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18 January 2021
Resources for Veterans and Military Family Members
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Important Dates and Events
· January 18 – NAMI Education Forum: Addressing Mental Illness in the Aging Population, 7-8:30pm. Dementia vs Mental Illness, Polypharmacy risk to seniors, unique challenges faced by the elderly, resources available. Register.
· January 19 – Catalyst Loan Fund overview for small, minority and woman-owned businesses, 10-11am. Managed by the HCEDA, the Catalyst Loan Fund is part of Maryland’s Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) Small, Minority and Woman-Owned Business Account initiative. The fund provides financing for businesses who are looking to expand and grow or work on a new project to help build their business and the economy. During the session, we will provide an overview of the program, a look into the application process and approvals, share information on the new Collateral Assistance Funds, and hear a couple of our successful businesses who have utilized this loan.
· Fridays, January 21 - February 18, 2022 (except February 4th) - Virtual Sleep Enhancement Group, 12-1pm. Registration: Please contact the Cohen Clinic at 240-847-7500 or info.mfc@eseal.org. Individual phone call and evaluation appointment required to enroll.
· January 22 - Hour of In-Powerment, 10-11am ET. Join us virtually for an interactive discussion with guest speaker, Topaz Navarro, combat veteran and Escape Velocity Coach. We will be discussing the relationship between mental wellness, fitness, and nutrition. Topaz will also speak on the self-determination theory and how to achieve authentic happiness.
· January 24 – Howard County Public School System Hiring Fair, 10am-2pm at Wilde Lake HS. Bus driver, custodian, food service worker
· January 27 – Virtual Career Fair – Government Opportunities,1-5pm. Register
· January 28 - Military-Friendly Virtual Job Fair, am-2 pm (ET). Don’t miss this opportunity to meet top employers who are looking for great candidates at the Corporate Gray VIRTUAL Military-Friendly Job Fair. Registered companies and government agencies include Leidos, U.S. Secret Service, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Palo Alto Networks, Cleveland Brothers Equipment, and more. Especially for candidates with military experience, but open to all. Pre-registration for this event is required.
· 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
· 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 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.
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Recurring Events/Programs
· 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 #
· 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 #
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Support Needed
· 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
If you would like to research possible heroes and help us recognize them, visit the following sites:
For World War II, the Archives have a list by County.
www.findagrave.com
Howard County Historical Society - https://hchsmd.org/#
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Resources
· 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:
· Maryland Crisis Hotline, 1-800-422-0009
· Howard County Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, 410-531-6677
24-hour crisis intervention and support hotline
Walk-in counseling is available at 6700 Freetown Rd. Columbia, MD
Survivor of suicide loss support group offered twice per month, email amanda@grassrootscrisis.org to register.
· 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.
· Operation Homefront’s Transitional Housing (“Villages”) provides rent-free, two and three bedroom apartments to wounded, ill, and injured warriors and their families as they leave the military in Gaithersburg, MD. The Villages are designed to enable families to heal together, while bridging what can be a lengthy gap between military pay ending and veteran benefits beginning, or when veterans’ disability claims are reviewed and received. Our Villages relieve the financial stress and provide a comprehensive package of individualized family support and financial planning services. Each participating family is provided with: Rent-free, utility-free, fully furnished
Apartment, Case management and customized, transition plans, One-on-one financial counseling, Assistance with medical referrals, Employment coaching and educational guidance, Support network
Families experience a supportive environment among understanding peers, and most make impressive financial progress during their stay, leaving the Village debt-free, or nearly so, with an emergency savings plan in place.
Caregiver Support Line 855-260-3274
Military Veterans and Families - Expedited Licensing. Maryland law requires the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing to help veterans and active members of the United States armed forces, including their spouses, to obtain occupational and professional licenses in Maryland. Service members include active duty reservists and members of the National Guard. Occupational and Professional Licensing will issue your license within 60 days of receiving a completed application with all supporting documentation. Once an application has been submitted, please direct all inquiries for expedited processing to the boards/commissions, or call 410-230-6221.
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Employment Opportunities
· 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.
· 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
· 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.
· 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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