3 February 2022
Resources for Veterans and Military Family Members
Important Dates and Events

 
·      February 3 - An Outreach and Advocacy Program Women Veterans/Inclusion Program and All Veterans Focus Group for Central MD, 9-11am Women, 1-3pm All Veterans
o  Feb 4 – Eastern Shore
o  Feb 10- Southern MD
o  Feb 11 – Western MD
 
·  February 3 - Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families Meeting, 7-8pm. Join via https://howardcountymd.webex.com/howardcountymd/j.php?MTID=m46cf03dd0ede49bf7e6133fa9a260249
Email: veterans@howardcountymd.gov with questions
 
·      February 5 - Maryland State Disabled American Veterans Women Committee, 10am-1pm at Chapter 13 American Legion Post 276 8068 Quarterfield Road | Severn, MD. For More Information Contact: Katina Barnes Nicole Dunn

 
·      February 5 – Giant Job Fair
o  CDL A Drivers - Come in at 7:45am, presentation at 8am, and interview
o  Warehouse Selectors – Come in at 9:45am, get a tour at 10am, and interview
o  Compensation and starting pay is as follows:
CDL-A drivers is $21 per hour
Warehouse Selectors is $17 per hour and goes up to $21 per hour. based   on your performance. Benefits, pension, employee discount at store, monthly giveaways and much more!
·      February 6 - June 5 from 1:30 - 3:00 pm (1st Sundays). Howard County Library Veterans Book Group invites Veterans, both active and retired military, to this online discussion series. During five monthly facilitated sessions, discussions center on military experiences and a unique set of readings, which may include classics, fiction, memoirs, poetry, short stories, articles, and essays. The readings relate in some way to military experiences or offer a veteran’s perspective. The Veterans Book Group is moderated by David Owens. David Owens is a Navy veteran who served for six years onboard two U.S. Navy warships. Owens attended the U.S. Naval Academy and now runs a small media content production business based in the D.C. metropolitan area. Owens loves to read and even more so, enjoys the discussions and camaraderie of the veteran book groups! 
 
·      Feb 7 – Veteran Support Group, 6-7:30pm (First Monday of the month). A free, drop in, peer-led support group for Veterans living with mental illness. Joining a Support Group can help you to feel better in any number of ways, such as:
• Knowing that others are going through something similar
• Learning tips on how to handle day-to-day challenges
• Meeting new friends or connecting to others who understand you
• Learning how to talk about things that bother you or how to ask for help
 
 
·      Feb 8 – Dog Tag Inc. Alumni Q&A Session – dogtaginc.org/apply


·      February 9 – Blue Star Families Coffee Connections, 11am-12:30pm at Hanover Starbucks. Free refreshments and Disney book.
 
·      February 10 – Red Cross Resiliency Workshop: Stress Solutions. 3-4:30pm
 
·      February 15 and 22 - KidsConnex is a two-session program for children ages 8-11, experiencing family transitions. Children will have the opportunity to express their feelings, and work toward understanding and learning how to navigate the changes in their family.
o  Part 1 (of 2): Tuesday, February 15, 2022 (6:30-7:15 PM) Kids only.
o  Part 2 (of 2): Tuesday, February 22, 2022 (6:30-7:15 PM) Kids only.
o  Parent Portion (Last 15 minutes of Part 1 & Part 2): Both sessions conclude with a parent connection portion from 7:15-7:30 PM.
o  Please send your completed registration form to khelt@nfrchelp.org by February 4, 2022. You will receive an email that confirms registration and provides more details about the program sessions.
 
 
 
 
·      February 23 – Red Cross Resiliency Workshop: Stress Solutions, 3-4:30pm
 
·      February 23 - Baltimore Military Muster, 6:30-8pm at 1399 S Sharp St, Baltimore, MD 21230. The Muster is a bi-monthly, joint effort event where veterans from all eras, active duty military, and the community that supports them are invited to a meetup style get together.
Enjoy free food, valuable information, and great company while meeting current and former service members from throughout the area. You'll have the chance to learn from and share information about various organizations and resources that do great work here in the Baltimore veteran space!

