Getting out into the community is the best way to make connections. This was the case with Panhandle veteran Jaiwan Woodley, who learned about Panhandle Warrior Partnership (PWP) at a local farmer’s market.
Case Coordinator Kenneth Thompson attended the local farmers market to meet potential veterans and/or resource partners in the Panhandle community. This is where he met Army veteran (’14-’21) Jaiwan Woodley. Jaiwan wanted to learn more about how PWP supports veterans in the community when he mentioned that he had been trying to get an increase in his disability rating. Thompson offered PWP’s support through this process and asked for his contact information to follow up on this issue.
Back in the office, Kenneth immediately emailed a local VSO regarding Jaiwan’s situation and copied Jaiwan on the email. Kenneth continued to keep in contact with Jaiwan in the months following, where he informed Kenneth that the VSO was able to help him set up appointments regarding his disability. Thompson later called Jaiwan to learn that he was able to increase his disability from 40% to 80%, thanks to the help of PWP. Jaiwan was incredibly grateful for the assistance and is now working with Case Coordinator Thompson for counseling support in his area.
We are always happy to have the opportunity to integrate PWP into the Panhandle community to reach veterans like Jaiwan, who may not have otherwise gotten the support he needs. The Panhandle is stronger when our veterans are stronger. Connect with PWP to learn more about how you can give back to the Panhandle veteran community by visiting our website and completing an online form: https://www.panhandlewarriorpartnership.org