November 30, 2018 at 4:14 p.m.
Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program expands across state of Wisconsin
Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program expands across state of Wisconsin
She served as a medic in the U.S. Army from 1997 to 2000, has a service mentality and experiences gained during her military service which help her bond with and gain the trust of veterans who need mental health or substance use services. She works as the region five coordinator of the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP) through the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.
Thorsberg has an office in Rhinelander, but rarely sees it as she spends her day working directly with veterans throughout her region, which includes Marathon, Lincoln, Price, Oneida, Vilas, Forest, Florence, Langlade, and Menominee counties.
A big part of Thorsberg's job - she said probably 90 percent of it - is working with homeless veterans.
"I help with getting emergency shelter," she said. "I do wrap-around case management. I get the veteran into a shelter or a hotel and then we start the process of working for rapid re-housing and going from there, whether it's applying for services or food stamps or emergency assistance or a security deposit or a housing program. We just start from there. Each case is different."
Thorsberg said the job isn't of the 9 to 5 variety but can be rewarding.
"I enjoy helping a veteran experiencing homelessness or other life hurdles and giving them the respect and effort to truly help them get their lives back on track," she said. "We get the opportunity to meet the veterans where they are no matter what their situation is."
Through the VORP, veterans can receive crisis services in addition to on-the-street case management in order to get them treatment for mental health and/or substance use care, including paying for private treatment.
One example of what Thorsberg does is her recent assistance helping a Marine veteran discharged from the Tomah Veterans Administration Medical Center's Substance Abuse Program.
She helped the veteran find emergency shelter, food, warm clothing, blankets, affordable housing, employment and stabilization.
The veteran is currently receiving close case management to regain stability after successfully completing treatment and entering the workforce.
"Without VORP, I would be sleeping in my car," the veteran said. "I can't thank the WDVA enough for the assistance in helping me to get out and find a job and a place to live."
The VORP started as a pilot program in 49 counties in 2014 and recently expanded to all 72 Wisconsin counties.
Since the program's inception, coordinators have helped about 500 Veterans obtain mental health services, substance and alcohol treatment, and other supportive services.
"This job humbles you and truly makes you appreciate what you have in life," Thorsberg said.
If you know of a veteran in need, contact her at 715-401-4821.
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