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Rooted in South Dakota, Built for Veterans
South Dakota is a state defined by its land and its people. From the ranchlands of the west to the farmlands of the east, we know what it means to face distance, weather, and hardship together. Our communities are small, but our commitment to one another is strong. That spirit is the foundation of CAV.
Our Story
CAV began in 2015 as a volunteer-led effort neighbors and veterans gathering to identify gaps and create solutions. What started around tables and listening sessions has grown into a statewide movement: building systems of care that reflect the realities of rural life.
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Early on, we saw that the challenge wasn’t a lack of resources, but a lack of coordination. Veterans and families were falling through the cracks because no one was connecting the dots. So, we set out to change that not with red tape, but with grassroots action, community trust, and long-term commitment.
Our Mission
To unite South Dakotans in building communities of care for veterans and their families through local action, statewide coordination, and long-term investment.
Who We Serve
Every veteran and family deserves to feel supported in the place they already call home. That’s why CAV serves:
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Veterans returning to rural towns and farms
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Families adjusting to life after service
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Student veterans balancing classrooms and combat experiences
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Military-connected women, often overlooked in traditional veteran programs
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Small communities eager to help, but in need of structure and support
How We Serve
Our programs are designed for the realities of South Dakota:
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Operation Chow Line – meals, food pantries, and resource connections in rural hubs
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Compass Corps – AmeriCorps-supported interns on campuses and clinics guiding veterans through transition
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VetConnect SD – statewide navigation backbone linking veterans, families, hospitals, and local providers
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Special Initiatives – retreats for women veterans, peer-to-peer programs, and statewide conferences
These programs aren’t just services — they’re proof that small-town solutions can have statewide impact.
Why Us?
South Dakota has its own way of life: wide-open spaces, small towns where everyone knows your name, and a culture built on hard work and trust. Community Action for Veterans grew out of those values, starting with real conversations in local communities and fueled by neighbors who wanted to make a difference.
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Our early programs have already proven that when we gather around the table whether for a meal, a class, or a helping hand; veterans and families find the support they need. Now, we’re scaling that same spirit into a statewide system designed to last for decades and reach every corner of South Dakota.
