8 Sept 2021
Resources for Veterans and Military Family Members
Important Dates and Events
September

  • September 8 - Taking the First Step, Resources To Help Anyone into Alcohol or Substance Abuse Treatment, 5-6:30pm. Join clinicians and addiction professionals from Kolmac Outpatient Recovery Centers, Ashley Addiction Treatment, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, admissions team members and patient recovery advocates. The panel of addiction specialists will answer questions, provide resources for families and help anyone take the first step into recovery. We encourage anyone in the community that needs help or guidance to join us! Upon Registration, the Secure Zoom Meeting ID and Password will be sent to your e-mail. This event is FREE to the Community. Register Here

  • Sept 10 - “Afghanistan: Making Sense of the Senseless” Panel Discussion, 1-2:30pm. Hosted by the The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals, ServingTogether, Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans, TALMAR, American Red Cross, Warrior Canine Connection, Melwood Veterans Services, the American Legion & Platoon 22.



  • September 16 – Military and Community DEI Listening Session, 7pm. Are you a Military Spouse or Veteran that has experienced discrimination within the workforce? Have you been overlooked for a position? ServingTogether would like to hear your story. If you would like to learn more, reach out to Aimee Stoddard at astoddard@every-mind.org.

  • September 17 – Free Outdoor viewing of “Bastards Road” documentary. The film tells the story of Marine Corps Veteran Jonathan Hancock’s emotional post-military journey. Jonathan was raised in Maryland and the documentary chronicles his walk from College Park, Maryland to Camp Pendleton, California as he visits with former Marine Corps buddies and with the Gold Star Moms of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. We want to help educate the broader community about this vital Veteran topic regarding the challenges of managing the wounds of war that never fully heal. Beverage concessions, Bullhead Pitbeef food truck, pop-up vaccination clinic, Patapsco Mobile Vehicle Center will share adaptive services, resource table and after movie panel discussion. 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


Oct/Nov
  • October 7 – Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families meeting, 7-8:30pm. Email veterans@howardcountymd.gov for the link to join.

  • October 12 – Howard County Veterans Collaborative Kickoff and Brainstorming Session, 9:30-11am. Registration


  • November 11 – McVets 5K Run to benefit homeless veterans. 
Resources

  • 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

  • Now – Made With Love initiative. KNIT and/or CROCHET for VETERANS! The Howard County Office of Veterans and Military Families is collecting homemade SCARVES and HATS for military members. Drop off your handmade items no later than Friday, November 5, at one of the locations listed below. Pin a note to each scarf or hat with the yarn fiber contents listed and feel free to include a personal note for a military member. Our soldiers are deeply touched by the care and effort when they receive gifts, especially handmade items from supportive fellow Americans at home in the states.
Scarves should be 4” to 6” wide x 48” to 50” long (no fringe).
Hats should fit an adult-size head.
Colors should be subtle shades or earth tones: blues, browns, olive, gray, maroon
and black.
Red/white/blue combinations are also acceptable.
Materials can be wool, acrylic or non-flammable fleece.

Dropoff Locations:
HoCo DCRS................................9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia 21046
Bain 50+ Center.......................5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia 21044
East Columbia 50+ Center.......6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia 21045
Elkridge 50+ Center.................6540 Washington Boulevard, Elkridge 21075
Ellicott City 50+ Center............9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City 21042
Glenwood 50+ Center..............2400 MD Route 97, Cooksville 21723
North Laurel 50+ Center..........9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel 20723
Clover Hill Yarn Shop..............77 Mellor Avenue, Catonsville 21228
Postal Xpress N More...10045 Baltimore National Pike, #A7, Ellicott City 21042
SO Original..............................6655 Dobbin Road, Suite A, Columbia 21045
 
 


  • 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. Virtual—https://meet.google.com/awf-yoqx-mmu
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



  • 2nd Tuesdays & 4th Saturdays of every month, September 14 to December 18 - Virtual Toastmasters for Veterans and Military Communities, Tuesdays at 7 pm & Saturdays at 11:30 am. Please register with Bernadette Garrett at tmspeakerleaderdtm20@gmail.com


 
 
  • 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 – 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. Monday—Friday from 10am—3pm EST
Virtual—https://meet.google.com/awf-yoqx-mmu
 Phone—+1 516-268-6742 PIN: 748 066 507 #

 Education

  • 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

  • National Family Resiliency Program in Columbia, MD Teen Therapy Group: Sliding Fees Available - Virtual groups for teens help them see that they are not alone when experiencing a family transition. When teens are with peers in similar situations, they don't feel so alone. Groups help to normalize an experience that teens often say, " I feel like I am the only one." Being with peers provides a natural and effective opportunity to express feelings about changes in their families as well as teaches teens coping strategies that foster healthy family relationships. NFRC groups are facilitated by trained professionals with peer counselors, other teens, who have been in groups and are trained to and want to help others. If you are interested in this program, please email us at info.nfrc@gmail.com and we will alert you when dates are set! Send the program you are interested in, your name, email address, and ages of your children.

