In a state where social isolation continues to affect many, one nonprofit is bridging the gap for those who’ve served on the front lines.

North Idaho Veterans is a one-stop resource hub for veterans seeking connections, support and community.  

The local nonprofit serves as a central link for the veteran community, connecting service members with nonprofits and community organizations focused on veteran assistance across North Idaho, including Boundary, Bonner and Kootenai counties.  

“It started becoming very apparent that there were a lot of different nonprofit organizations in the area that serve veterans, but nobody knew about each other,” said Chris Stoehner, NIV organizer and volunteer.   

In a mission to bring those lost resources to the community, NIV partners with a variety of local and nationwide organizations that serve a similar mission, allowing service members and their families the opportunity to partake in different community-centered activities such as mountain biking, skiing and other tangible skillsets and resources.  

The organization is part of a nonprofit called Thin Line Peer Support Group, an organization of groups committed to volunteering their time to provide support to first responders, active military, veterans (regardless of discharge status), departments of correction and emergency room staff. 

NIV has been assisting veterans for the better part of four years, engaging veterans by fostering relationships in community and camaraderie. According to Stoehner, the organization represents all military branches, with legacy members who have served in World War II, the Vietnam War, the Korean War in addition to the younger generation of service members.  

The nonprofit aims to bridge the space between the younger and older generations, working to mutually aid and support them both in a different space outside of organizations like the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, where younger generations typically have a hard time connecting with.  

“At NIV we are actively engaging veterans to connect with others who are feeling isolated and in need of connection. Through our connection with fellow veterans, we offer community and opportunities with others to engage for a more meaningful life experience outside of the military,” says nonprofit officials on its site. “We are creating solutions to the effects war has on our veteran populations.”   

Grown from word-of-mouth, NIV connects with veterans using events such as monthly lunches, designated veteran ski days, Fourth of July parades and more. A core group of service members help organize the events, all with the common mission of bringing veteran services to the individuals that need it most. 

"It provides that ability for us to continually meet new people, introduce them to the different organizations, as well as to people,” said Stoehner.  

NIV is partnered with five main operations, all of which provide a unique service in northern Idaho to veterans from all government branches.  

ValorVista Veterans Coalition provides a retreat for veterans and their families to safely enjoy recreational activities with an emphasis on shooting, hunting and fishing. Ambassadors work to make goals and identify a plan to meet them. According to the coalition, family members are included to build meaningful connections and improve quality of life. Organizers further engage veterans in recovery with peer-to-peer interactions in an outdoor environment, promoting a healthy community.  

Warriors Rest is a community that focuses on connecting with those that have worked on the frontline. By building relationships, the organization can "meet someone where they’re at,” mentally, physically and spiritually. While Warrior Rest does have programming available, it states that it is not the focus.  The organization works nationally and worldwide within communities for service members and/or their families and friends.  

Mountain Bikes for 03s and 11Bs helps veterans live high-quality lives through recreational activities and community. According to its site, Mountain Bikes for 03’s and 11B’s mission is to encourage personal growth and recovery as a whole veteran community through the passion of outdoor activities. The organization believes that outdoor activities allow veterans to manage and overcome PTSD by providing stability in a supportive environment.  

American Veteran Advocacy specializes in VA disability compensation. Headquartered in Sandpoint, AVA serves veterans nationwide for VA disability compensation and compensation appeals. It is a veteran-owned, small business.  

Veterans Community Response is a nonprofit that supports veterans in their readjustment process, helping to navigate post-war challenges to lead productive and satisfying lives outside of their service. According to VCR officials, it has adopted the warrior creed “We Bring Everyone Home,” and believes it is a collective responsibility. The nonprofit relies on community resources and volunteerism.  

Veterans or family members of service members seeking resources and assistance are encouraged to contact NIV through its website: https://northidahoveterans.com/#contact  

    NIV - Warriors Rest organization