Veterans Conservation Corps

Home
United States
Olympia, WA
Veterans Conservation Corps

VCC Mission: Serve those who served by providing veterans with self-directed connections to the lands, waters, and communities in WA State.

The VCC provides opportunities for veterans to do meaningful work in conserving and restoring natural ecosystems with our environmental conservation and agricultural community partner organizations. We support veterans in establishing and maintaining healthy reciprocal relationships with nature and their community so that through their own efforts they may increase their self-efficacy and resiliency and realize a positive shift in their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. To further support their efforts, VCC interns receive training and resources on veteran-related topics that empower them to address and overcome any challenges that they may experience in their transition from the military.

11/25/2025

Understanding the Washington Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Council in Action
December 3, 2025 | 11AM - 12PM
Register Now: https://www.eventsquid.com/event.cfm?id=30439

Join us for an overview of the Washington Traumatic Brain Injury Strategic Partnership Advisory Council, managed by DSHS and dedicated to supporting individuals impacted by TBI through advocacy, education, and statewide planning.

What to Expect:
Collaboration with WDVA and partners to enhance services
Key initiatives in awareness, prevention, and resource coordination
Opportunities to get involved and access TBI programs across Washington

11/24/2025

Your input is needed! Su***de Prevention Community Based Services Grant (SPCBSG)

Washington Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking applications from eligible Washington-based, Veteran-serving organizations to apply for the Su***de Prevention Community Based Services Grant (SPCBSG).

WDVA is seeking to fund programs and organizations that serve Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) who are at risk of su***de. Ideal candidates for funding include those who utilize peer support models that include evidence-based, research-based methods, or promising practices.

*Deadline is December 1, 2025
To learn more about the Grant, Eligibility and how to Apply visit:
https://www.dva.wa.gov/request-grant-applications-su***de-prevention-community-based-services-grant-award

11/18/2025

We’re Hiring: Social Media & Outreach Communications Manager! ✨
Apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/5131689/wdva-social-media-outreach-communications-manager-cc5-full-time-permanent-o

Calling all communications pros! 📣 Are you a seasoned expert in public relations, social media management, or digital outreach? The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) is looking for a Social Media & Outreach Communications Manager (Communications Consultant 5) to lead our statewide communications strategy.

In this role, you’ll:
- Shape and manage WDVA’s online and social media presence 🎯
- Partner with executive leadership to deliver strategic public information campaigns
- Create engaging, accurate, and accessible content for Veterans, resource providers, and the public
- Drive outreach initiatives across platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube
- Lead innovative digital projects, including video and cross-agency collaborations

💡 What we’re looking for:
- Expertise in social media platforms, tools, and analytics
- Strong skills in design tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and InDesign
- Proven experience in public relations, journalism, or social media management
- A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

This is your chance to harness your communications expertise to make a real impact—helping Veterans and their families access vital programs and services across Washington state.

👉 Apply today and join us in building a stronger, more connected Veteran community!

11/18/2025

Learn Saves Lives - Free Su***de Prevention Training
Time: 10:00am-11:30am | Location: Virtual/Online
Instructor: Don Seese, WDVA Su***de Prevention Program Lead
Register Now: https://www.eventsquid.com/event.cfm?id=30192

Course Description:
Veterans face enormous challenges as they transition from military to civilian life. Family members, friends and colleagues of veterans also face unique challenges in supporting those who served. This course offers perspective on the unique challenges faced by service members, veterans, and their families (SMVF) and teaches essential skills and methods for su***de prevention.

Learning Objectives:
-Awareness of su***de impact and why people die by su***de.
-Ability to apply LEARN su***de prevention skills and methods.
-Ability to integrate su***de prevention approaches into your personal and professional life.

11/16/2025

Join Us - Forward2Gether Peer Groups
Veterans with brain injury deserve connection and community. Your Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Brain Injury and Recovery Program hosts monthly peer groups for veterans and military families.

Forward2Gether Peer Groups offer a space to share stories, find support, and build trust among fellow veterans and their families. Veterans, military families and caregivers are welcome. Peer groups are conducted in person led by a trained Veteran Peer Group Facilitator.

🗓️ Tuesday, November 18, 5:30 - 7pm
📍 Kitsap County Forward2Gether Peer Group at Elks Lodge #1181, at 4131 Pine Rd NE, Bremerton, WA 98310.

