Georgia Department of Veterans Service (GDVS) Company Profile
Background
The Georgia Department of Veterans Service (GDVS) is a state agency dedicated to advising, counseling, and assisting Georgia's veterans and their families in receiving their rightful benefits under federal and state laws. Established nearly a century ago, GDVS serves approximately 700,000 veterans residing in Georgia. The department's mission encompasses informing veterans and their families about available benefits and directly assisting them in securing these entitlements.
Key Strategic Focus
GDVS's strategic focus includes:
- Benefits Assistance: Offering personal assistance to veterans and their families in all matters pertaining to veterans' benefits, including claims, appeals, and education.
- Health and Memorial Services: Operating two skilled nursing care homes for eligible war veterans and maintaining two state veterans cemeteries, providing final resting places for Georgia's veterans and their families.
- Education and Training: Serving as the state approving agency for veterans' education and training programs, ensuring quality education and training opportunities for veterans.
- Suicide Prevention and Outreach: Collaborating with state and federal partners to expand access to mental health services for military service members, veterans, and their families.
Financials and Funding
As a state agency, GDVS is funded through the state budget, with additional support from the Georgia Veterans Service Foundation (GVSF), a federal 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. GVSF raises funds to support community partners that provide services to veterans and their families.
Pipeline Development
GDVS focuses on enhancing and expanding its services to veterans, including:
- Unite Georgia Program: Partnering with Unite Us to create a coordinated care network that connects veterans and their families to resources such as benefits assistance, employment, education, and mental health programs. This program aims to streamline access to services and address unmet needs.
Technological Platform and Innovation
GDVS leverages technology to improve service delivery:
- Unite Georgia Program: Utilizing the Unite Us platform to securely connect veterans to a network of over 720 programs, enabling efficient referrals and tracking of services.
Leadership Team
- Patricia Ross: Commissioner of GDVS, responsible for overseeing the department's operations and strategic direction.
- Julie Hammond: Executive Assistant to the Commissioner, providing administrative support.
- Charlotte May: Director of Public Information and External Affairs Division, managing communications and external relations.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
Georgia is home to nearly 700,000 veterans, with over 97,000 veteran-owned businesses. The state's veteran population presents a significant market for services and support.
Competitor Analysis
GDVS collaborates with various organizations to enhance services for veterans:
- Unite Us: Partnered to develop the Unite Georgia program, expanding access to resources and services for veterans.
- Georgia Veterans Service Foundation (GVSF): A non-profit organization that supports community partners serving veterans, enhancing GDVS's outreach and impact.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
GDVS's partnerships include:
- Unite Us: To create the Unite Georgia program, a coordinated care network connecting veterans to resources.
- GVSF: To fund and support community organizations serving veterans.
Operational Insights
GDVS maintains a strong market position through:
- Comprehensive Services: Offering a wide range of benefits assistance, health services, and educational programs tailored for veterans.
- Statewide Presence: Operating 54 veterans field service offices across Georgia, ensuring accessibility for veterans statewide.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
GDVS aims to:
- Expand the Unite Georgia Program: Increase the number of community partners and resources available through the coordinated care network.
- Enhance Mental Health Services: Collaborate with state and federal partners to improve mental health support for veterans.
- Strengthen Community Partnerships: Work with local organizations to address the diverse needs of Georgia's veteran population.
Contact Information
- Official Website: veterans.georgia.gov
- Social Media: Facebook (GeorgiaVeteransService), Twitter (GaVeteransSvc), Instagram (gaveteranssvc)