·      February 25 (and last Friday of the month moving forward) – Crochet and Knit group to benefit Made With Love initiative. 5:30-7:30pm at So Original Yard Shop in 6655 Dobbin Rd. Columbia, MD  
 
·      February 26 – In-Person Child Care Fair on Saturday, 10am to 2pm at the North Laurel Community Center, located at 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road in Laurel (masks are required). While admission is FREE, attendees are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item or unopened pack of diapers or wipes to donate to the Howard County Food Bank. Though not required, pre-registration is highly recommended so event organizers can contact attendees in case of inclement weather on the day of the event. For more information about the Fair, contact the OCF at 410-313-1940 (voice/relay) or email children@howardcountymd.gov. To request a sign language interpreter or other accommodations to participate, call at least one week in advance.
 
·      March 8 – Howard County Veterans Collaborative, 9:30-10:30am. In partnership with ServingTogether, the Howard County Office of Veteran and Military Families, The Howard County Health Department, and NAMI-HC, The Howard County Veterans Collaborative will be an informal, regularly occurring meeting between service providers and community organizations. Join us virtually to share knowledge, celebrate wins, identify gaps, learn together, and build relationships.
 
o  Is Entrepreneurship the right choice for you?
o  Do you have a business idea but not sure where to start?
o  Do you have a business and want to take it to the next level?
o  Orientation Session will be held on
o  Classes will be held on Wednesday Evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, starting on April 6, 2022, and ending with a Graduation Ceremony on June 1, 2022
o  Orientation and all classes will be held at Harford County Economic Development Complex, 2021 Pulaski Highway Havre de Grace, Maryland 21078
o  To register for the Orientation Session please complete form found at
o  Project Opportunity is an intensive curriculum based 8-week cohort program facilitated by small business professionals and subject matter experts. The program concludes with a formal business pitch.
o  Training Includes: Assessing Your Business Idea, Marketing Analysis, Financing and Financial Management, Business Structure and Taxes, Development of a Business Plan
 
·      Now – Free Web Based Financial Workshops, Counseling, First Time Buyers (in Spanish)
 

 


   
Recurring Events/Programs

·     Every Day – Veterans Yoga Project Livestreaming classes.  
 
·     Monday thru Friday - Veteran Virtual Kiosk, 10am-3pm EST. A daily virtual office where you can connect to our employment professionals and get help with MD Workforce Exchange and find out about available resources. Contact Mr. Anthony Butler Sr.
Virtual—https://meet.google.com/awf-yoqx-mmu
Phone—+1 516-268-6742 PIN: 748 066 507 #
Register for Maryland’s Workforce Exchange by visiting : https://mwejobs.maryland.gov/
 
·   1st Tuesday of every month - Virtual Tai Chi for Veterans, 12-1pm.  
 
·    4th Tuesdays of every month - Virtual Creative Writing Workshops with Community Building Art Works, 12-1pm
  
·     2nd Thursday of the Month - Veteran Small Business & Entrepreneur Check-In, 3pm EST. A monthly outreach and support event which brings together vet friendly businesses, small business service organizations and aspiring veteran entrepreneurs to share opportunities advice and resources. Contact Mr. Anthony Butler Sr.
Virtual—https://meet.google.com/coi-hmmo-gqy
Phone—+1 385-645-7116 PIN: 158 654 013 #

·     Last Thursday of the Month- Veteran Career Club, 11am EST. A monthly outreach and support event which brings together veteran job seekers, career guides, JVSG employment professionals and veteran service organizations to provide job/career options, information on apprenticeships and training opportunities and share tips and techniques for success. Contact Mr. Anthony Butler Sr.
        Virtual—https://meet.google.com/nog-aidc-bfv
        Phone—+1 316-778-8309 PIN: 237 445 104 #
Resources

·      The Maryland Innovation Center’s  Business Revitalization Initiative Through Entrepreneurship program—or BRITE—accelerates the journey from innovation through commercialization. From mentoring to marketing, product development to pitching, BRITE provides early stage startups in Howard County with direct pathways to entrepreneurial success. Programs Available:
o  Design Thinking – Session Dates: Feb 16 and 23 and Mar 2
o  Kauffman FastTrac @ MIC Ⓡ - May 19 – July 28, 2022 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm EST
o  Pitch and Mingle Series - Coming in March 2022
o  Social Capital for EntreSuccess Program (SCES) - Cohort 2 – Feb 28, Mar 7, Mar 14, Mar 21 and Mar 28 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM
o  Exceeding Sales Goals
o  Mentoring and Coaching
 
