Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program Cut From 16 to 11 Regions

July 24, 2025 - Madison, WI

In early 2023, Governor Evers allocated American Rescue Plan Act funds to fulfill a recommendation from the Blue Ribbon Commission on Veteran Opportunity to increase the geographic reach of the Veteran Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP). As a result of the Governor’s investment, the program was expanded from 11 to 16 regions and gained a Clinician, which led to quicker response times and more intensive case management for veterans in need.

In both our 2023 and 2025 Biennial Budget requests, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) requested General Purpose Revenue funds to make the temporary expansion of the program permanent. Unfortunately, our efforts were not successful. VORP has been scaled back from 16 regions to the previous 11 as well as reduced back to two Clinicians.

Despite the reduction, VORP remains committed to enrolling and serving every veteran in need. WDVA will continue to connect at-risk veterans to essential services with regional coordinators, deliver hands-on support, assist veterans in finding mental health services, substance use treatment, financial assistance, and other needed services. However, with fewer coordinators and expanded caseloads, veterans may experience longer response times.

On the website, you will see the updated map and brochure. Please discard brochures with the 16 region map. If you have any further questions about VORP case management, please contact the VORP representative in your area.

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