Illinois Department of Veterans'
Affairs Announces Partnership with Illinois Joining Forces to
Administer the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program
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[July 09, 2023]
The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA)
has announced a one-year contract with Illinois Joining Forces (IJF)
to administer the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program (IWAP), a 24/7
warm helpline and resource for Illinois Veterans, their families,
and caregivers.
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This
free and confidential service was initiated by the State of Illinois
in 2011 to assist Veterans transitioning from military service and
challenged with PTSD, mild TBI, Military sexual trauma, stress,
anxiety, depression, addiction, substance abuse, and overall
emotional wellness.
“IJF’s more than ten years of extensive experience in connecting
Illinois Veterans with resources and services uniquely positions it
to execute IWAP,” said IDVA Director Terry Prince. “This partnership
exemplifies what we can accomplish when we combine our knowledge and
experience with our shared mission of serving Illinois Veterans.”
“IJF is honored to partner with IDVA and the State of Illinois to
ensure our Illinois Veterans have access to the care and resources
they need to prosper and enjoy the life they served to protect” said
IJF Executive Director Brenda Osuch. “IDVA’s commitment to our
Illinois Veterans and their families with the Illinois Warrior
Assistance Program (IWAP) is another example of how IDVA is making
Illinois a premier home for Veterans.”
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IWAP provides the following services:
• Access to a 24/7 warm helpline
• Resource navigation
• Case management which includes assessment, case planning,
implementation (service connection), monitoring, and follow-up
• Referral to behavioral health services placement after 24/7 access
to warm helpline
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The confidential warm helpline number is 877-455-IWAP
(4297), and the website is
www.Illinoiswarrior.org. The warm helpline is not a
hotline, crisis line, or suicide prevention line. Those in crisis
should call, 988 and select one (1), or dial 911.
Veterans who are Illinois residents and neither an inmate of a
public institution or resident of a nursing home are eligible to
participate in IWAP’s services.
Illinois Joining Forces (IJF) was launched in 2012 through an
inter-governmental agreement between the IDVA and Military Affairs (IDMA)
as a statewide, public-private network of military and
Veteran-serving organizations working together to improve services
for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF).
As a stand-alone nonprofit organization, IJF helps service members,
Veterans, and their families navigate the "sea of goodwill" to find
the support they need, when they need it.
To learn more:
https://www.illinoisjoining
forces.org/.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information]
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