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 experience 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 for 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. Our program has already graduated two students, and we have more veterans participating in classes that should also be graduating soon. If you are interested in participating in this program, please contact us via email at ncvso@co.nevada.ca.us.
The NCVSO would also like to announce that we keep gun safety locks available in our lobby area for anyone to take without any questions asked. Studies show that most people commit suicide within the first hour of it becoming an option for them in their planning. These locks will not guarantee that a veteran will not try and commit suicide however, they will offer another opportunity for the veteran to ask him or herself if this is something that they really want to do and hopefully allow some time for intervention from a family member or friend.
The NCVSO can also assist our veterans who need counseling by making referrals to our local contracted agency Welcome Home Vets. Welcome Home Vets is an organization that provides free and confidential mental health services to veterans and their dependents. Veterans can receive assistance from local therapists who are knowledgeable and have experience working with veterans. 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@nevadacountyca.gov.
The Nevada County Veteran’s Services Office, located at 988 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley, is open from 9:00AM-5:00PM, Monday through Friday.
