Discover Live Connected Kansas, your go-to resource for events, trainings, and valuable resources tailored for Kansas service members, veterans, and their families. Stay updated with the latest community events, access specialized training programs, and explore a wealth of resources designed to support your well-being.

Visit LiveConnectedKS today and connect with a community dedicated to fostering resilience and support.

Live Connected KS is a service of the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS). According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Kansas has nearly 194,000 veterans, or 9% of the total population, and thousands more serving in the Kansas National Guard, Reserves and on Active Duty. Live Connected KS was developed as part of the strategy recommended by the Kansas team participating in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families.

Ongoing support of Live Connected KS is provided by the SMVF Subcommittee of the Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council. The SMVF subcommittee works towards a vision of an expanded and identifiable network of service providers and community supports to adequately meet the behavioral health care needs of veterans, services members, and their families as well as ongoing engagement of SMVF in eliminating barriers to treatment in creating flexible treatment and recovery options.   

 The Defenders Gateway App provides easy access for Military, Veterans, First Responders and their families to a National Network of organizations serving them in significant areas. 

This is a FREE resource hub built exclusively for Defenders and their families to honor and support those who secure our Nation & communities.  It's also a great way for Defenders and Defender Supporters to connect with one another and accomplish more together.  You'll find nonprofit services & support, significant Defender wellness programs, podcasts, business & job opportunities, kid's corner, promos & discounts and much more.  

Download the Defenders Gateway App HERE!

  We continue to enhance and grow to make this the BEST for you!  Stay tuned for Version 3 coming soon in December 2024!  Organizations and businesses who want to consider joining the Defenders Gateway community please contact us info@defenders-gateway.com!  We look forward to hearing from you!    

   Little Patriots Embraced (LPE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the lives of Military children and families.  Our programs ensure they receive the support they need while their family members are serving our country. 

LPE has served over 96,000 Military children since we began in 2004.  We send deployment packages to offer emotional support and gratitude and help alleviate stress and anxiety for Military children and families.  We collect toys annually for Military kids and deliver bikes to bases 3-4 times each year.  We are supported through individual & corporate donors, fundraisers and grants.  With increasing deployments and program requests rising our mission is to serve each Military family or base who contacts us.  

We are seeking those who desire to stand alongside our Military families to care for them and their children while they give so much for our Nation.  For more information on our programs or if you want to help a Military family please visit www.littlepatriotsembraced.org 

    KanVets United is dedicated to providing relief for poor, distressed and underprivileged veterans in the Wichita, Kansas area. 

KanVets United Foundation works with  local veterans in need. KanVets also works directly with the Bob Dole VA’s HUD/VASH team. They step in situations where the VA cannot help, and do all they can to insure veterans stay in their current housing or get new housing to avoid homelessness via rental assistance, utility assistance and mortgage assistance. All donations go DIRECTLY to veterans in need the organization is operated by volunteers.

CHeck out this great non-profit helping those who gave so much by clicking HERE.

Want to assit a veteran in need donate here.

Call 316-721-1316 FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE!!! 

    Founded by Matt and Buffy, Outer Circle Foundation stands as a beacon of support and resources for our courageous Military Veterans and First Responders. Their deep appreciation for their sacrifices drives their relentless commitment to help ease their challenges. Dedicated to honoring their service, they are resolute in their mission to empower and uplift those who selflessly protected our nation.

Outer Circle Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit which supports our Veterans, First Responders, and their families, during times of need by providing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) resources and treatment options, Suicide Awareness & Prevention, Career Coaching, Resume Development, Networking Opportunities, and Resources to Support Service Animals through partnerships with other amazing nonprofit organizations.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

or call

910-309-5335

Trinity Episcopal, Priscilla’s Pet Food Pantry distributes pet food and related pet items to veterans and families in need in order to keep pets and their families together in times of hardship. They serve low-income residents, veterans, senior citizens, disabled citizens, and more in Butler County.

You can donate dog and cat food and care items which can be left at the church during office hours (Tuesday thru Friday 9am-1pm) or on Sundays 8am-12pm. Cash donations are also welcome.

  The Patriot Express Foundation provides for the families of veterans.

