26 Aug 2021
Resources for Veterans and Military Family Members
Important Dates and Events

August
  • August 26 – The Mall in Columbia Job Fair. Meet employers from retail and eateries about job opportunities, 12-4pm. Bring resume and dress for success. 10300 Little Patuxent Parkway Lower Level Center Court. For more info, Chandra.burton@brookfieldpropertiesretail.com
  • August 28 – Adaptive Paddling at Patapsco Valley State Park. Register here.
  • August 29 – Team River Rafting Family Paddling at Riley's Lock, 5-7pm. 13015 Riley's Lock Rd, Poolesville, MD. Family paddling event with boats, gear, and instruction provided. Meet us at the TRR trailer in the parking lot opposite the boat ramp. Map to paddling venue: https://goo.gl/maps/YiGUfqCd3chhoRMM7
September
  • September 1 – Writing Workshop with Tom Glenn: “Forgotten Discipline: Fiction Craftsmanship” at 2pm at Palette and the Page, 120 E Main St, Elkton, MD 21921, (410) 398-3636. The workshop is intended for fiction writers looking to hone their craft.
  • September 2 – Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families meeting, 7-8:30pm. Email veterans@howardcountymd.gov for the link to join.
  • September 11 – 4th Annual Warrior Bike Ride, Broad Run, VA
  • September 14, 21, 28 and Oct 5 Hylton Performing Arts Center Veteran and Arts Initiative Ukelee Workshop, 7pm
  • September 17 – Save the Date: Outdoor viewing of “Bastards Road veteran documentary at Chrysalis in downtown Columbia. 7-10:30pm. Free! Sponsorships to benefit the future Howard County Veterans Monument available, contact wanda@howardcountyveterans.org.
  • September 22 - Getting Access to Mental Health Care: Howard County, 11am-1pm. Join Leah Bulka, LMSW, Behavioral Health Navigator and Suicide Prevention Coordinator from the Howard County Health Department, Cynthia Schulmeyer, Ph.D., NCSP, Coordinator of Psychological Services from the Howard County Public School System, and MHAMD staff for a presentation on mental health resources in Howard County. Followed by a Q&A where you can get answers to questions about accessing resources and treatment. Register in advance to attend: mhamd.org/AccessCareMD
  • September 26, Oct 3, 10 and 17 – Song Writing Series for Military Kids, 1pm

Happening Now
  • Howard County Fallen Heroes Tribute. To honor Howard County residents who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, the Office of Veteran and Military Families is proud to announce the creation of the Fallen Heroes Tribute page. We hope that you will use this form by sharing their stories of valor which will be highlighted on a future webpage. Fallen Heroes Form
  • Howard County Veterans Day Parade. Looking for sponsors and participants For more info: info@howardcountyveterans.org
  • Charlotte Hall Veterans Home is now accepting residents
  • Warrior Canine Connection is in search of Veterans, spouses and family members who are looking for an opportunity to give back. Come help WCC train service dogs that will later be placed with a Veteran who has a disability. For more info, contact WCC's Veteran Training Program Manager Emily McNeal at emcneal@warriorcanineconnection.org or 270-704-6412
Resources
Phone—+1 516-268-6742 PIN: 748 066 507#
  • Every Monday - SeniorsTogether Men’s Forum, 10am-12pm. A friendly group for discussion on a variety of topics, swapping stories, and sharing life experiences in a comfortable, good-humored, social setting. Facilitated with occasional guest speakers. A drop-in group, for more information contact Karen Hull, khull@howardcountymd.gov or 410-313-7466. howardcounty.gov/aging
  • Two Fridays a Month – Veteran Legal Support. Meet with an attorney to discuss discharge upgrade matters, family law, consumer law, landlord/tenant law, employment law, benefits claims & more. www.vetsprobono.org. To make an appointment, call (202) 733-3317. Serving DC, MD & VA residents. Speak virtually with an attorney for free.
  • 2nd Thursday of 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. 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. Virtual—https://meet.google.com/nog-aidc-bfv
Phone—+1 316-778-8309 PIN: 237 445 104 #
  • Last Thurs of the month – Veteran Job Club, MD Workforce Exchange. Monthly 11am-12:20pm. Virtual—https://meet.google.com/nog-aidc-bfv
Phone—+1 316-778-8309 PIN: 237 445 104 #
  • Veterans Virtual Kiosk – Pilot. Join with Google Meet https://meet.google.com/awf-yoqx-mmu Join by phone (US) +1 516-268-6742 PIN: 748 066 507#  The veterans virtual kiosk is a pilot service provided by the MD Department of Labor's Veterans Employment Program. It was created to expand our ability to touch veterans and their immediate family from across the great state of Maryland who are looking for employment, better job opportunities, or support in their 

