Welcome Veterans and Families!

An interview with Jessica Polvikoski, President, Clay Veterans:

https://dailynewsnetwork.com/2025/shows/5-minute-salute/5-minute-salute-with-jessica-polvikoski-of-clay-veterans/​

​​​​What does Clay Veterans, Inc. do for the veteran community?

Partnered with Veterans Council Clay County, we operate the Clay Veterans Center, which is a hub for connection and support. We run programs like:
•    Open-Door Program – a veteran camaraderie program in which volunteers are partnered with a veteran who is looking for connection and support (Call/text/email/message to register)
•    VetTech Program – helping veterans navigate VA.gov, upload documents, or even just get tech help establishing log-ins. (Call/text/email/message to register)
•    Support Services – trained volunteers answering questions, guiding veterans, and families to resources (Call/text/email/message to ask question)

We designed the center so veterans and families can walk in and get help — no wrong way to access assistance.

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What impact have you seen so far?

Since opening in April 2025, we’ve welcomed dozens of veterans, caregivers, and families — assisting 63 individuals so far. The calls/emails/messages/walk-ins we’ve received are diverse, many have been urgent: caregivers and survivors asking about VA benefits, veterans facing eviction or utility shut-offs, families donating or needing medical equipment, or veterans struggling with va.gov access issues.

 

Each story is different, but the need is the same — a place where veterans and families can turn and know they’ll be supported.

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What’s your biggest challenge right now?

Our biggest obstacle is sustaining what we’ve built — keeping the center open, funding programs, and having enough trained volunteers to meet the growing need. We rely on community donations, sponsorships, and events like our Veterans Day 5K to cover essentials like rent, insurance, and program supplies. Our PayPal Giving Fund charges no fees - 100% goes to the mission: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/4964620

What does success look like to you?

​Success means having a committed board of directors, an optimal number of trained volunteers, a safe and adequate location for veterans and families, and reliable funding streams so the center can operate long-term. (Interested in serving on the Board? We welcome those with time, talent, or financial resources to apply. Send resume and interest letter to info@ClayVeterans.com)

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How can the community get involved?

If you’re a veteran, caregiver, or someone who wants to support those who served, we invite you to get involved. We need volunteers, sponsors, and community ambassadors to keep the Clay Veterans Center thriving.

 

Visit ClayVeterans.com, email info@supportclayvets.com, or call/text (904) 658-0105.

 

And don’t miss the Clay Veterans Day 5K — a great way to show support and explore the community resources gathered there after the race.

     

     We need volunteers, community ambassadors, and donations to be successful.  Please let us know if your are interested in supporting our mission to improve the welfare of Clay County Veterans and their Family members.

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Coming soon:

"Three reasons to join Clay Veterans - Comradery, Community Engagement, and Information"

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