MPC Podcast: Wisconsin Veterans Network

Wisconsin is home to nearly 288,000 veterans, yet many are unaware of the benefits, services, and resources available to them. This week on MPC, host Jill Economou is joined by Quentin Hatfield, Executive Director of Wisconsin Veterans Network (WISVETS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting veterans and their families with the support they need through a collaborative statewide network of more than 300 partner agencies. Quentin shares how Wisconsin Veterans Network serves as a trusted navigator in an often confusing landscape of veteran services. Rather than duplicating existing programs, WISVETS works alongside nonprofits, government agencies, and community partners across the state to help veterans address challenges related to housing, employment, food insecurity, benefits, and more. He also discusses the growing demand for services, the importance of collaboration, inspiring veteran success stories, and how the organization is preparing to support future generations of veterans, including National Guard and Reserve members. Episode Highlights: 2:50 | What Wisconsin Veterans Network does and how it collaborates with more than 300 partner agencies 3:58 | Why collaboration is essential when veterans face multiple interconnected challenges 4:54 | Building trusted relationships with veteran service organizations throughout Wisconsin 6:02 | A real-life example of agencies working together to prevent a veteran family's eviction 7:29 | What makes Wisconsin Veterans Network different from other veteran-serving nonprofits 9:05 | The challenges veterans face when navigating a confusing service landscape 9:52 | Why WISVETS does not accept federal funding and how that expands who it can help 11:02 | How a small team creates statewide impact through collaboration 13:38 | Changes in veteran services and increased collaboration with the Veterans Administration 14:46 | Veteran suicide prevention efforts and community partnerships 15:31 | Funding challenges facing veteran-serving nonprofits across Wisconsin 17:58 | How United Way partnerships help support veteran families in crisis 19:23 | Cameron's story: helping a veteran overcome job loss and regain stability 21:20 | Fred's story: a World War II veteran receives life-changing support during a summer heat wave 24:04 | The future of veteran services and the needs of National Guard and Reserve members 27:02 | How veterans can get help and how community members can support the mission 29:32 | WISVETS' guiding promise: "Any Veteran. Anytime. Anywhere in Wisconsin." WISCONSIN VETERANS NETWORK Wisconsin Veterans Network (WISVETS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting veterans, service members, and their families with the resources, benefits, and support they need to thrive. Through a collaborative network of more than 300 partner organizations across Wisconsin, WISVETS helps individuals navigate challenges related to housing, employment, financial hardship, healthcare, benefits, and overall stability. Guided by its mission of serving "Any Veteran. Anytime. Anywhere in Wisconsin," the organization works to ensure that no veteran faces life's challenges alone. Website: wisvetsnet.org ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: ellenbecker.com This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.