  • KidsConnex and TeenConnex Educational Programs: FREE KidsConnex and TeenConnex are designed to help children, ages 6-10 and teens, ages 11–17 understand they are not alone. In the seminar, they will work with other children or teens and counselors to learn ways to be in charge of their feelings and thoughts. For children, through the metaphor of a boat going through a storm, children will meet a character who will teach an approach to help them with the changes that are happening in their family. For teens, a workbook and discussion will help them learn to express their feelings and cope with changes in their family as well as ways to take charge of their futures. If you are interested in either program, please email us at info.nfrc@gmail.com and we will alert you when dates are set! Send the program you are interested in, your name, email address, and ages of your children/ teens.

  • 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. Swallow Falls State Park – (301) 387-6938
New Germany State Park – (301) 895-5453
Rocky Gap State Park – (301) 722-1480
Cunningham Falls State Park – (301) 271-7574
Patapsco Valley State Park – (410) 461-5005
Pocomoke River State Park – (410) 632-2566
 
  • 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 '




  • 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.


  • Project Scope: Understanding the Security Clearance Process for students, parents and veterans.


Newsletters, Articles and other Information

·      MDVA
 
 
 
 
·       VFW Newsletter
 
·      50+ Connection – news and resources for our 50+ residents
 
·      Parent Pages Newsletter
 
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

We're Hiring - Military Installation Resiliency Project Manager

Position Title: Military Installation Resiliency Project Manager (MIRPM)
Closing Date/Time: September 15, 2021, 5:00 PM
Job Type: Full-time, grant-funded for approximately 18 months
Salary: $90,000 - $110,000 annualized hiring range; subject to qualifications
Employer: Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC), 3040 Williams Drive, Suite 200, Fairfax VA 22031
Description: NVRC is recruiting qualified candidates for the full-time, grant-funded position of Military Installation Resiliency Project Manager (MIRPM). Under supervision of the Director, Community and Military Partnerships, the incumbent will serve as the lead staff in project and grant management for a Military Installation Resiliency Review program funded by the Department of Defense, Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation. 
The assessment will identify climate stressors, adaptation strategies, and compatible use factors in terms of screening threats, risks, and vulnerabilities (either natural or man-made, including from the effects of climate change).  The assessment will identify and prioritize areas of concern that should be the subject of further study and evaluation.  A primary goal of the study is to identify and recommend actions or investments expected to mitigate risks of highest concern as threats to the military readiness and operations for each the three bases in Northern Virginia (Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Fort Belvoir, and Marine Corps Base Quantico).
The MIRPM will:
•  fulfill grant administration requirements, including completing monthly, quarterly and annual progress and financial reports to the funding agency
 •  coordinate the selection and setup of policy and technical advisory committees
 •  manage procurement of, and oversee the contractor(s) selected to develop an area-wide, Military Installation Resiliency Assessment
•   work with other NVRC staff whose contributions will provide GIS analytics; ensure jurisdiction representation on the policy and technical committees; and provide interface with state, regional, and local resiliency projects
•   perform data collection, planning, assessment, and report preparation; review contractors’ written deliverables; prepare and present findings in one-on-one and group settings 
•   maintain relationships with the Base Commanders and key stakeholders, including both civilian and military personnel, to build strategic partnerships that will support cooperation of the bases and the local jurisdictions in selecting implementation activities and in reviewing the assessments for future funding opportunities and/or Intergovernmental Support Agreements (IGSAs)
•   provide recommendations for overcoming challenges in completing the work of the project, and for achieving consensus among stakeholders
 Minimum Qualifications:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to: graduation with a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, business administration, transportation/environmental planning, environmental science, or closely related field: PLUS 8-10 years’ increasingly complex experience with project management, planning, or management in field of environmental science, transportation, economics, or planning. PLUS:
•   US Citizenship
•    Ability to obtain a Defense Biometric Identification System Card (DBIDS)
•    Valid driver’s license, and a car for travel to and from bases and meetings
•    Prior military installation/defense priorities experience as to military regulations, sensitivities, and requirements
•     Knowledge of principles of resiliency planning tools, military installation resources, state and federal resources, and climate resources as they pertain to climate, compatibility factors, and land use
•     Knowledge of climate stressors and compatibility factors
•      Knowledge and working experience with military and community in Northern Virginia
•      Experience in projects that involve prioritizing options based on technical criteria
•      Experience in contract management and consultant(s) oversight
•      Prior experience with interdisciplinary group with competing and conflicting issues 
 Preferred Qualifications:
•      Master’s degree in urban planning, public administration, business administration, transportation/environment planning, environmental science, or closely related field (in lieu of bachelor’s; experience and other minimum qualifications remain requirements.)
•      Possession of Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
 Benefits:
•      Vacation, sick leave, and holidays with pay
•      Health insurance (employer pays 80% of premium)
•      Fully paid life insurance & long-term disability insurance policies
•      Retirement program
•      Workers’ compensation coverage
•      Opportunity to enroll in medical & dependent care reimbursement plans and dental insurance plans
•      Opportunity to participate in deferred compensation plan
•      Free parking and electric vehicle charging; on bus route
 
Applicants may be required to submit to a request for a criminal history record check and/or credit check.
 
Please submit resume, cover letter and salary requirements via e-mail to jobs@novaregion.org < Caution-mailto:info@novaregion.org  
No phone calls please.

 
  • 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