EVANSTON — Services for veterans were the topic of presentations at the Evanston Chamber Luncheon held on Thursday, Oct. 5, at the Evanston Senior Center. Individuals representing multiple local agencies were given the opportunity to share the types of services they offer to veterans.

Sandy Darif with Volunteers of America opened the presentation with an explanation of the various programs VOA offers to assist veterans. Darif said the mission of VOA is “to compassionately serve and strengthen individuals by empowering them to build healthy and happy lives.” 

Specifically, VOA is able to assist veterans who are homeless or at risk for becoming homeless and to provide services to create housing stability, said Darif. The assistance provided by VOA is short-term, lasting a few months, to help veterans get back on their feet. “We provide a hand up, not a hand out,” she said.  Darif said that VOA uses a person-centered approach that is based on the belief “in the potential and ability of the person being served to make the right choice.” 

In order to qualify, Darif said that individuals must be veterans whose discharge status is anything other than dishonorable, whose income is below guidelines, and who are facing a threat of homelessness, have received an eviction notice or who are literally homeless. 

“Our goal is to have no homeless veterans in the United States,” said Darif. Although her office is in Rock Springs, Darif said she travels all over southwestern Wyoming to assist veterans. She can be reached at (307) 448-3800 or via email at sdarif@voanr.org. 

Following the VOA presentation, Tom Saprony, Wyoming Workforce Services Veteran Liaison, spoke about services he is able to provide. Saprony said he can be of assistance to all veterans and to spouses of veterans who have died during active duty. 

Individuals must identify themselves as veterans to receive services, including priority of service and an intensive program to address barriers to employment. Saprony works with employers in the community to locate employment opportunities. 

Lori Crump, veterans service officer with the Wyoming Veterans Commission, said she is able to inform veterans about benefits that are available to them and help individuals file for those benefits. She is in Evanston once a month at the Human Services Building, and appointments can be made by calling (307) 438-2101.

Representatives from the Uinta County Treasurer’s and Assessor’s offices were also on hand to speak about veteran services. Uinta County Treasurer Terry Brimhall said there are motor vehicle and property tax exemptions available for every veteran. 

There are also several specialty license plate options for veterans, including different plates for different branches of the military; disabled veteran plates; Pearl Harbor survivor, POW, and Purple Heart plates; and Gold Star plates. More information and applications for any of these plates can be obtained at the Uinta County Treasurer’s Office. 

Brenda Morrow with the Uinta County Assessor’s Office also spoke about the tax exemptions and said the qualifications are on the website at uintacounty.com and people can call (307) 783-0338 with any questions. Morrow said, “I just want to thank all of the veterans for their service.” 

Finally, Teresa Park with Bear River Dental spoke about the free dental day for veterans and underprivileged children the office is planning, tentatively scheduled in February or March. Park said their entire office, including Dr. Nathan Lester and Dr. Luke Owens, will be participating in the event.

“We know there is a very strong need [among] children and vets,” said Park. She also said that their office staff would love to work with anyone who has lists of families or veterans in need of dental services. 

Chamber Director Marian McLean thanked presenters and attendees and said she was excited to have the opportunity to “be able to help and assist those who have done so much for our country.”