Commander Gwendolyn Worthy, M.S.,

Nabvets National Commander

Vice Commander Darry L. Brown SR.

NAbvets national vice commander

Services and history

NABVETS, Inc. had its beginning as The Interested Veterans of the Central City (IVOCC), a community-based organization founded in 1969 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by seven returning Vietnam combat veterans. The organization was formed to address issues facing Vietnam veterans in the inner city, such as unemployment, inadequate housing, and difficulties in accessing healthcare. They formed to address the marginalization of Black Veterans and the challenges they faced with getting their benefits and services.

In 1973, IVOCC reorganized to become a membership service organization with the charge to address issues concerning Black and other minority veterans. In 1998, NABVETS, Inc. became a National Veterans Service Organization (VSO), certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and chartered by the U.S. Congress to represent veterans filing claims for their benefits through their Veteran Service Officers (VSO). NABVETS became the first and only Black Organization chartered by Congress.
NABVETS has over 100 chapters, that include Puerto and the Dominican Republic.

People and culture

NABVETS is a nationally certified Veterans Service Organization, and a United States Department of Veteran Affairs Claims Representative. We provide personal advocacy on behalf of Veterans seeking assistance with claims and benefits. We are a global community with chapters across the United States and internationally.

We work in unity with the community to end homelessness, empower low-income and minority Veterans and provide services to disadvantaged youth. Our efforts are aimed at providing both transitional and permanent housing solutions for Veterans and their families. Through our comprehensive services, we offer a holistic approach to everything from health and housing support, economic assistance, rehabilitation, and education and training.

We are passionate about preserving the historical contributions of minority Veterans and commemorating their legacies. We amplify the voice of those often unheard, advocating for the needs of homeless and economically challenged Veterans. Moreover, we’re committed to assisting incarcerated Veterans and those reintegrating into society with holistic wrap around services.