Please use these lists as a guide for our December 24 and 25, 2024 hours in observance of the Winter Holiday and January 1, 2025 in observance of the New Year holiday. For questions or additional information please call our front desk team at 757-858-8011 or email them at Info@egglestonservices.org
Thank You!
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, an average of 200,000 service members transition from active duty to veteran status annually, beginning a new chapter in civilian life. Transitioning from military service to civilian life is a challenge many veterans face, often accompanied by feelings of isolation, loss of purpose, and difficulty adjusting to new societal roles. Volunteering offers a powerful solution for veterans’ reintegration, helping them connect with their communities while gaining emotional, mental, and social benefits.
This blog explores the benefits of volunteering for veterans and practical ways to get started, including Eggleston’s Warrior Bridge veterans program, our resources dedicated to supporting veterans in Hampton Roads and helping them thrive.
Leaving active duty means losing the structure, camaraderie, and sense of purpose that military life provides. Veterans often face challenges like isolation from losing military networks, mental health struggles such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, and difficulties adjusting to new roles and identities in civilian life.
These difficulties can impede a veteran’s ability to live a fulfilling post-service life. Veteran community engagement through volunteering offers a way to combat these challenges and foster a sense of belonging.
Community support and volunteering provide veterans with a network of understanding, companionship, and shared purpose, making the transition to civilian life easier. Connecting with others fosters a sense of belonging, reduces isolation, and builds bonds through collaborative efforts that contribute to something greater. Volunteering not only allows veterans to give back but also offers opportunities for personal growth, healing, and meaningful connections. By channeling their skills and experiences into impactful work, veterans can contribute to society in fulfilling and impactful ways.
1. Emotional Benefits Volunteering boosts self-worth by helping veterans see the tangible impact of their contributions, fostering a sense of fulfillment. It also helps restore purpose, as many veterans view giving back as an extension of their service, furthering their sense of dedication and mission.
According to DAV, a study from Saint Louis University revealed the positive mental health benefits veterans gain from volunteering. Following the study, more than seven percent of participants showed reduced symptoms of PTSD, and depressive symptoms dropped to just 15% (compared to 23.5% before). Volunteers also reported improvements in overall health and better social connectivity. By staying physically active and mentally engaged, veterans reduce stress while building healthier lifestyles.
Volunteering provides a chance to meet like-minded individuals and professionals. From building friendships to accessing mentorships, these connections can promote professional development and create a personal network of community support for veterans.
The act of helping others often brings its own form of healing. Veterans can use their unique strengths and experiences to empower their communities.
Eggleston’s Warrior Bridge veterans program is dedicated to supporting veterans with disabilities, no matter when they served or their discharge status, by connecting them to essential resources, services, employment opportunities, and volunteering for veterans. Using a person-centered approach, Warrior Bridge helps veterans achieve self-sufficiency through meaningful and satisfying employment.
What sets our Warrior Bridge program apart is the ability to offer immediate employment opportunities through our diverse range of businesses. The program is committed to bridging the gap between resources, support, and long-term employment, empowering veterans to build brighter futures.
Eggleston’s Warrior Bridge Program is dedicated to helping veterans reintegrate into their communities while fostering personal growth. We offer various opportunities for veterans to engage, including:
By choosing Warrior Bridge, veterans gain access to meaningful veteran community engagement opportunities that cater to their interests and abilities while connecting with a broader community of like-minded individuals.
The path to reintegration isn’t always easy, but volunteering for veterans offers a proven way to address emotional, mental, and social challenges. Whether it’s through developing new networks, improving mental health, or rediscovering a sense of purpose, volunteering can provide veterans with the tools they need to thrive.
Contact us to learn more about Warrior Bridge and start volunteering today!
On November 23, 2024, Eggleston’s VP of Marketing and Development, Geraldine Eady and the Director of Marketing, Kristen Ricks, were joined by several guests on WNIS 790’s “Ask the Experts” show with Damien Hall. We started out by sharing a brief history of how and why Eggleston was started. We shared highlights from fall 2024 events and what we have coming up including Christmas Trees on sale and photos with Santa at the Eggleston Garden Center. Click on the link below to hear the full story.
Geraldine talked about end of year giving and asked people to save the date for Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3rd. She also shared other ways to get involved. To hear more click on the link below.
In the third segment we talked about the 2024 Eggleston Angel tree and how people can get involved. We also introduced Hope Bress and Patty Rodman from our Business Services division. Hope is Eggleston longest running employee and has been with the organization for 49 years. Hope talked about her experiences with Eggleston and shared some advice for future Eggleston employees. Patty is Hopes supervisor and she gave some more information about what the Business services team does and how you can learn more if you would like Eggleston to support your business. To hear from Hope and Patty click on the link below.
At the end of the hour we were joined by Dean Swift, Eggleston’s Business Development Manager who talk about the upcoming Auto Auctions. He also shared we would be auctioning off a 1967 Mustang at the Dec. 14th auction. Dean also talked about Eggleston’s Shredding services. To learn more about these programs listen here.