·      Stress Relieving Resources:
The FM Project (free resources tab) - https://www.freemindfulness.org/download

·      Operation Second Chance Ski Retreats Open Now! OSC helps heroes move on by providing rest, recreation and tranquility for Veterans, First Responders, and their families. Located at Heroes Ridge at Raven Rock, this beautiful 275-acre retreat center is on the Maryland/Pennsylvania border with four cabins (two of which are fully ADA-compliant), a pool, dining hall, recreation center, gym and miles of trails for hiking, ATV and horseback riding. This is a year-round center for those with a 70% VA disability or LEO’s and First Responders injured in the line of duty. Ski retreats are for Veterans, couples and caregivers and are completely FREE. OSC covers all costs.
 
·      Veteran and Military Families Resource Directory, Updated Dec 2021
 
 

·      Operation Second Chance Ski Retreats Open Now! OSC helps heroes move on by providing rest, recreation and tranquility for Veterans, First Responders, and their families. Located at Heroes Ridge at Raven Rock, this beautiful 275-acre retreat center is on the Maryland/Pennsylvania border with four cabins (two of which are fully ADA-compliant), a pool, dining hall, recreation center, gym and miles of trails for hiking, ATV and horseback riding. This is a year-round center for those with a 70% VA disability or LEO’s and First Responders injured in the line of duty. Ski retreats are for Veterans, couples and caregivers and are completely FREE. OSC covers all costs.
 
·      Catch A Lift - CAL is a Maryland based 501c3 non-profit that provides equipment, coaching, programming, and gym memberships to combat-wounded veterans nationwide. We believe fitness, wellness, nutrition and building a health-based community helps veterans heal holistically, alleviating impacts of TBI and PTSD, reducing unnecessary reliance on pharmaceuticals, and building stronger family and community ties. For more info, contact Darin Winick

·      Winter Growth Adult Medical Day Program in Columbia and Olney - VA provides for 2 days/week of Medical Day Programs for qualifying Veterans and Winter Growth has reopened its Adult Medical Day Programs in Columbia and Olney and is currently accepting new participants. We know that the isolation of older adults over the 18 months has taken a toll, leaving many anxious and depressed; and spouses exhausted from being sole caregivers. Our vibrant Day Programs, with onsite nursing, PT, OT, and Speech Therapy, are an effective antidote.  For more information about the programs, please contact our Center Directors: 
Becky Donahue (Olney) becky.donahue@wintergrowthinc.org or (301) 774-7501
Claire Noll (Columbia) claire.noll@wintergrowthinc.org or (410) 964-9616

·      Veteran and Military Families Resource Directory, Updated Dec 2021


·      Operation Tohidu - Melwood’s flagship veterans program, Operation Tohidu® is a transformative retreat program that promotes “Peace with the Past, through Power in the Present” and encourages participants to reframe their trauma, so that they can approach life with renewed purpose and positivity.

 
·      NAMI Homefront Mental Health Resources for Military Service Members, Veterans and Their Families, a free online suite of resources designed to increase understanding, communication, wellness and advocacy skills.
 

Employment Opportunities
 
 
·      Assistant Attorney General Positions, Office of the Attorney General, Department of General Services 301 W. Preston St., Suite 1304, Baltimore, Md
 
·      VA for Vets Open Jobs - designed to help Veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses successfully find civilian careers in the Federal government. Click this link to view current openings with Veterans preference.
 
·      VA Careers
 
·      ArmyIgnited - is a tailored, intuitive resource that empowers you to achieve your educational goals. Whether you’re at home or abroad, you’ll have unlimited access to educational opportunities, support, and guidance throughout your desired Education Path, Civilian Path, Credential, or Army ROTC scholarship program.
 
