VA Center for Development & Civic Engagement

VA Center for Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE) is one of the largest volunteer programs in the Federal government and has provided 78 years of service to America’s Veterans seeking care in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care facilities. Since 1946, over six million CDCE volunteers have donated close to seven and a half million hours. CDCE is advised by a National Advisory Committee (NAC), composed of 55 major Veteran, civic, and service organizations.

VA volunteers and their organizations contribute in-kind gifts and donations, which supplement VA appropriations to medical centers, clinics, and community living centers. These significant contributions allow VA to assist direct patient care programs, as well as support services and activities that may not be fiscal priorities from year to year.

As VA has expanded its care of Veteran patients into the community, volunteer roles have also expanded. They assist Veteran patients by augmenting staff in medical care foster homes and respite programs, as well as hospital units, community living centers, outpatient clinics, community-based activities, and palliative care programs. Volunteers also aid at our VA national cemeteries, Veteran outreach centers, and VA regional offices.