Awards and Appreciation, Jobs, Training and Facilities

CRC hosts veteran‑benefits claims clinic

May 15, 2024

CRC staff who served in the military connected with veteran-benefits claims clinic.

California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) partnered with Riverside County Veteran Services and Vet Phoenix to host a veteran-benefits claims clinic. The clinic was offered for all veterans at the institution, including staff and the incarcerated population.

The clinic is meant to help veterans better access to services and the ability to process benefit claims.

Riverside County Veteran Services staff were available at CRC for two days, offering informational seminars as well as answering sessions.

The organization offered information on:

compensation for service-related injuries
education benefits
pension
county resources
veteran benefits apportionment
and reinstating benefits after discharge.

This allowed veterans to receive information and the assistance they’ve needed without the challenges they’ve historically encountered.

“Gaining benefits and assistance for veterans can be intimidating and, at times, confusing. Having 18 years with CDCR, this is the first time I have been aware of an institution teaming up with the Veterans Service Organization (VSO) to address needs. VSO being on site at CRC made it easy and convenient. I appreciate Warden Pratt putting this event together and recognizing the needs of veterans both employed and incarcerated,” said CRC Sgt. Peter Vanderford.

Story submitted by Harrison Glin, Community Resource Manager
California Rehabilitation Center