honor in action
No matter the branch or past missions, all veterans have persevered through extraordinary adversity while serving our country and protecting our freedom. Why, then, must any of them now endure waiting for support? This question is what drives Connecting Georgia Veterans to provide accelerated solutions to struggling veterans throughout the state.
Established in Cobb County, CGV works to connect veterans with the help they need and have earned. We do this by eliminating the delays and red tape they often face after discharge. But we don’t do it alone.
From our donors, community partners, and everyday citizens, we assemble and coordinate numerous resources for veterans to build stable, fulfilling lives. Because their service should never be forgotten or taken for granted.
THE NEED IS GREAT
When it comes to the veteran population and various issues faced, the numbers speak for themselves.
RAPID-RESPONSE SERVICES
At the core of CGV’s services is our unwavering commitment to speed, bringing holistic solutions to veterans within days, not weeks.
housing
Guidance to safe, immediate shelter, as well as long-term housing solutions.
education
Community contacts for veterans who seek to further their education or secure a degree.
employment
Assistance with job placement, skills training, and career development.
medical care
Connections with organizations such as the VA for veterans who need medical care.
mental health
Access to mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and counseling services.
get help now
If you’re a veteran and need immediate assistance, call our Veteran Help Hotline at 470-479-1551.
VETERAN STORIES
When single mother and veteran, Julia* came to Connecting Georgia Veterans, she and her two children were experiencing homelessness and living out of a hotel. Through CGV’s Rapid Response Emergency Lodging Program, her family was placed in safe temporary housing while they worked toward long-term stability. Within weeks, they moved into a new apartment. Today, Julia’s family is thriving with a safe home, stability, and renewed hope for the future.
From survival to stability
When Navy veteran John* came to Connecting Georgia Veterans, he was facing eviction, homelessness, and uncertainty about his next steps. CGV connected him with immediate temporary housing at Extended Stay America and provided support in pursuing a HUD-VASH voucher for long-term housing stability. He was also connected to resources, along with advocacy to help increase his VA disability benefits and employment support. John is now on the path toward greater stability and self-sufficiency.
A new path forward
When veteran Katy* found herself newly homeless with her child, she turned to Connecting Georgia Veterans for immediate support. CGV quickly placed her family into emergency lodging and connected her with HOPE Atlanta to begin working toward a more permanent housing solution. Katy was also connected to local food pantries and received short-term financial assistance through United Military Care to help ease the transition during this difficult time. She is now working with Open Doors Atlanta to secure a new apartment and create lasting stability for herself and her child.
No Challenge Too Large
*Names were changed to protect the privacy of the veterans.
OUR DUTY
Loudly, proudly, and on a daily basis, CGV aims to be the most influential voice advocating for veterans across the state of Georgia.
Mission
To connect struggling veterans with the help they have earned and urgently need, addressing root causes to create lasting, positive change in their lives.
vision
To be recognized as the most effective, trusted, and vocal champion for the well-being of veterans throughout Georgia, ensuring that no veteran faces their challenges alone.
history
Originally serving Cobb County as Connecting Cobb Veterans, we recognized the growing need across Georgia and expanded our reach as CGV in 2024 to serve veterans throughout the entire state.
leadership team
Tyler Bowser, Program Director
Tyler Bowser has a strong passion for helping veterans in need. As a recovered homeless veteran, he has worked hard to reach struggling veterans where they are and help them return to self-sufficiency.
He brings nine years of experience in the nonprofit ecosystem and holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. Most recently, Tyler completed and earned his Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) accreditation.
Outside of his professional work, Tyler enjoys spending time with his family doing fun activities, including visiting theme parks such as Dollywood and Six Flags. During the summer, he and his family spend most weekends on Lake Allatoona, relaxing in the sun and enjoying time on the water.
As a recovered homeless veteran himself, Tyler speaks about our organization and its impact in Georgia. Listen here.
Irene Barton, Executive Director, Cobb Collaborative
As part of the Cobb Collaborative, CGV is overseen by Irene Barton. Along with having a wealth of nonprofit experience, she is highly involved in the community through the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Georgia PTA, local schools, and civic organizations. Irene and her husband are proud parents of two young adults and a rescue dog, residing in Cobb County for over 29 years.
core values
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CGV is dedicated to putting the needs of veterans before our own, mirroring the selfless service veterans demonstrated during their military careers.
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We uphold the highest standards of honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in all our interactions. Our veterans deserve nothing less.
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We strive to continuously improve our services and seek innovative solutions, never settling for “good enough” when it comes to supporting veterans.
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Beyond temporary aid, our goal is to provide veterans with the tools, resources, and confidence they need to thrive independently.
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We show up and speak up at every opportunity in order to educate communities and organizations about veteran rights and needs.
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We actively seek out other organizations, government agencies, and community members to create a strong, unified support network for veterans.
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Since veteran needs are often urgent, we prioritize quickness and agility to connect veterans with life-changing assistance as swiftly as possible.
