Weymouth Social Worker Receives VOAMASS Veterans Leadership Award

WEYMOUTH, MA—A Weymouth social worker has received the Volunteers of America of Massachusetts (VOAMASS) annual Veterans Leadership Award for her commitment to helping veterans receive the services they need.

Kate Alves, a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs social worker who served as the VA liaison to the Massachusetts Bay Veterans Center (MBVC), is dedicated to helping veterans receive behavioral and mental health treatment, secure transitional housing, and navigate VA benefits.

"The type of impact Kate is bringing to the organization shows what it takes to serve veterans," said Andrew Wise, Director of Development and Communications at VOAMASS. "You have to go beyond the program to serve the veterans and what they need. To really navigate the very complex area of services and benefits, you need that support from the VA."

Volunteers of America of Massachusetts is a nonprofit organization that is focused on helping populations that are most in need, including veterans, at-risk youth, seniors, and those struggling with behavioral health issues. VOAMASS serves over 650 veterans every year and uses the Veterans Leadership Award as a way to honor those who have served in the military and those who support them.

"Anthony Joseph, the Director of our Massachusetts Bay Medical Center, just put his hand down on the table and said, 'Kate Alves is someone we need to recognize for her contributions. She is represents the best of what we're trying to do'," said Wise."We need someone who is inside who can work with us and help meet our needs."

Alves and four other winners of this year's Veterans Leadership Award, Sergeant Aaron Hale, Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone, Sumit Nagpal, and Donato Tramuto, will be recognized during a special Zoom event on December 10 featuring a panel discussion led by WBUR reporter Fred Thys. Although the awards are traditionally a dinner banquet fundraiser, COVID-19 restrictions led to the event being held virtually.

More information about this year's Veterans Leadership Award event or donor and volunteer opportunities can be found on the VOAMASS website or by reaching out to Anthony Wise at awise@voamass.org.