The Nevada County Veterans Services Office (NCVSO) assists the veterans, their surviving spouses, and their eligible dependents obtain the federal, state, and local benefits to which they are entitled. We additionally assist our veterans with receiving quality mental health services either locally or through the VA to assist them to learn how to live with the symptoms of their condition. Roughly one in five veterans experiences mental health problems, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression, and anxiety and it is important that the NCVSO collaborates with outside agencies to ensure that veterans have every resource to overcome any obstacle in their way.
It was with this purpose that the NCVSO formed a partnership with Guitars 4 Vets. Veterans will have the opportunity to receive 12 free personal one-on-one guitar lessons through your NCVSO. Following completion of this 12-class program, the veteran will be mailed a free, brand-new acoustic guitar to perfect their skills. You might be asking, “Why guitars?” Music helps decrease anxiety, increase self-esteem, and reduces episodes of panic attacks, nightmares, and flashbacks. Additionally, playing guitar can help veterans safely connect with their surroundings and other people. If you are interested in participating in this program, please contact us via email at ncvso@co.nevada.ca.us.
The NCVSO is also excited to announce that it will soon be entering into a partnership with Citrus Heights Vet Center which will allow our veterans to receive free and confidential mental health services from our facility. Currently, some of our veterans need to travel more than 60 minutes to receive services from one of their counselors. Establishing a need for consistent services will provide yet another opportunity to ensure that the NCVSO has different resources available that meet the diverse needs of the population we serve.
The past two years have been extremely stressful on so many different fronts for everyone and it is important to know that there is assistance available. The Nevada County Veterans Services Office has different resources available to assist veterans with their mental health. If you would like to participate in our Guitars 4 Vets program or would like to learn more about the counseling services available, please contact us at (530) 273-3396.
Contact David West, Nevada County Veterans Service Officer, at (530) 265-1446 or david.west@co.nevada.ca.us. The Nevada County Veteran’s Services Office, located at 988 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley, is open from 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
