The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA benefits and health care for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. It is one of the largest expansions in VA’s history and could impact generations of Veterans and their survivors. If you served during the Vietnam, Gulf War or Post-9/11 eras, register for this free event to find out how the PACT Act affects you. Even if you have been denied VA benefits or health care in the past, you may now qualify under this new law. Register here

Veteran Curation Program: Transitional Employment for Veterans and Preservation for At-Risk Collections. Established in 2009, the Veterans Curation Program (VCP) is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-funded transitional employment program that hires post 9/11 veterans to rehabilitate at-risk archaeological collections. Administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

On the 50th anniversary of the departure of the last American troops from Vietnam, County Executive Ball proclaimed March 29 as Vietnam War Veterans Day in Howard County. AtholtonHS JROTC cadets presented the flag, Rec and Parks staff raised the POW and American flag, guest speakers included Marine Veteran and Commission on Veterans and Military Families member, Mike Blum and Army veteran and Harriet Tubman Foundaiton board member, Rev. Dr. Donald Sands. Lisa Terry, Office of Veterans and Military Familes Manager and Howard County Veterans Foundation board member, was the mcee for the event. Photos from event

April 12 - Next Baltimore Military Muster, 6:30pm. Our signature event is now taking place EVERY month on the 2nd Wednesday. Whether you formally represent a program or just want to learn what's out there to engage our local military-connected community, this event is for you.

April 14 thru 19 - Hidden Helpers Student Leadership Program includes activities and lessons with the mission of preparing to be college-, work-, and life-ready as a caregiver following high school graduation. Hidden Helper high school students from around the world, representing all affiliations of the armed forces are invited to apply. Ten students will be selected, based on their leadership potential.

April 17-18 – Adult Mental Health First Aid (Virtual), 9am-1pm. Free

April 18 - Save4College State Contribution Program (Webinar), 12-1pm, Currently, Student loan debt in the United States totals $1.757 trillion. With increasing costs of higher education and the day-to-day expenses, it can be hard to save for the future. Join this workshop, led by the Howard County Office of Consumer Protection and Cash Campaign of Maryland to learn how the Save4College State Contribution program can make it more realistic. Through the program, eligible Marylanders could receive up to $500 in state contribution when they open a Maryland 529 College Investment Plan. This workshop will explain the purposes of these account, the eligibility requirements for the contribution, and how to apply.

April 20 – Virtual Military-Friendly Job Fair, 11am-2pm.

April 20 - Creed, Oath, and Impact as a Military Parent: My Mommy, My Daddy, My Role Model, An American In Service Virtual Workshop, 1-3pm. Workshop Presenter: Dr. James C. Rodriguez, MSW, President & CEO Fathers and Families Coalition of America

April 21 - Howard County General Hospital Youth Mental Health First Aid, 8:30am – 1pm. Free to adults who live, work, or worship in Howard County. Learn to assist a young person, from 12 to 18 years, who may be experiencing a mental health or ]substance use crisis. This course Includes a self-paced online course which must be completed before attending the instructor-led class held virtually via Zoom. This course is recommended for those who live or work in Howard County and are 18 years and older. The cost to businesses and organizations sending staff is $25 per person. For information, contact jstanto6@jhmi.edu or 410-740-7601.

April 22 – Walk, Run and Roll Teen3K, Military Youth 11-18 yrs. Shoe giveaway.10am -2pm. Baron DeKalb Reserve Center 1250 Annapolis Rd, Fort Meade, MD 20755.

April 22 - 19th annual Children’s Discovery Fair, a free event for preschoolers, parents, and caregivers that will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at N. Laurel Community Center. To celebrate April’s Month of The Young Child and Month of the Military Child, the Howard County Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) will sponsor this school readiness event titled “Back to the Basics” as part of the Launch into Learning initiative. This opportunity is for children ages 3 to 5 to experience fun, hands-on learning activities. Parents will learn important information about school readiness and community resources. To learn more, sign up for the Parent Pages newsletter here.

