CoBank Renews No Barriers Program for Rural Veterans with Disabilities in 2023
- In-person expeditions will take place in July, August and September
- Applications accepted through July 1
DENVER (February 16, 2023) — CoBank, a cooperative bank serving agribusinesses, rural infrastructure providers and Farm Credit associations throughout the United States, today announced that it has renewed its No Barriers program for rural veterans with disabilities for 2023. The bank is once again inviting customers to nominate disabled veterans from rural communities to participate in the program. CoBank-sponsored No Barriers expeditions will take place in July, August and September.
“A disproportionate number of men and women in the U.S. armed services come from rural communities,” said Thomas Halverson, president and chief executive officer of CoBank. “In recognition of their service, CoBank and our customers are again partnering with No Barriers to offer meaningful and life-changing experiences for veterans with disabilities. It is one way we can give back to those who have sacrificed for their country through military service.”
“The 2023 Warriors program is designed to help Veterans with disabilities achieve belonging, identity and purpose,” said Andrea Delorey, No Barriers Chief Operating Officer. “No Barriers is thrilled to once again partner with CoBank as we work collaboratively to provide transformative experiences to Veterans with disabilities.”
CoBank partners with Colorado-based No Barriers to support the nonprofit’s Warriors program. A No Barriers Warriors expedition is an engaging and impactful experience designed to help veterans tackle personal challenges and create a catalyst for positive change. CoBank sponsors a series of four expeditions each year, covering the full cost of participation for up to 50 veterans. Approximately 300 veterans have participated in CoBank-sponsored No Barriers expeditions or taken part in an online curriculum.
Each CoBank-sponsored No Barriers experience includes a combination of online learning modules and meetups, as well as an expedition in the Colorado wilderness. Experienced staff and expedition leaders guide participants through a series of physically and mentally challenging experiences that can include rafting, rock climbing, hiking and more. Throughout the experience, veterans are asked to reflect on their past, recognize their present situation and explore future possibilities.
Veterans unable to participate in an in-person expedition are eligible to participate in virtual opportunities such as “Warriors At Home,” an eight-week at-home course that connects veterans through facilitated conversation and activity assignments, or “Warriors Connect,” featuring quarterly guest speaker presentations. Whether they participate in person or at home, veterans will have the opportunity to explore the “No Barriers Life” and, in the process, transform their own lives.
Beginning February 16, CoBank customers can nominate an unlimited number of veterans from their communities to participate in the No Barriers Warriors program. Applications will be accepted through July 1. Additional information and program requirements are available on CoBank.com.
About CoBank
CoBank is a cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 76,000 farmers, ranchers and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country. CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure and rural communities. Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore.
About No Barriers USA
A non-profit organization based in Colorado, dedicated to helping people of all abilities find hope, optimism and resiliency for the future. Whether in our personal lives, at work, or in our communities, we all face challenges that can prevent us from living our best lives and reaching our full potential. No Barriers believes that what’s within you is stronger than what’s in your way. No Barriers empowers people of all walks of life to overcome obstacles, live a life of purpose, and give back to the world, all through their groundbreaking curriculum, the No Barriers Life. Learn more about the inclusive roadmap to break through challenges, build community and find strength through adversity at nobarriersusa.org.