ST. CLOUD, Fla. — November marks National Veterans and Military Families month. 

All throughout the month, Spectrum News 13 is highlighting the work veterans do throughout Central Florida. 

Helen Dottie Adams is a veteran, and she knows how difficult it can be to navigate the Veterans Affairs system. 

She’s dedicated to helping those who’ve served. 

What You Need To Know

  • Helen Dottie Adams created Connecting the Dots for Veterans. It's a non-profit dedicated to helping veterans navigate the VA system

  • In their first year, they helped 250 veterans worldwide. Now they expect that number to triple

  • At the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce, Helen and John host an open house the first Saturday of every month. Their services are offered at no cost to veterans

She doesn’t want veterans to lose hope when navigating the VA.

“We’re going to educate you, we’re going to keep you engaged, and keep you empowered,” Adams said. 

Adams works at her home. This newly founded nonprofit helped 250 veterans worldwide in its first year. 

Now she expects that number to triple.

“There’s so many things that the general public does not know — that if you’re 81 and above, you can expedite a claim. If you’re terminally ill, you can expedite a claim,” Adams explained. 

Adams is a case manager and specializes in disability claims.

“I have a lot of empathy for veterans and their families. I don’t want to see them struggle like I did. So many veterans struggle. Our motto is simple: ‘We change veterans’ lives one day at a time,’” she said. 

She works to ensure every call gets answered, and no veteran gets left behind. 

“It takes time. It takes what it takes. We’re here for the long haul,” Adams said. 

She works directly with her husband, John Adams, the executive director of Connecting the Dots for Veterans. They’re a team that can’t be broken. 

“If you get frustrated, take a step back. But keep going, it’s worth it for you and your families,” John Adams said.  

At the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce, the pair host an open house the first Saturday of every month. 

“Sometimes it’s one veteran. One week it was seven veterans all at once,” Helen Adams explained. 

Their services are offered at no cost to veterans. 

“John and I do not take a salary. Having a space, we didn’t have to worry about rent or anything else,” she said. 

Steven Olmeda is a client of Helen Adams’ and a close friend. He’s had his fair share of struggles with the VA. 

But all it took was one conversation to lead him to getting the care he needed. 

“You have to go out there. You have to continue looking and fight for what belongs to you,” Olmeda said.   

There are other no-cost help options for veterans to access their benefits across Osceola County. 

The list includes both state and Osceola County veterans services offices and veterans organizations such as Disabled American Veterans and the American legion. 

Veterans Affairs Press Secretary Terrence Hayes said the VA is always looking for ways to provide benefits and services to veterans. 

“There are a few ways veterans may file their claims. One way is filing directly with VA, where we will assist veterans in gathering and developing evidence. Another way is filing through a VA-accredited VSO representative who is vetted through VA’s accreditation process. This is very important because we ensure they are qualified and competent to provide claims assistance, and these reps will never charge a fee for assistance,” Hayes said.