chat, or email. Staffed by veterans and family members. (not clinical or crisis only)
Military OneSource
24/7 support and referrals for service members and families.
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Call: 800-342-9647