By Del Cromartie on November 29, 2022
For many veterans, the search for help can be just as challenging as admitting that you need it. The internet is flooded with so much information that it can cause more confusion instead of clarity. Veteran Help Point aims to eliminate the confusion and is committed to helping veterans in need find the right help.
November 2022 makes it exactly one year since Michelle Lang, the founder and president of Veteran Help Point, has been operating to help connect veterans and their family members to the right resources. “Our vision is to connect veterans to local and regional resources that are already in place and perhaps not as well-known due to larger, more overwhelmed, national organizations dominating the search engines,” says Michelle.
I asked how Veteran Help Point is different from other veteran non-profit organizations and Michelle answered: “We are comprehensive whereas other organizations focus solely on one specific area. We help connect veterans to the appropriate resources by sorting through all the noise and providing an easy-to-navigate website.
We focus on providing clear information so that the process is not overwhelming for those navigating it. That’s how we thought of our motto ‘We do the Recon, so You Don’t Have to’. Our goal is to connect our veterans with local organizations who can provide the help they need and not treat them like another number.”
Why do you do what you do?
“The biggest reason for establishing Veteran Help Point was from my personal experience. When my husband decided to pivot his career and head for civilian life, we moved back to our home state of Pennsylvania to start a new chapter. This was a significant time in our lives and the transition was a turbulent process. I found myself seeking out resources for my family and it was almost impossible, even living right outside of a large city.
Although we were reassured that our needs would be met by the local VA office, that was not the case and my husband was denied care. We felt helpless. As we continued our search for help, we reached out to some veteran friends and realized that we were not alone and that many smaller agencies have limited visibility online which meant their services were only getting out by word of mouth. That experience fueled my passion to help others in similar situations.”
What did you learn from it?
“The only thing that you can control is yourself. During that transition, it was very difficult and took a toll on our marriage. In that process, I realized that if I wanted a healthy relationship, it meant that at times I needed to humble myself and consider the needs of my partner before jumping to anger.”
Do you have a hobby?
“Being a mom and working out.”
What advice would you share with our veteran readers who are looking for resources?
“Even if you don’t know what you need, just start asking questions. It doesn’t matter if you feel stupid or silly. Someone else has been in your shoes. It’s not a unique feeling. The best thing you can do is just to start asking questions. If you get a bad feeling from someone trying to help, or they are being too pushy, it’s okay to say no. Be aware that many resources are free and there are resources that require you to pay. Just because you must pay for a service, it doesn’t make it a scam.
We’ve partnered with Shields and Stripes. They are a non-profit organization that believes first responders and veterans are the true American heroes and, when they receive a mental injury, they should be provided with a top-tier rehabilitation program to get them back on track. They have been a great resource for our veterans.”
In June, Michelle, her husband, Chris, and their three boys relocated to Stedman, NC, and have already fallen in love with the community. Chris has resumed his career in the army reserves at Fort Bragg. “We love it here,” says Michelle. “The sunrises and sunsets are so beautiful, the neighborhood is just amazing, and everyone looks out for each other.”
Is there anything else that you think the readers should know?
“You’re never alone. Even if you feel like no one is going to understand you, you just need to reach out. Service members need to plan and think about their transition back to civilian life. Save this website and use it as a resource in the future.
If you are a veteran in need or know of a veteran in need, please contact Michelle at Veteran Help Point immediately. She’s waiting to hear from you. If you are interested in volunteering or listing your company or service on the Veteran Help Point’s website, complete the form at https://veteranhelppoint.com/contact/ to submit your information. Email Michelle directly with any questions or feedback at michelle@veteranhelppoint.com
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