When our service men and women return from duty, emotionally or physically damaged, we aid the families, spouse, and the children.

Our military may sacrifice for our freedom, but so do their loved ones who are left here, hoping, and picking up the pieces of war.

It was created by Dave Barr in 1996.

Dave Barr is a double amputee veteran who has written 2 books about his world record setting rides.

Currently there are 4 rides in the United States Tampa Florida, Spartenburg South Carolina,

Independence Missouri, and Wichita Kansas, Dave Barr plans to attend each ride.

The proceeds go to help veterans and their families each ride decides where the money they raise goes, Kansas Patriot Express has chosen to give to the Fisher House in Kansas City with the hopes of getting a Fisher House in Wichita KS.

  The Active Age Newspaper

Kansas’ Top 55+ News Source

VeteranBargains  is proud to announce we are forming a partnership with The Active Age  Newspaper. "Local News for Those 55+. Serving Sedgwick, Harvey and  Butler counties. This is an awesome resource  full of information for  those of us who with a few gray hairs. The Veterans Friend has written a  few articles that have graced that pages of this publication.

The  newspaper started as a project on the campus of Wichita State  University way back in 1979. The newspaper is mailed monthly to about  58,000 subscribers. Additional copies are distributed through multiple  locations. If you aren't getting your own monthly copy please use this link to subscribe.

https://theactiveage.com/newspaper-delivery/

The  Active Age also publishes a 55+ Resource Guide each fall.  VeteranBargains is proud to become a supporter of this useful guide.  Look for VeteranBargains ad on page 19.

Reserve component Transition Assistance Advisors

If you are a reserve or guard service member this group can help you with transition and benefits.

ABOUT NVBDC

The National Veterans Business Development Council is the leading Veteran Owned Business Certification organization developed by Veterans, for Veterans. Service-Disabled / Veteran Owned Businesses (SD/VOBs) have access and opportunities through the Supplier Diversity programs offered by our Corporate Members. The total corporate spend that is available to qualifying SD/VOBs is estimated to exceed $80 Billion annually; NVBDC Certified SD/VOBs have been awarded over $2 Billion in contracts. NVBDC certifies all sizes of SD/VOBs using industry best practices and includes all sizes of diverse businesses. 

NVBDC MISSON

National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) is the only Veteran Owned Business Certification organization developed by Veterans for Veterans. The purpose is to provide a credible and reliable certifying authority for all size businesses, ensuring that valid documentation exists of Veteran ownership and control.

ANY QUESTIONS FOR NVBDC

If you have any questions about NVBDC or if you want to find out further information on how to become certified please visit our website: https://nvbdc.org/ or contact us at

888-CERTIFIED

MVOTF MISSION

The primary role of the NVBDC Military and Veteran Organization Task Force is to focus on pursuing and achieving tactical and strategic objectives by partnering with organizations having equal goals to help Veteran Businesses. The NVBDC Military and Veteran Organization Task Force Director will engage, build, and lead the task force to extend the reach and understanding of corporate certification standards for the NVBDC program. 

MVO TF VISION

Our aim is to work with the MSO/VSO’s economic development leaders to identify their Veteran business owner members and provide them with information about NVBDC and the importance of certification, while creating reciprocal business relationships that will enhance our values and directives as a Veteran business support agency. 

VeteranBargains is a proud member

of the

NVBDC MILITARY AND VETERAN ORGANIZATION TASK FORCE

  Convergence is a nonprofit Veteran support organization promoting Veterans' mental health and healing, particularly among Veterans with PTSD, depression, and suicidal thoughts. 

Convergence unique collaborative approach to Veteran support sets Convergence apart from other organizations. Convergence is different by working closely with many partners, doing everything as a team, including government agencies, businesses, healthcare providers, and other non-profits. They are bringing together multiple organizations' collective resources, expertise, and community connections for this goal. They have created a comprehensive and innovative support system that has never been done before.

