KQ98 CARES: LA CROSSE AREA VETERAN MENTOR PROGRAM

A dedicated group of professionals in La Crosse County, Wisconsin is making a difference for veterans facing legal and behavioral health challenges. Concerned by the growing number of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans entering the criminal justice system, local leaders discovered that many were struggling with service-related mental and behavioral health issues connected to their offenses.

To address the problem, the group launched the La Crosse Area Veterans Mentor Program (LAVMP) on January 4, 2010. The program was designed to help veterans overcome the stigma and fear often associated with seeking assistance through the Veterans Administration and local community services.

Later that year, the La Crosse Area Veterans Treatment Court was established to further support veterans navigating the justice system.

Today, LAVMP operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to mentoring and assisting veterans dealing with legal, mental health, and behavioral challenges while encouraging access to VA benefits and community-based resources that can help them rebuild their lives.

We chatted with Todd Bjerke, president of LAVMP, and you can check that out below