CoBank Renews No Barriers Program in 2024 for Rural Veterans with Disabilities
- In-person expeditions will take place in July and August
- Applications accepted through June 15
DENVER (March 5, 2024) — 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 in 2024 for rural veterans with disabilities. For more than seven years, CoBank has partnered with No Barriers to bring rural veterans with disabilities to the Rocky Mountains. This transformative experience helps participants to overcome challenges, create new relationships and experience new possibilities.
“All Americans owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces, many of whom come from our rural communities,” said Tom Halverson, president and chief executive officer of CoBank. “CoBank understands that there are many ways to fulfill our mission of service to rural America. One of those is to support the veterans who call our rural communities home. That is why we are once again partnering with No Barriers to create exceptional, life-changing experiences for rural veterans with disabilities.”
“The 2024 Warriors program is designed to help Veterans with disabilities achieve belonging, identity and purpose,” said John Toth, senior director for No Barriers Warriors. “No Barriers is thrilled to once again partner with CoBank as we work collaboratively to provide these experiences to Veterans with disabilities.”
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, backpacking and more. Throughout the experience, veterans are asked to reflect on their past, recognize their present situation and explore future possibilities.
This year, CoBank and No Barriers have simplified the application process. Beginning immediately, CoBank customers are invited to promote the program to veterans in their community, encouraging them to submit an application directly to No Barriers. Veterans who indicate a referral by a CoBank customer will be given selection preference for the CoBank-sponsored expeditions. Applications will be accepted for consideration through June 15. Up to 50 veterans will be chosen to fill four expeditions.
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 77,000 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
No Barriers is a non-profit organization based in Colorado, dedicated to providing transformative programs and experiences. Through a three-phase curriculum, No Barriers empowers individuals to overcome adversity and build resilient communities. Learn more about its mission and programs at nobarriersusa.org.