April 22 (Part 1) and April 29 (Part 2) - KidsConnex is a two-session program for children ages 8-11, experiencing family transitions (divorce/separation). Children will have the opportunity to express their feelings, and work toward understanding and learning how to navigate the changes in their family, 11am-12pm virtual. Both sessions conclude with a parent connection portion from 12-12:15pm. Your child will receive a Kid’s Guide for Navigating Family Changes to be used during the program. Parents will also receive a Parent Connection Guide to use with their children. Each session will be facilitated by NFRC counselors; Trish Adkinson, M.Ed., NCC; and Pam Blackwell, M.Ed., LCPC. Please email ask@nfrchelp.org or call (410) 740-9553 (Ext. x208 or x100)

April 30 – Deadline for University of Maryland Global Campus Pillars of Strength full scholarship for caregivers of our nation’s servicemembers and veterans who are wounded, injured, or ill. Please apply at umgc.edu/pillarsapp. If someone you know seems like a perfect fit for this opportunity, please encourage them to apply! To hear from Pillars scholars - https://youtu.be/qXvt_XTUU_U

May 2 – A Military and Veteran Networking Event, 10am – 2pm at College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 3501 University Blvd. East, Adelphi, MD 20714. Cost: This event is geared toward DMV servicemembers, veterans, and military-connected staff, students and alumni from more than 40 colleges and universities in Maryland, including all twelve University System of Maryland institutions, all 16 Maryland community colleges, and all Maryland Independent College and University Association schools. Admission, parking, and lunch are provided at NO COST. Lt. Col. Xavier Bruce, DBA (U.S. Air Force, Ret.) will be our guest speaker at 12pm

May 3 – Veterans Claims Clinic, VA Healthcare Enrollment and Information Fair. The Chesapeake Veterans Alliance (CVA), along with the VA Maryland Health Care System, the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and the Howard County Office of Veterans and Military families will host a Veterans Claims Clinic and Information Fair from 9am-3pm at Ten Oaks Ballroom, located at 5000 Signal Bell Lane, Clarksville, MD 21029. By appointment only, register at VAPACTAct.rsvpify.com

May 4 - Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families Virtual Monthly Meeting, 7-8:30pm. Email veterans@howardcountymd.gov for link or if interested in serving on the commission. 

May 5 – First Fridays Vetworking Event, 4:30-7:30pm in Columbia

May 5 thru 7 - Warriors at Ease in-person Level One and Two Combination Training at Willow Street Yoga in Takoma Park, MD this May 4-7. This training is open to 200-hour trained yoga teachers. This training provides hands-on experience in how to teach adaptive yoga and trauma-informed meditation and mindfulness practices to the military community in a way that's safe, effective, and specific to the unique needs of the community. Participants will grow their cultural competency and learn how to work with students who may have post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, musculoskeletal injury, loss of limb, and other common physical and invisible injuries that are common in service. Practice labs are woven through lectures that include The Neuroscience of Stress and Trauma; The Polyvagal Theory; Practices to Regulate the Nervous System; Working with Traumatic Brain Injury; and more. I’ve pasted faculty bios below in case they are helpful. The cost of the training is $1299 and includes access to our full online Level 1 training and expanded manual as well. Registrants will be expected to complete 20 hours of online pre-work before joining us in-person in May. A limited number of scholarships are available for service members, veterans, dependents, Gold Star family members, and caregivers. To register click here.

May 6 – Family Freedom Fest, 11am-3pm at VFW Post 7472 in Ellicott City. Food, music, games and resources.

May 6 - Uplift Leadership Academy: Self-Leadership Development "Virtual Boot Camp", 9am-12pm Virtual Event. Learn how to INSPIRE, "INPOWER" and UPLIFT YOUR DAMN SELF!

May 8 – Men’s Mental Wellness Workshop, 5:30-8:30pm at Roger Carter Center. This is an interactive event intended to educate, equip and empower individuals to manage their mental wellness using the skills we teach. Visit responserecovery.com for registration and more info.

May 10 - Military Spouse Hiring Fair and Appreciation Day, Ft. Meade McGill Training Center, more details to follow.