Convergence mission is to provide personalized and innovative opportunities for Veterans in need, offering them the resources and support necessary to overcome physical and psychological challenges. Through their dedication and commitment, they strive to honor the sacrifices of those who have served by enabling them to lead fulfilling and empowered lives.

https://convergence-us.org/

Rosie’s Snuggle Bunnies (AKA -Rosie the Rabbiter) a 501c3 non-profit who serves the Kansas area with pet therapy using 15-20 pound Flemish Giant rabbits.  This breed of rabbits are know to be very quiet, docile and tolerant.  It is for this reason many with PTSD, anxiety, stress and depression utilize these rabbits as emotional support animals.  The group regularly visits the VA hospice and TLC units and hospice care homes.  

One short term goal is to develop a program to provide qualified Kansas veterans with their own personal emotional support rabbit.  They have been blessed to donate two from our most recent litter to veterans in both Tulsa and Oklahoma City. 

A second short term goal is to renovate a portion of our shop into the Bunny Barracks to house more rescue rabbits to be utilized for therapy.  They currently have a certification program in place and two teams in the process.  With the additional rabbits that the Bunny Barracks can house, we will be able to certify volunteers who do not have their own rabbit but will can make prearranged visits with one from the Barracks. 

Currently they have three rabbits.  Rosie the Rabbiter age 4.5.   Pvt Radar O’Smiley who is 8 months.  Amelia EarHeart is 6 months. 

Visit their website

The American Red Cross serves our nation’s military personnel and their families, including the Active Component, National Guard and Reserve, as well as our veterans. The employees along with thousands of volunteers help deliver services at Red Cross offices across the country and in more than one hundred military installations around the world. The American Red Cross supports our military members from the moment they enlist to the moment they separate from the service – and beyond. 

They offer critical assistance and resources to service members, veterans and their families globally 24/7/365. When significant family emergencies occur, the Red Cross is a gateway to a network of comprehensive assistance. The United States Department of Defense (DoD) relies solely on the Red Cross to obtain verified reports of family situations for service members and their commanders, enabling them to make timely decisions about returning home. The Red Cross also helps identify and provides access to critical community and global services, including financial assistance, in response to a family’s emergency needs. This includes interest free Military Aid Society loans and connecting clients with resources best able to address their needs. Financial assistance may include help with emergency travel, rent, food, utilities and other expenses.

Red Cross volunteers and employees provide support in military medical facilities as well as VA hospitals and clinics to provide rehabilitation therapy, morale-building activities and material assistance that is vital to the comfort, recovery and health care of service members and veterans. 

The Red Cross works to strengthen families’ capacity to cope with the unique demands of a military lifestyle. This is achieved through resiliency skills programs such as Coping with Deployments, Reconnection Workshops, and Mind-Body Workshops. The Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN) provides caregivers of wounded, ill or injured service members and veterans of all ages and stages of care giving with access to structured peer support services. 

To help military families develop job skills, the Red Cross provides training including Nurse Assistant, Dental Assistant and Water Safety Instructor Training —all delivered in local communities across the nation and on military installations around the globe.

In an effort to meet the needs of today’s service members and their families, the American Red Cross provides three ways to access assistance:

1. Call toll-free at 877-272-7337 or

2. Go online to redcross.org/HeroCareNetwork

3. Via the Red Cross Hero Care mobile app

  Operation First Response serves active-duty Service Members, Disabled Veterans and First Responders nationwide with emergency financial aid.

Operation First Response is dedicated to serving our wounded Service Members, Disabled Veterans, First Responders and Gold Star families. 

Operation First Response is a direct service charity.  As such, they give back over 95% of the funds we raise directly to America’s Finest who need our assistance. Since the inception in 2004, Operation First Response has raised over $14 Million Dollars and served over 28,599 wounded Heroes and their families.

https://www.operationfirstresponse.org/

Apply for the Family Assistance Program

  RESCUE DOGS and US MILITARY VETERANS

ProNet International Gifts & Scholarships, 501 c 3, is a registered public charity which began in 2007.  It was founded by CarolAnne and Lawrence M. Abrams.  From the time of its inception PNIG&S has awarded over $35,000.00 in the form of gifts and academic scholarships to veterans and their families.

In addition to the above, PNIG&S is assisting veterans by offering financial awards when veterans adopt rescue dogs from reputable animal rescue shelters/agencies.  All a veteran need do is meet the adoption criteria from the animal rescue shelter/agency and submit proof of serving in the military, past or present to PNIG&S.  

