OUR HISTORY

Since its founding in 2015, Community Action for Veterans (CAV) has been dedicated to building supportive communities for veteran and military families in South Dakota. Initially launched as a collaboration between the MILVETS Committee of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Sioux Falls VA Healthcare System, CAV officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in June 2022.

As a Community Veterans Engagement Board (CVEB), in partnership with the VA's Veterans Experience Office, CAV has taken the lead on innovative efforts to tackle the diverse challenges faced by military-connected individuals. From strategic planning sessions in 2017 to virtual listening sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, CAV has continuously adapted to the evolving needs of the veteran community. Signature events like Bridging the Gap Festival and Stand Up for Women Veterans. Operation Chow Line has raised awareness about food insecurity and the unique needs of marginalized veterans while also promoting community involvement and a warm hand-off to the VA to apply for the benefits and care they earned while serving.

Throughout its history, CAV has remained steadfast in its commitment to improving the well-being of veterans and their families through a variety of programs and partnerships. Notable milestones include serving as a 50th Vietnam War Commemorative Partner in 2016 and conducting evaluations on veteran suicide prevention in 2023. With funding from grants like the Change Network Grant in 2018 and participation in collaborative efforts such as the ND/SD CVEB Convening in 2020, CAV has expanded its services to provide critical support.

In 2022, CAV collaborated with Lost&Found to develop a formative evaluation plan to reduce suicide among student veterans. These efforts were made possible through the Veterans Suicide Prevention Evaluation (VSPE) grant implemented by the CDC Foundation. This valuable work led to the creation of an AmeriCorps national program that CAV kicked off in August 2024.