08/06/2026
🇺🇸 BUILDING A COMMUNITY AROUND OUR VETERANS
In just under three months, the Williamson County Veterans Assistance Commission has been blessed to build and strengthen an incredible network of community partners and resources to help us serve Veterans and their families.
Some of these relationships were already in place through connections I had developed over the years, while many others are brand new relationships that have grown since the WCVAC opened its doors. Either way, one thing has become very clear:
Williamson County and Southern Illinois care about our Veterans.
The WCVAC isn't going to be able to solve every problem by ourselves—and we shouldn't try to. Our goal is to know who can help, build relationships with those organizations, and work together so that when a Veteran walks through our door, we have somewhere to turn.
We want to recognize some of the organizations that have already become part of that growing network:
💰 Financial & Emergency Assistance
DAV Marion Illinois and Military Families Together have provided additional avenues for emergency financial assistance, while VA financial empowerment resources can help Veterans work toward longer-term stability.
🏠 Housing & Homelessness
The Southern Illinois Salvation Army / Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), Take Action Today, Herrin House of Hope, and VA homeless Veteran programs give us additional options when a Veteran is facing homelessness, housing instability, food insecurity, recovery, or other transitional needs.
🥫 Food & Basic Needs
The Marion Ministerial Alliance, Zion United Church of Christ, Renew: Secondhand Store, Herrin House of Hope, and Good & Clean Laundry, LLC. are helping us connect Veterans with everything from food and clothing to laundry services and basic necessities.
🚲 Transportation
Sometimes something as simple as having a bicycle can be the difference between a Veteran being able to get groceries, make an appointment, or get to work. Marion Bikes, and The Bike Surgeon of Southern Illinois have given us additional options when transportation becomes a barrier.
💡 Utility Assistance
We have developed a working relationship with Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association that allows us to coordinate assistance and pledges when a Veteran is facing a utility disconnection. Having a person on the other end of the phone who understands what the WCVAC is trying to accomplish can make a tremendous difference.
🏥 Health, Home Care & Medical Equipment
LHC – Illinois Home Health Care and Shawnee Alliance have expanded the resources we can turn to for home healthcare, medical equipment, and other needs. Adult Protective Services is also an important partner when vulnerable adults may need additional protection or intervention.
🦷 Dental Resources
Dental care can be a major gap for Veterans who do not qualify for comprehensive VA dental benefits. We are continuing to build options through resources such as Everyone for Veterans, SIU Community Dental Center, SIU Dental Hygiene Clinic, Shawnee Health Dental, SIU School of Dental Medicine Veterans Dental Care Program, and applicable VA homeless Veteran dental resources.
🎖️ Veteran Benefits & Services
Our relationships with the The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, local Veteran Service Officers, the Marion VA Health Care System, American Legion, VFW, and other Veteran organizations are extremely important. We can refer Veterans for accredited claims assistance and other services while those organizations can send Veterans our way when they encounter needs the WCVAC may be able to address.
☕ Community Outreach
Organizations such as Crown Brew Coffee Co.., Marion, IL Chamber of Commerce our local churches, Veteran organizations, nonprofits, and businesses are helping us reach Veterans who may not otherwise know we exist.
And we're just getting started.
One of the things I have learned very quickly is that Veterans don't always need another program—they sometimes need someone who knows which door to knock on.
That's what we're trying to build at the WCVAC.
When a Veteran comes through our door, even if we can't provide exactly what they need ourselves, our goal is to be able to say:
“We may not be the answer, but we're going to help you find the answer.”
To every organization, business, nonprofit, church, Veteran organization, caseworker, VSO, volunteer, and individual who has answered a phone call, returned an email, donated something, provided a referral, worked with us on a bill, or simply said “How can we help?” — THANK YOU.
You are helping us build something special for the Veterans of Williamson County.
And there are many more relationships still to come.
🇺🇸 Veterans helping Veterans. Community helping Veterans. That's what this is all about.
Learn more about the Williamson County Veterans Assistance Commission and the resources available to our Veterans at www.williamsoncountyvac.org.
Our WCVAC website is being developed and created by James Arthur Design Co.., helping us build an online home where Williamson County Veterans and their families can find information, resources, and ways to connect with us.
Williamson County Veterans Assistance Commission
Serving those who served. 🇺🇸
