The Rural WAVE (Wellness and Veteran Engagement) Initiative.

PURPOSE: Up to 70% of Veterans experience challenges with community reintegration. Volunteerism is associated with increased community connection, improved mental health, and lower suicide rates. However, volunteer opportunities are sometimes limited in rural areas. The Rural WAVE (Wellness and Veteran Engagement) Initiative was developed for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Center for Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE) and aims to connect Veterans in rural areas to volunteer activities in local communities. This brief report describes Rural WAVE and the main findings from its evaluation.

METHODS

A mixed-methods evaluation of Rural WAVE was informed by the RE-AIM (Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation Maintenance) framework and includes event and volunteer activity administrative data, volunteer (civilian and Veteran) and VA staff interviews, and site visits.

FINDINGS: Since launching in 2021, 17 Veteran Health Administration (VHA) facilities have adopted Rural WAVE. As of October 2025, outcomes included 223 activities/events, 111 volunteers, 2944 volunteer hours, and 3388 rural Veteran contacts. Rural Veteran volunteers reported improved mental health, a sense of purpose and meaning, and opportunities for camaraderie with other Veterans. CDCE staff reported improved accountability and motivation fostered by regular meetings with other sites, which promoted progress, idea sharing, and improved morale. Project site visits facilitated evaluation, strengthened relationships, and increased the Initiative's visibility among VA leadership.

CONCLUSIONS

Rural WAVE positively impacts Veteran and civilian volunteers and site staff. CDCE adopted Rural WAVE as part of their national programming in October 2025, achieving a sustainable future and new opportunities for growth.