May 10 – Older Adults Community Kickoff, 2-4:30pm at Ellicott City 50+ Center (9401 Frederick Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042)

May 16 – Blue Star Families Caregivers Empowering Caregivers Cohort Howard County Session at Belmont Manor for Nutritional Cooking Class, Lunch and Garden Tour. Register here for information on all sessions in MD including Howard County. Free

June 10 – Women Veterans Recognition and Resource Fair, 10am-2pm. PGCC

July 15 – Serving our Willing Warriors Annual Vettes for Vets Auto Show

September 9 – Annual Warrior Bike Ride to benefit Serving our Willing Warriors

Poetic Record: Resilience Workshop for Healthcare Workers with Laura Van Prooyen - Writing workshop for healthcare workers that blends poetry, community, and the science of resilience. Every Tuesday, 7 PM

Comedy Workshop with Amelia Bane in Partnership with Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals  Writing workshop for all interested to learn and practice comedy writing skills. 2nd Tuesday, 12 PM

Poetry Workshop with Ben Weakley in Partnership with Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals  Creative writing workshop for all. 4th Tuesday, 12 PM

Visual Art Workshop with Veteran Artists Val Acosta, Shaun Smith, and Joe Merritt Hang out in a collaborative group setting, learn new art techniques, and create a masterpiece. No experience necessary. Every Wednesday, 7 PM

Writing Workshop for Military, Veterans, Caregivers and Spouses with Laura Van Prooyen in Partnership w/ Blue Star Families Creative writing workshop where we'll consider writing as a tool for communication, expression, and relief from holding it all together. 1st & 3rd Thursday, 3:30 PM

Writing Workshop with Seema Reza No experience required! If you can think, you can write. Bring some paper and a pen! Every Friday, 12 PM

Writing Workshop in Partnership with Strathmore featuring a Special Guest each month - Creative writing workshop where you can put your personal stories on paper in a supportive environment. 3rd Thursday, 7 PM

Veteran Virtual Kiosk, Monday thru Friday 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.

Register for Maryland’s Workforce Exchange by visiting        https://mwejobs.maryland.gov/

Virtual Tai Chi for Veterans, 1st Tuesday of every month - 12-1pm.  

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

Virtual Mindfulness and Gentle Yoga, 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month 5-6pm.

Every Day – Veterans Yoga Project Livestreaming classes.  

2^nd 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.

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.

NAMI Support Groups

Now – Project Opportunity Fall Registration Open for Classes on Monday evenings, Sept 11- Nov 13, 6-9pm at the Maryland Innovation Center (Gold Room Third Floor) located at 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046, Entrepreneurial program for veterans, military spouses and caregivers. 

Now – Honor Flights Maryland seeking WWII, Korean and Vietnam Veterans who may be interested in visiting DC Memorials next year, volunteers and guardians to help!

Now – Free Web Based Financial Workshops, Counseling, First Time Buyers (in Spanish)

Now - Howard County Fallen Heroes Tribute. To honor Howard County residents who died while in service to our country, the Office of Veteran and Military Families is proud to announce the creation of the Fallen Heroes Tribute page. 

Now - The Perry Point Veterans Museum at the Grist Mill is open for guided tours. Please call 410-642-2411 ext. 26071 or email PerryPointVeteransMuseum@va.gov to verify the current hours or to schedule a visit.

VA Adult Day Health Care is a program Veterans can go tov during the day for social activities, peer support, companionship, and recreation. The program is for Veterans who need help with activities of daily living, such as dressing or meals; and is also for Veterans who are isolated, or their caregiver is experiencing burden. The VA pays for 2 days/week at Adult Day Programs, like Winter Growth's, for Qualifying Veterans.

Visit www.va.gov/Geriatrics or call 800-698-2411to learn more about these and other long term services and supports in the VA and the community. Wintergrowth in Columbia and Olney have Adult Day Care.

Blue Star Families free events

Caregiver Cohort - Are you a caregiver looking to make connections with other caregivers in your area? All while participating in no-costs-associated self-care workshops in 2023?

Howard County Government Employment Opportunities

Max Outreach - OutreachCoordinator@maximus.com or by phone at 1-800-274-8582 ext 185

 

Benefits 

 Project Opportunity Fall Registration Open for Classes on Monday evenings, Sept 11- Nov 13, 6-9pm at the Maryland Innovation Center (Gold Room Third Floor) located at 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046.

Military Career Connections assists eligible transitioning service members, military spouses, and veterans with enhanced one-on-one career services. These career services include a combination of resume assistance, employment assistance, no cost industry training, licensing, certifications, work and learn opportunities, and barrier remediation with the goal of employment.

For more information, please send an email to military@aawdc.org

Howard County Government Employment Opportunities

Max Outreach - OutreachCoordinator@maximus.com or by phone at 1-800-274-8582 ext 185

If you would like more information about resources for veterans in Howard County, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/veterans or email veterans@howardcountymd.gov