Foundation Connections

Considered underrepresented and underserved, military personnel and their families are a target population for the NBCC Foundation Military Scholarship. This scholarship is for service members, veterans, and their spouses pursuing a career in professional counseling who are committed to serving military personnel. The funds support their educational journey to obtain a master’s degree.

As a veteran of the United States Navy, Alvoid Yokum focuses part of his counseling work on treating veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and addiction and working toward their reintegration into civilian life. It has become his mission in life.

When asked why he wanted to work specifically with veterans, Alvoid explained, “My decision to engage with veterans was motivated by a sense of generosity and the desire to reciprocate the efforts made by others who have also committed a portion of their life to serving others.”

A cornerstone of his work and what he considers his greatest accomplishment thus far was establishing a comprehensive support program tailored specifically toward veterans.

“This program encompasses various aspects, including career training and mental health assistance, by providing a holistic approach to the needs of veterans during the critical reintegration period.”

Alvoid anticipates providing intervention strategies, detailed information, and advice about antidepressant addiction and recovery will encourage soldiers to seek assistance with their reintegration and treatment to improve their overall health.

In contemplating the future, Alvoid’s goals are widespread. “I aspire to enhance the scope of my initiatives to extend their reach to a larger population of veterans nationwide. Additionally, I intend to actively promote policy reforms that enhance veterans' opportunities to obtain health care services and educational resources. The ongoing endeavor is motivated by the conviction that our dedication to veterans needs to align with the dedication they have demonstrated through their service.”

The NBCC Foundation is proud to support graduate-level students like Alvoid in achieving their goals and expanding access to counseling and mental health services.

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