Education
  • Financial Relief & Discount Guide For Veterans With Disabilities
  • Military Dependent's Scholarships 
  • VFW Student Veteran Scholarship
  • AFCEA Scholarships
  • Education Howard Community College Special Student Funding - The past year has been incredibly difficult. As we begin to move forward, we recognize that some members of our community may need assistance to afford college. We are working together with Howard Community College (HCC) to help spread the word about opportunities now available to help students fund their future and pursue their educational goals. HCC has special funding available to students impacted by COVID-19. DACA students, Maryland Dream Act students, undocumented students, and international students are eligible for this funding through HCC. High school dual enrollment students and current students are also eligible. Learn more about special funding and other financial aid opportunities at howardcc.edu/fundyourfuture.  How do you get started as a student at HCC? Visit howardcc.edu/apply to begin the application process. 
  • Vets N Transition(VNT) is a half hour television program that promotes the veteran community. Each episode features a diverse group of veterans who share their stories of contributing to the community through business, government, non-profit and philanthropy. VNT airs on PBS affiliate WHUT-TV, which serves over 2.2 million households - four million plus viewers in Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia and West Virginia. BRTV Consulting, LLC is a Media Production Company that provides video services from concept to completion. BRTV is founded on a strong commitment to present creative original programming to empower, inform, and entertain. We achieve this by partnering with businesses, ministries, and organizations to bring attention to the issues of life. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at hollandnmd@aol.com or 301.848.3476and do follow us on Facebook
  • Project Opportunity is an intensive curriculum based 10-week cohort program. The Fall 2021 program will meet every Thursday, September 9 – November 11, 2021 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM City of Refuge in Baltimore. Through grants and community business support this program is free to all veterans. The curriculum and material are facilitated by small business professionals and subject matter experts. The program concludes with a formal business pitch and Graduation Ceremony on Thursday December 2, 2021. Training Includes: Assessing Your Business Idea, Marketing Analysis, Financing and Financial Management, Business Structure and Taxes and Development of a Business Plan

Health and Wellness
  • Upl!ft Energy Coaching specializes in helping Black Veterans learn self-leadership skills through the critical analysis of their “fell clutch of circumstance”. Led by Dr. Xavier Bruce (Lt Col, USAF, retired), the group coaching sessions, speaking engagements, workshops, and training are designed to help this unique group of veterans overcome the stress and anxiety associated with life transitions. If you are interested in learning more about Upl!ft, please contact Dr. Xavier Bruce at xavier.bruce@gmail.com or 240-575-5383.
  • Uplift In-Powerment is looking for new board members to pursue the vision of “no more underserved veterans”. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Uplift provide holistic services and resources to help veterans through the stress of transition, helping build a foundation to success in the civilian world. Services are performed via workshops that address the veteran’s “façade”—fitness, awareness, connectedness, anxiety, depression, and energetic self-perception. If you are interested in becoming a board member, please contact Dr. Xavier Bruce at xavier.bruce@gmail.com or 240-575-5383.
  • George Mason Univ Veteran and Arts Initiative Calendar of events - has served as an arts and community hub for 10,000 military-connected people since 2014. We offer free, hands-on workshops, art exhibitions featuring Veterans’ artwork, and concerts for our local Veterans, Servicemembers, and their families (including military partners and kids). Explore our offerings in music, visual arts, and more to learn new skills and connect with community members!
  • Operation: Campout! - Active duty and veterans may borrow camping equipment for free at MD State Parks. Below you will find a list of the six participating parks. We encourage you to visit our website for park descriptions and amenities offered at each park. www.dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/ Once you’ve decided where your adventure will take you, contact the park directly to make your camping gear reservation. The park will be able to assist you in checking available dates. Make sure you let the park staff know you need to reserve “Operation Campout!” gear. Patapsco Valley State Park – (410) 461-5005
 
  • Financial Wellbeing Webinar Series - 2021 CCCSMD offers a series of unique and meaningful FREE web-based financial literacy workshops such as Credit and Credit Reporting, Intro to Renting, Rental Eviction Prevention, Managing Finances '
 
  • Stephen Cohen Veterans Network Programs - including Virtual Toastmasters for Veterans and Military Communities, Virtual Comedy Writing Workshop, Virtual Creative Writing Workshop, and Virtual Mindfulness and Gentle Yoga.
 

  • Blue Star Registry for Active Duty Members for Free Access to Museums and other resources and Headspace Meditation and Mindfulness app
  • Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network Virtual Exhibition Featuring Military Service Member and Veteran Artwork - The National Endowment for the Arts proudly presents Creative Forces: Healing the Invisible Wounds of War—an interactive exhibition of visual art, music, and performances by military service members and veterans who are current or former participants in the Creative Forces®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network.
Key Information
  • Proper Flag Disposal – If you have a tattered or torn flag, there is a big red container at the Howard County Alpha Ridge Landfill. Flags are picked up quarterly and retired properly at a flag retirement ceremony by local Boys Scouts and veteran service organizations. There is also an old mailbox on the front porch of the Ellicott City VFW Post 7472 where you can leave your flags as well.
  • Maryland Child Care Scholarship Program, Contact the CARE Line at 410 313 2273 (CARE) or email: children@howardcountymd.gov to locate childcare.

Employment Opportunities

 
New Training & Resources Center for Veterans Starting Businesses 
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: 
University of Maryland Veterans Business Outreach Center  
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