Veteran Sponsorship Initiative (VSI)

The Veteran Sponsorship Initiative (VSI) is a structured transition support program led by Dr. Joe Geraci, Ph. D., that pairs newly transitioning service members with trained sponsors in the community. The initiative aims to improve reintegration outcomes by providing social connection, mental health awareness, and navigation of available resources.

Each year more than 200,000 service members leave the military and face significant challenges adjusting to civilian life. Research shows that many Veterans struggle with mental health, employment, housing instability, and lack of support systems. Veterans who experience isolation are at greater risk of suicide. The VSI seeks to bridge that gap early in the transition process—before Veterans fall through the cracks.

This initiative benefits service members transitioning to civilian life, particularly those at risk of mental health issues or social disconnection. It also benefits their families and communities by improving reintegration outcomes and reducing risk factors associated with veteran suicide.

Goals:

  • VSI’s short-term goal is to build a scalable, evidence-informed sponsorship model that is integrated into DoD and VA systems.

  • VSI’s long-term goal is to improve post-transition mental health, reduce suicide rates, and enhance access to benefits and care.

Unlike many post-service programs, VSI intervenes before a crisis begins. By pairing transitioning service members with trained civilian sponsors, it builds a proactive safety net. The initiative is grounded in evidence and clinical expertise, and it leverages both government and grassroots support for greater reach and sustainability.

VSI measures outcomes through participant follow-up, mental health metrics, and reintegration benchmarks. As of 2025, the following progress has been made:

  • Pilot programs have been launched in key regions with strong engagement from community sponsors.

  • Positive early data shows improved emotional well-being and access to care among participants.

  • VSI has received federal and philanthropic funding and has been highlighted as a model for national replication.



What is the impact of VSI?

Programs

Mission Blue Skies

Veteran Sponsorship Initiative

Whole Health RWC

Worried About a Veteran

VSI is supported through a combination of federal contracts, philanthropic grants, and in-kind contributions from nonprofit partners like BVMRF. However, expansion is currently limited by funding constraints.

Funding is needed to:

• Expand to additional VA sites and regions

• Train and support a national network of sponsors

• Build technology infrastructure for sponsor matching and tracking

• Evaluate long-term impact through research

Funders can support pilot sites, sponsor training, or promote general program growth. To support VSI, you can donate, partner as a sponsor organization, or help us connect with communities that are ready to lead this initiative. Your support will directly impact Veterans during one of the most critical moments in their lives.

How You Can Support VSI

VSI Leadership

  • Dr. Joe Geraci is a clinical psychologist, U.S. Army veteran, and recognized expert in veteran reintegration and suicide prevention. Dr. Geraci retired from the U.S. Army as an Infantry Lieutenant Colonel after serving for 20 years and deploying as a combat leader with elite Special Operations/Ranger, Airborne, and Infantry units to Afghanistan four different times since 9/11. While in uniform, he also served as an assistant professor at the U.S. Military Academy in both the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership and the Department of Military Instruction. One of his last positions in the U.S. Army was serving as an Infantry Battalion Commander in which he was directly responsible for the health, welfare, and combat readiness of his soldiers. He received his doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Teachers College at Columbia University. He teaches military psychology to graduate students at Teachers College, and was a co-founder of the college’s Resilience Center for Veterans and Families. He serves within the VISN 2 MIRECC as a licensed psychologist and is focused on studying and developing interventions that mitigate the significant suicidal risks that our Modern Warriors (some of them being his former soldiers) face as they attempt to reintegrate back into their civilian communities after military service. Within the MIRECC, he leads two national VA programs (Veteran Cultural Competence training and the Veteran Sponsorship Initiative). Dr. Geraci collaborates with the Bronx VA, community-based organizations, and federal partners.

Contact the Veteran Sponsorship Initiative.

BVMRFAdmin@va.gov
(718) 741-4442

130 West Kingsbridge Road
Bronx, NY 10468