About Us

The Office of Veterans Services (RIVETS) is dedicated to supporting and caring for the State’s Veterans, active service members, guard and reserve, and their families.

Staff at RIVETS maintain a thorough knowledge of the individual and social factors contributing to issues impacting Veterans to better serve this population. Through strong and successful local and regional partnerships, RIVETS works relentlessly to promote the financial, social, and emotional wellbeing of our diverse Veteran population.

RIVETS aims to reduce homelessness, poverty and unemployment rates among Veterans and active service members while also providing essential services at the Rhode Island Veterans Home and Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Who is eligible for RIVETS services?

Rhode Island Veterans, active service members, guard and reserve, and their families may seek services from RIVETS. Veterans are eligible for unique services, benefits and training opportunities that help ensure that they have an equal opportunity to succeed in Rhode Island.

How do I access services?

RIVETS staff can assist with benefits counseling, discharge papers, or other Veteran-related inquiries as part of our integrated UniteRI network guiding Veterans to the most appropriate services and resources available. The statewide Veterans Resource Center at 560 Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick provides case management services, identifying benefits, and can assist Veterans in applying for VA and DHS programs and services such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) when appropriate. To speak with a representative from RIVETS, please complete the RIVets Intake Form here.

Anything else I should know?

RIVETS remains committed to ensuring that Veterans and their families are cared for and receiving the benefits they deserve. While the RIVETS staff support Veterans by helping them secure housing, employment, transportation, health, and food needs, it is important to recognize that RIVETS is not the VA Regional Office or VA Medical Center. RIVETS works closely with these federal partners to ensure coordinated care and services.

Mission

The Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services maintains the following:

• Thorough knowledge of individual and social factors contributing to personal problems that affect the Veteran, active duty, guard and reserve, and/or their families;

• Remains current on issues and trends impacting the work and mission of the agency;

• Forms strong and successful partnerships locally, regionally, and nationwide to address Veterans’ issues in Rhode Island.

These focuses are imperative to reduce homelessness amongst Veterans, Veterans living in poverty, Veteran unemployment rates, ensure Veterans receive proper medical care, continue quality customer service at the Rhode Island Veterans Home and Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery and ensure every Veteran has an opportunity to make it in Rhode Island.

Vision

A community of partners, providing a collective impact to all Veterans, active duty, guard and reserve, and their families, in having equitable access to programs and services.

Values

The Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services’ core values underscore the obligations inherent in our mission. The values define who we are, our culture, and how we interact with Rhode Island’s Veterans, active duty, guard and reserve, and their families. Our values are more than just words – they spell the word ‘SERVE’ – guiding us daily, reminding us that RIVETS serves America’s Heroes.

Support: Be Veteran-centric; identify, consider, and advance the interest of Veterans.

Excellence: Strive for the highest quality and continuous improvement.

Respect: Treat all those we serve and colleagues with dignity and respect.

Veracity: Adhere to the highest professional standards and maintain the trust and confidence of all whom we encounter.

Engagement: Work diligently to provide excellent service to Veterans and others regardless of their eligibility for RIVETS programs and services. Be driven by the Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services’ mission and fulfill responsibilities as a public servant