·      The Maryland Department of Labor's Veterans Virtual Kiosk is now available to help veterans! This pilot program is a great way to get IMMEDIATE help from our employment professionals for any veteran, eligible spouse or dependent, and even vet caregivers! Visit Monday through Friday between the hours of 1000 hours and 1500 hours (EST) using your internet connected computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone at meet.google.com/awf-yoqx-mmu. Not connected to the Internet? Call during the same hours to 516-268-6742 PIN: 748 066 507#
 
·      Veterans Conservation Corps (VCC) empowers veterans and s them in conservation service work on public lands. The VCC’s work in State Parks uses veterans’ unique background, diverse job skills and service ethic to address pressing conservation needs on public lands. The focus of the VCC is to develop veterans professionally through training and on the job experience within the Maryland Park Service and the Department of Natural Resources. These are full-time, paid, year-round positions. For more info, contact Ranger Luke Terrell at luke.terrell@maryland.gov or 240-278-5218 or 443-510-9920.
 
·      Boots to Business - B2B is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The course provides an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable business ownership fundamentals. Active Duty Service members (including National Guard and Reserve), Veterans of all eras, and spouses are eligible to participate.
 
·      Howard and Anne Arundel County Career ReStart program - Traditional job searching is no longer effective. We can teach you how to proactively campaign for jobs, just like politicians do. Through AAWDC’s Career ReStart training you will develop powerful self-marketing tools and implement strategies that promote confidence and courage that result in rapid employment. Military spouses, transitioning service members and veterans are encouraged to apply.
Four 2.5 hour group sessions over 2 weeks
A new step is introduced at each session
Self-paced online assignments that build on what you learned in each session
Successful completers who submit all assignments will receive a stipend
 
·      Looking to recruit, hire, retain and advance qualified people with disabilities? Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) at DOL helps employers and HR professionals recruit, hire, retain and advance people with disabilities in the workplace, especially veterans (as you may know, 4.7 million veterans or 26% of all veterans have a service-connected disability). Specific information on Hiring Disabled Veterans and the Mental Health Toolkit, along with a suite of new online courses, checklists and policy guides are now housed in one place to help employers create more inclusive workplaces.
 
·      TALMAR - an agricultural compensated work-therapy program for veterans at TALMAR Horticultural Therapy Center in partnership with the Vocational Programs at MDVA. We are based in Parkville, MD in Cromwell Valley Park. 410-825-2020 | vanessalubiner@talmar.org
 
·      The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling and resource partner referrals to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard & Reserve members and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business. The SBA has 22 organizations participating in this cooperative agreement and serving as Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC). For more info: Coverage: Washington, D.C., Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania  Address: Maryland Innovation Center, 6751 Columbia Gateway Dr, Suite 500, Columbia, MD 21046 Telephone: (301) 955-6328  Email: scolella@umd.edu
 
·      Veteran Staffing Network - connects veterans and military spouses to employers using a veteran staffing agency model. We work with employers to fill temp-to-perm, contract, and direct-hire positions.
 


·      HCPSS is Hiring
 
 
·      The Mid-Atlantic Veteran Business Outreach Center has immediate openings for
·      RTA Bus Drivers Wanted! - New incentives to recruit and retain bus drivers for the Regional Transportation Agency (RTA), which is facing a driver shortage. To learn more about employment opportunities, please visit RTA’s web page at www.transitRTA.com/employment or email HR@transitrta.com
 
·    Veteran Employment Resource Center - Resume-writing tutorials & guidelines specific for military members and veterans, How-to / Instructional videos, Interviewing techniques and best practices guidance and list of career fairs.

·      Military Spouse Resource Center - Resume-writing tutorials & guidelines specific for military spouses, How-to / Instructional videos, Interviewing techniques & guidance and a list of career fairs.
 
·      Orion Jones, Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning
·      Max Outreach - OutreachCoordinator@maximus.com or by phone at 1-800-274-8582 ext 185
 
 



Lisa B. Terry
Manager, Howard County Office of Veterans and Military Families
Administrator, Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families
Howard County Government
Department of Community Resources and Services
9820 Patuxent Woods Drive
Columbia, MD 21046
410-313-6400  410-313-0821

 





 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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