Mentorship Program helps veterans build support systems, pursue goals, and work toward self-sufficiency
Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard is seeking volunteer mentors for its Mentorship Program, which connects veterans with supportive volunteers who can provide guidance, encouragement, and practical support as they work toward personal and professional goals.
The program helps veterans strengthen their support systems, stay connected to available resources, and work toward self-sufficiency. Veterans Place, serving veterans since 1996, offers a wide range of support in the Pittsburgh area, including housing assistance, employment programs, and access to community-based resources.
Mentors can be veterans, but veteran status is not required to be a mentor. Veterans Place said shared military experience can help mentors connect with participants, but the most important qualities are dependability, strong communication, patience, consistency, and a supportive, nonjudgmental approach.
“Veterans often make the strongest progress when they know someone is walking beside them,” said James Smith, Mentorship Program Liaison at Veterans Place. “This program gives volunteers a direct way to continue serving by helping another veteran set goals, stay encouraged, and move forward.”
Mentors provide regular check-ins, help with goal-setting, and connect mentees with helpful resources. The program is open to people who are willing to listen, share knowledge, and commit to helping veterans grow.
“Mentorship strengthens the support system around each veteran,” said Jessica Gilmore, Director of Operations and Development at Veterans Place. “When volunteers give their time, they help create the consistency and encouragement that can make a meaningful difference in a veteran’s path toward stability.”
Community members interested in becoming mentors or learning more should contact James Smith, Mentorship Program Liaison, at (412) 844-0716 or jsmith@veteransplaceusa.org to schedule a meeting and review next steps.
