Veteran Resource & Enrichment Center Inc

Veteran Resource and Enrichment Center (VREC) is a 501(c)(3) in St. Cloud, MN, established in August 2021, which provides a unique experience to Veterans and their family, by offering kind-hearted advocacy transition management to enhance their well-being. Currently, our focus is on engaging and connecting with Lady Veterans to bring awareness they served and fulfill an under served population. As resources and time permits, we strive to serve all Veterans and their families. 

Feelings of well-being are fundamental to the overall health of an individual, enabling them to successfully overcome difficulties and achieve what they want out of life. Past experiences, attitudes and outlook can all impact well-being as can physical or emotional trauma following specific incidents. Those with high well-being are less likely to engage in criminal activity or abuse drugs and alcohol. The silence of lady Veterans has become a contributor to the increase in homelessness and suicide rates in the community. The lack of their participation has delayed the development of programs that adequately address their needs.

Anyone can give a person a list of resources, however, VREC is the soft handshake and is Bridging the Gap for Veterans and their family when other programs aren’t available. We will walk the path with the Veteran, as needed, through transition management; we will monitor the progress of the Veteran with follow-up Buddy Checks. This program will build self-esteem, confidence, reduce anxiety, and empower Veterans to enhance their lifestyle and assist in recovery to feel good about themselves and enhance their lifestyle.

VREC's goal is to raise funds to cover monthly overhead costs and to build daily positive experiences for our enrichment program in order to provide a safe place for Veterans and their family to come on a daily basis to aid in their recovery, enrichment, and to deal with life’s struggles. Since, September 2021 VREC has assisted over 350 Veterans or Family members and this is increasing two-fold.  We provide all of our services free of charge and offer many enrichment activities/classes to challenge and encourage Veterans or their family to find their purpose and believe they are worthy.  Without this safe place, Veterans are left with few places they feel comfortable to go and none that they can go and hangout to aid in lifestyle enrichment and give back to the community through art.  The VHA doesn't have enough space or programs to cover the need in the area, so they are referring patients to come to VREC for continued assistance and aftercare. These funds will keep these programs available and complimentary to our Veteran community, and more importantly the military family.   

If you would like more information about our program provided at an organizational meeting or us to appear at an event, to meet in person, or to get your questions answered via phone, call (320) 204-5660 or email vrecmn@gmail.com. If you would like to stop by to visit our office space or are interested in volunteering, you are always welcome and appreciated at 501 17th Avenue N, St. Cloud, MN 56303.

Thank you in advance for parterning with us to serve Veterans and their family.