507 - Missing the Mark: The Recreational Needs of Veterans and How to Serve Those Who Served
Kacie Jankowski, Recreation Therapist, Edward Hines JR VA Hospital; Rachel Gill, CTRS, Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital
How can park districts and special recreation agencies (SRAs) leverage resources to meet the recreational and creative arts needs of veterans in their communities? This session will provide inside knowledge from recreational professionals from the Department of Veteran Affairs who will equip you with the right tools to create and manage veteran-centered programming effectively. Identify untapped resources that promote enrollment and keep program fees equitable and profitable. Finally, understand the influence that interagency collaboration has on successfully serving those who have served our country.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the social and emotional needs of veterans.
- Learn the types of community-based recreational programming that will meet their needs.
- Evaluate how well your agency serves veterans in your community through an agency report card.
- Identify at least three untapped resources that support enrollment for veteran-centered recreational programs.