CVAHCS wins Partner in Excellence Award from Transitions
The Columbia VA Health Care System, (CVAHCS), was recently awarded the Transitions Partner in Excellence Award for 2023. The Board at Transitions selects one organization to receive this partnership award in an effort to recognize the outstanding collaboration and work that is done on behalf of the residents at their facility.
This year, CVAHCS and the Grant Per Diem Program, (GPD), was awarded this honor based on the work that Tina Nelson and the GPD team provide to the Veterans at Transitions. Nelson is the GPD Liaison. Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) coordinator Terri Davis and Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing supervisor Amanda Bonner accepted the award on behalf of CVAHCS.
“Transitions has a heart for veterans; they understand the sacrifices our Veterans have made in service of our country,” said Nelson. “Transitions has developed a partnership with the CVAHCS and together we help each other identify veterans who could benefit from both Transitions and VA service.”
“Dorn Columbia VA Heath Care System is extremely important to Transitions Homeless Center,” said Craig Currey, the chief executive officer at Transitions. “Our partnership enables us to care for veterans better in a low barrier Grant Per Diem program.”
Transitions is the only location in the Midlands that offers both residential and day services to homeless adults, both men and women. Transitions is the only GPD in the Midlands that provides female Veterans with GPD Transitional Housing. Transitions offers a combination of services, resources and benefits. They offer bathrooms, showers, computers, classes and laundry facilities to both residents and non-residents, as well as a comprehensive homeless jobs program and meals.
“The veterans have partnering case managers to make sure every need is met in them gaining employment, healthcare, and permanent housing,” said Currey. “Veterans that have not done well in other programs can come to Transitions for a special program that ensures their needs are met. CVAHCS provides the resources to make all of this happen for our veterans, enabling them to receive priority, excellent care, and help in finding permanent housing options.”
“We have been collaborating with Transitions in our mission to end Veteran homelessness since 2011 when the Health Care for Homeless Veterans Programs were founded at the Columbia VA Health Care System,” said Sherry Martell. “This collaboration proved to be a successful one and in 2020, they applied to be a Grant and Per Diem contractor.” Martell is the HCHV Program Coordinator at CVAHCS.
“The VA puts their money where their mouths are,” said Currey. “They have national goals to reduce veteran homelessness, and they have applied the proper resources to partners to help reach their goals. The Dorn Columbia VA Health Care System is committed to serving veterans well to include those who are homeless. Thank you, Dorn.”