Trained Advocate Model

By deploying trained, accredited advocates to assist veterans with VA benefits claims, increase successful access to benefits, because specialized knowledge and personalized guidance improve navigation of complex bureaucratic systems. This strategy centers on building expert human capacity—specifically Veterans Service Officers or accredited advocates—who are deeply familiar with VA systems and empowered to guide, represent, and support veterans through claims and appeals processes. Unlike general support services, this model emphasizes formal training, accreditation, and sustained one-on-one advocacy as key levers for systemic access, making it distinct from peer support or awareness campaigns that rely more on community or cultural change.

orgs running it

170

activities of those orgs

clusters touched

who runs it

organizations running this strategy · 8

what it looks like in practice

activities of orgs running this strategy

A sample of programmatic activities from the orgs above. These are what the strategy looks like on the ground.

Community Engagement and Information Sharing DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
direct service
Maintains a Facebook page to provide up-to-date information on veteran events, news from the VA, and job listings, and hosts a monthly steak fry event for community building.
Hospital Service/Transportation Coordination DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
direct service
Seeks to fill Hospital Service/Transportation Coordinator (HSC/TC) positions at Prescott and Phoenix VA Hospitals to support veteran access to medical care and transportation services.
Hospital Service/Transportation Coordination DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
direct service
Seeks to fill Hospital Service/Transportation Coordinator (HSC/TC) positions at Prescott and Phoenix VA Hospitals to support veteran access to medical care.
Hospital Service/Transportation Coordination DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
direct service
Seeks to fill Hospital Service/Transportation Coordinator (HSC/TC) positions at Prescott and Phoenix VA Hospitals to support veteran access to medical care and transportation services.
Hospital Service/Transportation Coordinator Staffing DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
direct service
Fills Hospital Service/Transportation Coordinator (HSC/TC) positions at Prescott and Phoenix VA Hospitals to support veterans.
Local Service Office Operations DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
direct service
Operates a direct service office at 3333 N Central Ave Ste 1053 in Phoenix, AZ, providing in-person support to veterans.
Local Service Office Operations DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
direct service
Operates a direct service office at 3333 N Central Ave Ste 1053 in Phoenix, AZ, providing in-person support to veterans.
Local Service Office Operations DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
direct service
Operates a service office at 3333 N Central Ave Ste 1053 in Phoenix, AZ, providing in-person support to veterans.
Monthly Community Engagement Events DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
direct service
Hosts a recurring steak fry event on the second Saturday of each month to foster veteran community engagement and connection.
Monthly Community Events for Veterans DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
direct service
Hosts a recurring steak fry event on the second Saturday of each month to foster community engagement among veterans.
Monthly Community Events for Veterans DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
direct service
Hosts a recurring steak fry event on the second Saturday of each month to foster community engagement and provide social support for veterans.
Social Media Information Hub DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
direct service
Maintains an active Facebook page to share timely information on veteran events, VA news, and job opportunities.
Social Media Outreach and Engagement DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
direct service
Maintains an active Facebook page to share timely information on veteran events, updates from the VA, and job opportunities.
Social Media Outreach and Engagement DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
direct service
Maintains an active Facebook page to share timely information on veteran events, VA news, and job opportunities.
Veteran Service Office Operation DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
direct service
Operates a service office at 3333 N Central Ave Ste 1053 to provide support and resources to veterans.
Veteran Service Officer Training DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
capacity building
Trains individuals to become Veterans' Service Officers (VSOs) to assist veterans in filing VA disability claims.
Veterans' Service Officer (VSO) Training Program DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
capacity building
Trains individuals to become Veterans' Service Officers (VSOs) who assist veterans with filing VA disability claims, improving access to earned benefits.
Veterans' Service Officer (VSO) Training Program DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
capacity building
Trains individuals to become Veterans' Service Officers to assist veterans with filing VA disability claims, building capacity within the veteran support network.