Once the above meets the approval of PNIG&S a check for a portion of the adoption fee will be issued directly to the animal rescue shelter/agency in the form of payment or reimbursement.

For questions, please direct your inquiries to:

Lawrence M. Abrams

P.O. Box 31578

St. Louis, Missouri 63131

Email: la23skidoo@aol.com

Subject line: dog adoption for veterans

  For over 40 years Central Plains Area Agency on Aging (CPAAA) has helped guide older adults, caregivers and individuals with disabilities providing information, assistance and support. Our friendly staff see the big picture and are here to help you understand your options and find resources available through CPAAA and our community partners. CPAAA serves older individuals, family caregivers, adults with disabilities and professionals in Butler, Harvey and Sedgwick Counties. For more information call the Resource Center at 855-200-2372 

or

click here to find out more.

https://www.cpaaa.org/     

TOTAL TRANSFORMATION AND PTSD RECOVERY

C2C Reset is a FREE 13 week faith based transformative

holistic health and inner healing course for veterans and first responders and their families.

Reset your lives and health from the effects of hardships and trauma. 

You can take back your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.  C2C Rest has online video conferencing and in person options available so you can be from anywhere. 

Call Brian to learn more and to reserve your spot.

C2CReset.org

719-602-9682

The American Legion Post 4

Home of the Wichita Flag

If you are looking for a place to be part of a group that is actively helping our veterans and community Post 4 is that place.

You can be as involved or not as you like.

Home of the Kansas Honor Flight, Sons of the American Legion 

American Legion Auxiliary

Great events, food and comrade.

816 North Water Street

Wichita, KS 67203

(316)262-8691

Post hours:

Mon-Fri open at 4 pm

Sat & Sun open at noon

A new name same great event

Formerly the Kansas Veterans and Family Reunion. This non profit  has been holding an event at Veterans Point El Dorado Lake, El Dorado KS  for over 35 years. Bringing all  the brothers and sisters who have served together for a fun filled weekend.

• Concerts
• Car Show
• Kids Activity Area
• Fly Over
• Raffles
• Auctions
• and much more

Fun and entertainment for the whole family.

The American Legion has been helping veterans like you and me since 1919. 

Here is a link to veteran benefits for all 50 states. 

DAV (Disabled American Veterans) is dedicated to a single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity.

DAV is a nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families, helping more than 1 million veterans in positive, life-changing ways each year.

In 2021, DAV-represented veterans received more than $25 billion in earned benefits. DAV’s services are offered at no cost to all generations of veterans, their families and survivors.The organization also provided more than 163,000 rides to veterans attending medical appointments and assisted in filing over 151,000 claims for benefits. 

 Team Red White and Blue's goal is to "Enrich the lives of America's Veterans by connecting them to their community through social and physical activities." 

https://www.teamrwb.org/

KS4VETS.ORG

(Formerly Central Kansas Veteran Community Partnership)

 opens lines of communication between Veterans, organizations, businesses and community members. This allows KS4VETS to be better stewards of their resources and find new ways to meet the needs of area Veterans. 

Monthly meetings 2nd Friday of each month 11:30 at the Hutchinson Community College Student Union - Blue Dragon Room.     

 There are Veterans that have many past emotional scars due to the horrors of war. Some of these Vets feel they have little to no hope and do not know what or who to turn to. They turn to drugs, alcohol, violence, and/or suicide. Others suffer with depression, poverty, and deep hopelessness.

Those at 10-4 God know there is an Ultimate Solution to any and all problems that infect U.S. Vets. We know that God awaits to save each Vet and to cure them of any and all issues they experienced in war and/or service in the military.
They seek to partner with Vets, Veteran groups, and anyone else that feels a calling to help the men and women of the U.S. Military.

This organization has plans for  veterans to participate in a wilderness experience to help the hurting and lost came back to a fuller life through counseling and by sharing the word of God. 

Veterans who would like to attend a retreat at their facility are welcome to contact them and be put on the list to receive an application once they are sent out.

Use this link to donate and help this dream become a reality