PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island state agencies are working together to help incarcerated veterans who will soon be released.
Director of Veterans Affairs Kasim Yarn says he’s in sync with Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo’s goal to give everyone a chance to make it in the state.
So, Yarn started working on ways Rhode Island could improve how it helps incarcerated veterans transition after their release. He brought together state agencies that offer veterans services so they could coordinate with one another instead of agencies reaching out individually to veterans.
The group of agencies started meeting this summer and plan to meet monthly. About 80 veterans are currently incarcerated in Rhode Island. About 20 will be released within the next year and a half.
“This is a population that deserves a chance as well,” Yarn said. “As the governor has said, when you’ve paid your debt to society, we need to provide you better avenues to make it.”
The group discusses housing, employment and health care options for each veteran. It also goes over what additional support services each veteran is eligible for and what other programs will be needed, such as transportation, job training, education or the state’s Veterans Treatment Court.
J.R. Ventura, a spokesman for the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, said the department is proud to work with Yarn to ensure veterans receive the services they deserve.
