02/28/18

HAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State University Kelly Center has partnered with the Manhattan area Vet Center to bring veteran services to FHSU and the Hays community.

Beginning in March, a staff of counselors and military veterans will offer free services, including:

• Individual counseling
• Group counseling
• Family counseling
• Bereavement counseling
• Veterans Affairs medical benefit referrals
• Veterans Benefits Administration benefit referrals
• VA disability claims assistance
• Alcohol and substance abuse assessments and referrals
• Community resources information and referrals
• Military sexual trauma counseling and referral

All services will be available at the Kelly Center during the first Monday of each month, beginning on March 5.

“The core purpose of the partnership is to promote access to care by helping veterans and families overcome barriers that impede them from using those services,” said Dr. Seth Kastle, assistant professor of leadership studies.

The partnership, developed by Kastle and Shawn Martin, director of the Manhattan Area Veterans Center, will address a dire need in western Kansas. Many rural areas lack veteran care or services, and most veteran care facilities are located in large metropolitan areas. Currently, Hays’ services are limited to a Community Based Outreach Clinic for veterans. Veterans seeking healthcare at the clinic must qualify for VA health benefits. The partnership will increase services and accessibility for the entire Hays-area military community, including veterans, service members, dependents, and survivors regardless of eligibility for VA benefits.

“This partnership opens the door for people in the military community to get help and receive services that they otherwise wouldn’t be eligible for or have access to,” said Kastle. “The biggest obstacle that we face in this partnership is making the community aware of its existence. There are many people in need; we just have to make them aware of their options.”

“FHSU is devoted to civic engagement, and this partnership is just one more example of the lengths the university is willing to go in order to invest in the surrounding community,” said Kastle.

Gina Smith, director of the Kelly Center, echoed this sentiment. “FHSU prides itself in developing community partnerships, and this opportunity helps further that goal. It is important not only for FHSU but also the community as a whole to offer as many services as possible to our veteran population.”

“We feel this partnership will provide guidance that will lessen the chances of roadblocks in the overall physical and emotional well-being of the veteran population,” said Smith.

In order to serve the entire community, the Kelly Center will offer services to all veterans, dependents and survivors regardless of whether they are FHSU students.

“Making the military community stronger will always improve society,” said Kastle. “Whether it’s through civic engagement or contributions to business and industry, military members have a lot to offer. Helping them build a strong foundation gives them the footing they need to positively impact their community.”