Programs and Services
Annual Health Fairs
Boots To Beyond supports Mississippi Delta area health fairs because they offer a myriad of benefits to Veterans and communities alike. They serve as invaluable platforms for promoting health awareness and education. By offering access to free screenings, informational booths, and expert-led seminars, health fairs empower attendees with knowledge about preventive measures and early detection of health issues. Community health fairs also address barriers to healthcare access by providing resources to our underserved population in the Mississippi Delta, including those without health insurance or transportation. Health fairs also serve as great opportunities for networking and collaboration among healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government agencies, enhancing the coordination of health services and initiatives.
To request that Boots To Beyond attend your community health fair, contact Tabbatha Magee at tnmagee.boots@gmail.com.
Food Distribution Events
Through partnerships with organizations such as Convoy of Hope, Boots to Beyond food distribution events play a pivotal role in addressing the critical needs of our Veteran populations, their families and their communities acting as a lifeline for those facing food insecurity. These events are open to all in the community and no prerequisites are required. If you come to the event and say you need food, you will get it. Beyond combatting food insecurity, our food distribution events often serve as entry points for accessing other vital services such as healthcare, education, and social support, thereby contributing to holistic community development. Ultimately, these events not only offer sustenance but also symbolize compassion, equity, and the commitment to ensuring that no one goes hungry in our community.
Veterans Stand Down
In military terms, a “stand down” means to pause active duty or military activities. In the case of this Stand Down event, while active duty may be paused or ended for these veterans, services and resources to support them are not.
“Our regional veterans don’t always know where to go for support after their military duty has ended, and there are so many resources available for them,” said Kenneth Magee, President of Boots To Beyond. “Our goal for organizing this Stand Down is to bring all those resources to one place, so our veterans can get the help they need.”
Over 50 different agencies are usually represented at this annual event including the Mississippi Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals in Memphis and Jackson to help with enrollment; the VA regional reps to assist with claims; VA Women’s Center and Social Services, the local VA Greenville healthcare clinic, Together With Veterans suicide awareness, the VA Mobile Unit, Employment Services, VA Mental Health, Vocational Rehab and Employment agency, and others.
Additionally, organizations offer free supplies to veterans including clothing, hygiene items, sleeping bags, boots, gloves, duffle bags, and more.
Veterans Suicide Prevention Awareness
Raising awareness about veteran suicide is crucial to honoring the sacrifices of those who have served and ensuring they receive the support they need. By fostering understanding and providing resources, we can help prevent tragic losses within our veteran community. Through a partnership with Together With Veterans, Boots to Beyond formed the Together With Veterans Mississippi Delta project to address behavioral health issues among our Veteran population. The project includes seminars for Veteran employees of area businesses to bring awareness to Veteran suicide as well as benefits to support those who are affected by it.
Additionally, the Delta Veterans Task Force was created to convene organizations with support services for Veterans and their families.
VetHERan’s Stand Down
Our Women Veteran’s Summit is a specialized event modeled after the traditional Stand Down, with a focus on the unique challenges women veterans face after military service. This gathering brings together vital resources, support services, and community organizations to empower, uplift, and connect women who have served. From healthcare and mental health to employment, wellness, and peer support, we aim to meet the needs of women veterans in one unified space.
