WESLACO – Adjusting to civilian life is a difficult task and every veteran handles it differently. For some, asking for help during this time is difficult.

Whether you’re a veteran, the spouse of a veteran, parent of a veteran or if you just know a veteran, you can guide them to resources available in the Rio Grande Valley; some are just a click away.

The Veterans Business Outreach Center at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley provides business training, counseling, technical assistance and mentoring to veterans and active duty business owners.

Another resource is WorkInTexas.com, a recruiting program at most Workforce Solutions offices across the state to help you search for a new job. They also have special features just for veterans that will help in your job search and improve your chances of finding the job you want.

Once you register for the system, they’ll label your messages so you’ll be given priority as a veteran. You can contact your local Workforce Solutions for more information.

Do you need a ride to that job interview or maybe your doctor’s appointment? Help is available with United Way of South Texas. For information about vouchers for local metro and bus systems call them at 956-686-6331.

If you need transportation to a VA appointment, Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System can help. Call them at 956-291-9540 to set up a ride to any of the local VA clinics.

Maybe you don’t want to go anywhere just yet, but you would like to talk to someone.

The Veterans Crisis Line is another confidential resource. You can call 1-800-273-8255 to talk to someone, send a text to 838255 or chat online through their website.

However you choose to reach out, the Veterans Crisis Line is staffed by qualified, caring responders many of them veterans themselves.

“This is the place to come, especially if they’re having problems readjusting to civilian life because it is difficult to just readjust,” Hilda Szabo said.

Whether it’s help with your VA claims, small business resources, financial assistance employment, emergency food or shelter, education or healthcare, the Vet Center in McAllen is there to help veterans and services are free.

The Vet Center has counselors on hand for person and group counseling sessions, couple’s therapy and family counseling.

“A lot of times, when a veteran comes back, they have issues dealing with stress because a lot of them are diagnosed with PTSD. They aren’t able to handle the stress that comes with family and the emotions that come through the family,” she said. “What we do is educate the family, educate the children what we do when daddy is acting like this, what we do when we weren’t able to handle something.”

Szabo believes treating the veteran alone isn’t enough. She said treating the whole family helps the veteran get back to life as he or she knew it more quickly.

“They’re not alone. They have served this country and they deserve to have a good life after war. We’re here to provide to provide those resources for them. And if we don’t have where to help, we’ll find something. We’ll find a place for them,” she said.

There are many of other resource centers and websites available to assist veterans that can be found here.