🗓️ Tuesday, November 18, 5:30 - 7pm
📍Spokane County Forward2Gether Peer Group at VFW Post #5924, at 39716 N Camden Extension RD, Elk, WA 99009.

Learn More: https://www.dva.wa.gov/tbi/forward2gether-peer-group?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

11/14/2025

LGBTQ+ Workshop Series - Begins on November 17

YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs LGBTQ+ Veterans Program is offering no-cost workshops as part of the Ally Initiative. These are interactive sessions that prepare veteran service providers with information to better serve LGBTQ+ veterans and family members.

Register: www.dva.wa.gov/lgbtq-veterans

The workshop series consists of three (3) workshops:

WORKSHOP #1: LGBTQ+ Veteran Experience and Military History
WORKSHOP #2: LGBTQ+ Veteran Program, Definition of Veteran, and Correcting Errors and Injustices
WORKSHOP #3: LGBTQ+ Veteran Inclusive Practices

10/28/2025

LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP: INVISIBLE WOUNDS: Virtual Training for Veterans & Allies

Join the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs’ Su***de Prevention Team for a powerful FREE virtual training:
🗓 October 29, 2025 🕐 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (PT) | Online | No cost to attend
Register now by emailing: Connect@dva.wa.gov

Featuring David Krout, U.S. Army Veteran & Clinical Supervisor at South Sound Substance Use Disorders Program

In honor of Substance Misuse and Prevention Awareness Month, this session will explore:

-The intersection of PTSD, su***de, and substance use in the veteran community
-The impact of combat trauma, MST, and moral injury
-How veterans may use substances to cope—and what support works
-High-risk subgroups and effective treatment interventions

Let’s break the silence and support healing.

09/19/2025

Now Hiring: WDVA Director of Veteran Services
📍 Olympia Central Office – Thurston County, WA
💼 Full-Time • Permanent
💰 $82,344 – $146,784 Annually
🔢 Job #: 2025-06305
🏛 Dept: Dept. of Veterans Affairs
📚 Div: Vet Services, Counseling & Wellness
📅 Open: 09/17/2025 | Closes: 10/08/2025 @ 11:59 PM PT
🔗 Apply now: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/5073739/wdva-director-of-veteran-services-full-time-permanent-olympia-central-office

Are you a U.S. Veteran with senior-level leadership chops and a passion for “Serving Those Who Served”? Lead statewide Veteran programs, build partnerships, and champion benefits that transform lives across Washington.

09/16/2025

WDVA Honored with 2025 Pillars of Excellence Award for ArtsWA WAM Grant Innovation

The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) and the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA) celebrate the Wellness, Arts, and the Military (WAM) Grant program’s receipt of the 2025 Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award, honoring its innovative integration of creative arts into Veteran healthcare and transitional housing program services.

Art Heals: From Pandemic Isolation to Creative Connection

Recognizing the profound power of art to transcend cultural boundaries and promote healthy living, WDVA secured funding from ArtsWA’s WAM program for 2023 and 2024. These grants—totaling $400,000—were pivotal in restoring in-person programming after COVID restrictions, bringing therapeutic creativity to four State Veterans Homes and the Transitional Housing Program (THP). Veterans and their families rediscovered community and joy through painting, music therapy, gardening, ceramics, leatherwork, comedy workshops, live performances, and more.

"Art can change lives, and in the case of Veterans, it can save them. That’s the fundamental belief behind WAM," said WAM Program Manager Bryan Bales. "We’re proud to see it recognized through this award."

-$250,000 awarded in 2023 and $150,000 in 2024, distributed equally across four skilled nursing Veterans Home facilities (Walla Walla, Orting, Port Orchard and Spokane) and Transitional Housing Programs located in Port Orchard and Orting.
-More than 3,600 Veterans, family members, and clients engaged in hands-on art experiences
-Investments provided instruments, art supplies, technology, instructor fees, and transportation and attendance fees for cultural outings

Read More: https://www.dva.wa.gov/news/2025/wdva-honored-2025-pillars-excellence-award-artswa-wam-grant-innovation

09/03/2025

September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month (SPAM) - Available resources and SPAM Toolkit from Washington Department of Veterans Affairs

Last year, 212 Veterans in Washington State were lost to su***de. The hopelessness, pain, and suffering experienced by those left behind is immeasurable and highlights the need to support SMVF in our communities and reduce deaths by su***de together.

