Mission Statement
Our goal is to successfully reintegrate justice involved veterans back into their communities through Peer Navigators.
What is a justice involved veteran?
Justice Involved Veterans
The term justice involved Veterans is used to describe former service members who have been detained by or are under the supervision of the criminal justice system. Their involvement can range from arrest, to court involvement, to incarceration in jail or prison. ~Veterans Administration
Veterans sometimes enter the military seeking a better life from trauma, a trauma that can be exacerbated during their military service. After their military service you now have a veteran suffering compounding trauma. When these traumas escalate the ensuing behavior if not treated may lead to run ins with the law. This is the justice involved veteran.
Veteran Advocates Services & Training
Services
Who have we helped
Mentored over 4000 Incarcerated veterans
Preleased
Transitioned over 1500 veterans into transitional housing
VAST can house the average veteran in less than 4 hours
What is VAST doing in the community
09 October 2019
VAST at the unveiling of the City of Houston new Veteran Municipal Courts. The new program, announced by Mayor Sylvester Turner on Wednesday at City Hall, will help veterans who receive any city citations and warrants
.
15 October 15 2020
VAST was featured on Houston Television Pictured: Mark Pirtle ( HTV Producer, Lucy Gonzales (VAST Director of Communication)., Valerie James (CEO/Founder VAST), Jake Hicks & Bob Gerhard (VAST Navigators)
16 October 2020
VAST has new partners. We will mentor the Harris County Stars & Stripes veteran jail cells 50 veterans
Pictured: REcenter Samantha Alm, VAST Exec Director Valerie James, HCSO Reentry Director Jennifer Herring
& Shanto Scott Peters,
VAST Navigators Bob Gebhard and Jacob Hicks
29 October 2020
VAST was contacted by the Rcenter. The REcenter helps chronically homeless men and women who suffer from chemical dependency and co-occurring mental illness. REcenter contracted with VAST to Mentoor their veteran population.
Pictured: REcenter Samantha Alm, REcenter ceo Steven , VAST CEO Valerie James, and VAST Navigator Bob Gebhard
How can you help the veterans who have sacrificed all
Donate now
Donate dollars
Your donation can help VAST transition a homeless veteran to a life saving shelter. Your funding helps us Mentor our mentally ill veterans while they are incarcerated.
Donate your time
-
Honesty and integrity.
-
Confidence.
-
Inspire Others.
-
Commitment and Passion.
-
Good Communicator.
-
Decision Making Capabilities.
-
Accountability.
and a heart to serve heroes please join our mission.
7 benefits to volunteering
