Veterans’ Resources
Engage Estero is committed to assisting our veteran community. We share resources and items of interest here to help our local veterans connect with others and with agencies that can help. Engage Estero is not endorsing any particular organization or business by sharing this information.
Non-Profit Agencies
Make the Connection
Information, resources, and Veteran to Veteran videos for challenging life events and experiences with mental health issues.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
Request a Peer Mentor who has experienced military loss and is trained to be a source of understanding for you.
Together We Served
Find your battle buddies by branch and unit.
Veteran Wellness Alliance
Veterans and service members experiencing difficulties in daily life or in distress can reach out to Check-In and trust that an advocate will find a licensed professional who can help.
Hidden Heroes: Caregiver Support
If you care for a wounded, ill, or injured veteran or service member, you may need support at some point along your caregiving journey.
American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network
Peers engaged to exchange experience, empathy, education and encouragement
Team Red, White & Blue
Health and Wellness Focused Community for Veterans.
Student Veterans of America
Their mission is to act as a catalyst for student veteran success by providing resources, network support and advocacy to, through, and beyond higher education.
FGCU Military & Veteran Success
Offers programs to assist veteran/military students and the families to success at FGCU. Also offers programs connecting the school community with the local area.
Team Rubicon
Disaster relief organization that utilizes the sills of military veterans, first responders and tech professionals to assist in emergency recovery.
The Fire Watch
The Fire Watch is Florida’s fight to end veteran suicide. We are building a life-saving network of community members and organizations trained to identify the warning signs of veterans in crisis and to direct those veterans to the help they need.
Home Base: Florida
Home Base Florida is dedicated to healing the invisible wounds of war – such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), anxiety, depression, and co-occurring substance use – for Veterans, Service Members and their Families through world-class clinical care, wellness, education, and research.
Lee Health Military Support Program
The Lee Health Military Support Program helps:
- Military men and women and their families while deployed
- Returning troops – providing resume building, VA benefits, job placement, re-adjustment to civilian living
- Homeless veterans
- Local veterans – providing referrals and assistance
National Govt. Agencies
Veterans Crisis Line
If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255, then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local VA medical center 24/7 regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care.
Vet Centers
Discuss how you feel with other Veterans in these community-based counseling centers. 70% of Vet Center staff are Veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you.
VA Mental Health Services Guide
This guide will help you sign up and access mental health services.
VA Health News and Email Sign-Up
A list of current articles on health services for veterans. You can sign up to receive information by email.
VA Self-Help Apps
Tools to help deal with common reactions like, stress, sadness, and anxiety. You can also track your symptoms over time.
VA Women Veterans Call Center
The Women Veterans Call Center will help you navigate VA, point you in the right direction, and connect you with the Women Veterans Program Manager at your local VA medical center.
Call or text the Women Veterans Call Center at 855-VA-WOMEN (855-829-6636) or use the online chat feature.
VA Caregiver Support Line
VA’s National Caregiver Support Line is a toll-free number for caregivers, family members, friends, Veterans, and community partners to contact for information related to caregiving and available supports and services.
Call VA’s Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 to learn more about the support that is available to you and for assistance connecting with the Caregiver Support Team at your local VA Medical Center.
Just for Vets
VetTix: Tickets for Vets
Over 2,000 events offer special deals or donated tickets to qualified veterans.
Private Directories
Emergency Housing Directory
Disasters and personal tragedies can lead to housing issues. This directory lists emergency housing options for veterans.
Preparing and Paying for College
Resources for veterans seeking to attend and pay for college.
Guide to Starting a Business
Benefits for veteran entrepreneurs.
While Engage Estero tries to review the sites listed here, please use good judgment when evaluating the information these sites provide.