September is ***dePreventionAwarenessMonth or . Your Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs invites you to join our efforts to inspire care and hope among service members, Veterans, and their families.

We acknowledge the lives lost to su***de and all impacted by losing loved ones and recognize we still have work to do to prevent tragedy by instilling hope! Our theme this year, “Speak Up, Save Lives”, encourages us to come together and support those who may be struggling. By talking about su***de, we shine a light on the need to dismantle barriers to wellness such as stigma, fear, and judgment.

Last year, 212 Veterans in Washington State were lost to su***de. The hopelessness, pain, and suffering experienced by those left behind is immeasurable and highlights the need to support SMVF in our communities and reduce deaths by su***de together.

Su***de is a public health crisis and can be prevented. The Veterans Crisis Line is free and confidential and is available by calling 988, then pressing 1. Individuals supporting a Veteran in crisis may also call 988 to receive assistance from crisis counselors.

Our Su***de Prevention Awareness Month (SPAM) Toolkit offers individuals, families, friends, and the community resources to connect SMVF in need of help to the services and supports individuals having difficulties with behavioral health concerns.

You do not have to be an expert to help someone who may need a listening ear or support. WDVA’s Su***de Prevention Team offers no-cost su***de prevention trainings, virtually or in person, to the community, so check out what we have to offer to better educate and equip each other with the tools on how to LEARN: Look for Signs, Empathize, Ask, Reduce the Dangers, and Next Steps.

If you are unfamiliar with how to work with SMVF in your community and would like to learn more, we also offer Preventing Veteran Su***de by Combating Stigma: Building Awareness and Support at no cost.

Supporting SMVF in the community is a partnership and takes everyone to work towards the same goal! That is why WDVA works together with local community agencies and government partners as part of Washington State’s Governor’s Challenge to end su***de among SMVF.

Read more: https://www.dva.wa.gov/news/2025/september-su***de-prevention-awareness-month-spam-available-resources-and-spam-toolkit-washington

08/04/2025

⚓ Happy 235th Birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard! ⚓
Today we honor the brave men and women who serve with courage, commitment, and compassion—protecting our shores and saving lives every day. From all of us at the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs:

Thank you for your service and Semper Paratus!

07/25/2025

Celebrating the Legacy of the Orting Veterans Farm

As we bid farewell to the Orting Veterans Farm, which ceased operations on July 1 due to completion of funding from a VA Rural Farms Grant, we reflect on the immense impact it has had on the community, the land, and the many Veterans who found purpose and healing through its soil. This farm was more than just acres of land, it was a space for growth, resilience, and connection.

Over the years, the Orting Veterans Farm accomplished incredible milestones, becoming a model of sustainability, education, and service.

Veteran Empowerment

Hosted 16 Veteran farm interns, providing hands-on agricultural training.
Licensed farm plots for 26 beginning Veteran farmers, fostering self-sufficiency.
Sustainability Initiatives

Diverted over 105,000 pounds of food waste through a composting program.
Maintained orchards and demonstration gardens to promote sustainable practices.
Collaborated on solar energy feasibility studies to explore renewable energy options.
Agricultural Workshops

Provided training in beekeeping, organic farming, sustainable irrigation, composting, companion planting, orchard pruning, and fruit tree grafting.

Hosted women Veteran farmer learning circles in collaboration with American Farmland Trust’s Women for the Land program.

Holistic Veteran Well-Being

Organized Veterans Peer Support sessions to strengthen camaraderie.
Led workshops focused on mental health and well-being.
Promoted su***de prevention and awareness efforts.
Conducted military/Veterans cultural competency training to enhance understanding.

Community Support & Engagement

12,740 pounds of fresh produce donated to the Orting Senior Center and Orting Food Bank.
Hosted an annual free farmers market for Veterans and their families.
Organized seasonal farm potlucks to foster community connections.
Offered wreath-building workshops to celebrate tradition and creativity.

Read More: https://www.dva.wa.gov/news/2025/celebrating-legacy-orting-veterans-farm

Address

PO Box 41155
Olympia, WA
98504

Telephone

800-562-2308

Website

https://www.dva.wa.gov/vcc

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Veterans Conservation Corps posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Veterans Conservation Corps:

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Olympia?

11/25/2025

11/24/2025

11/18/2025

11/18/2025

11/16/2025

11/14/2025

10/28/2025

09/19/2025

09/16/2025

09/03/2025

08/04/2025

07/25/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share