PORT ORCHARD — Applications are open for veterans interested in helping other veterans through the Kitsap County Veterans Drug Treatment Court Mentor program.

Rebecca Pirtle, volunteer services coordinator for Kitsap County, said volunteer mentors act as coaches, guides, and advocates for individuals who participate in veterans treatment court.

Duties include encouraging and guiding veterans through the court process, listening to their concerns, making general suggestions, and assisting them in successfully accomplishing their goals.

“Mentors support veterans at a time when they may feel very alone — in a way that only other veterans can understand,” Pirtle said.

Applicants for the Kitsap County Veteran Mentors Program should either be active duty or be veterans who received an honorable discharge. Criminal background checks are required.

For more information, contact Pirtle at 360-337-4650 or rpirtle@co.kitsap.wa.us. More information about the mentoring program is available online at www.kitsapgov.com/volunteer/current.htm.