Engaging Community Clergy to Support Veterans

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Veterans Health Administration’s Office of Rural Health, and the National VA Chaplain Center have partnered with the VA Providence Healthcare System to provide a Training Event for community clergy, on Saturday, April 15, 2023.

Service members from the National Guard, reserves and active duty returning from deployment, and those who have left military service, must reintegrate into civilian life after arriving home. The challenges of reintegration, coupled with issues that may be tied to their service, can result in problems that go unrecognized or develop slowly. When these issues become critical, Veterans often seek support and information from people they know, including their local clergy and members of the faith community. To assist local clergy in supporting Veterans in their community, the National VA Chaplain Center joined with VHA Office of Rural Health to create the Community Clergy Training Program. The program’s goal is to provide clergy and faith community members with the tools they need to provide accurate information and support when Veterans or their families seek assistance.

The program is free to participants. If a member of the clergy is unable to attend, clergy-in–training, laypeople, or a member from the faith community may also attend. The aim of the program is to learn, build relationships, and bring back the knowledge to support local Veterans and their families. Interested parties should contact Chaplain East at 401-273-7100 ext. 12865, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.