BMVP - Developing Adaptive Programming for Veterans

BMVP - Developing Adaptive Programming for Veterans Eagle Mount's mission is to create meaningful experiences for people with disabilities through adaptive recreation. Many veterans face barriers to accessing clinical health care, especially those in rural communities or living with service-connected disabilities. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ projections, nearly one third of veterans in the Billings area report a disability that impacts daily functioning. Additionally, over 1,000 veterans in Yellowstone County live at or below the poverty line, with poverty rates disproportionately affecting younger veterans, Native American veterans, and those with disabilities. While Montana’s Medicaid expansion has closed some gaps, the Montana Healthcare Foundation notes that many still aren’t accessing services due to geographic isolation, stigma, or lack of community-based alternatives. Poverty compounds these barriers, limiting access to transportation, housing stability, and safe spaces for connection and healing. By expanding access to inclusive recreation and wellness experiences, Eagle Mount will reconnect veterans with their communities, improve mental and physical health, and build a sense of belonging that lasts. These shared experiences help veterans rebuild trust, restore confidence, and rediscover joy. Many veterans express a desire to give back - to support others walking similar paths. That’s why Eagle Mount is creating meaningful volunteer opportunities, especially peer mentorship roles that honor lived experience. More than simply expanding services, Eagle Mount seeks to create lasting impact through community connections. This project will alleviate poverty by identifying gaps in access to basic needs; overcoming financial barriers to participation in adaptive recreation; and providing volunteer opportunities which reduce isolation and promote wellness. Member Duties Help reintegrate veterans by increasing access to adaptive recreational activities! The overall goal of this project is to improve health outcomes for veterans living with disabilities, trauma, and limited income through life-enhancing adaptive recreation. The VISTA member will conduct a community needs assessment that gathers input from veterans, their families, and allied service providers to guide program priorities and delivery methods; promote and enhance volunteer programming for staff to provide meaningful opportunities for veterans to serve others; and develop grant research tools and resource-development plans for staff that are sustainable. Program Benefits Living Allowance Relocation Allowance Housing Childcare assistance if eligible Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend Training Health Coverage Terms Car recommended Permits working at another job during off hours Permits attendance at school during off hours Service Areas Neighborhood Revitalization Community Outreach Housing Children/Youth Public Safety Technology Health Hunger Education Homelessness Community and Economic Development Tribal Veterans Skills Writing/Editing Team Work Counseling Public Speaking Leadership Public Health Veterans Communications Social Services General Skills Community Organization #J-18808-Ljbffr