BREMERTON, Wash. — On Jan 16, the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) announced that they have teamed up with Bremerton Elks Lodge #1181 to give veterans and their families access to more support services.
The partnership offers crucial resources for services related to brain injury recovery and mental health support.
“The WDVA Brain Injury and Recovery Program is committed to empowering Veterans, military families, and caregivers by providing a supportive space where they can share experiences, receive expert guidance, and develop practical solutions to their challenges,” said Abuoh Neufville, Assistant Director of Veteran Services & Counseling and Wellness. “Our partnership with the Bremerton Elks Lodge to provide these monthly peer support groups is an essential part of our effort to build a stronger, more resilient community.”
The WDVA Brain Injury and Recovery Program will host a monthly peer support group at the lodge. The meeting will be held every second Tuesday of every month from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Veterans and their families can participate in peer-led discussions, receive expert advice, and share resources to help individuals cope with brain injuries and the challenges of military service. The peer group will be open to veterans, their families and caregivers.
“We are very excited about this opportunity,” said Michael Hoarn, Bremerton Elks Lodge #1181 Trustee and Chairman of the Board. “One of our mottos in the Elk’s is ‘as long as there is an elk alive, veterans will not be forgotten.’”
“The Elks Lodge has generously offered a dedicated space, allowing our peer group to help Veterans, military members and their families strengthen resilience, build camaraderie, and heal together,” said Heather Bahme, Brain Injury and Recovery Program Manager. “We serve those who served by creating a welcoming place for connection and support.”
For more information about the Brain Injury and Recovery Program and other services available, click here.