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News for Howard County Veterans and Military Families
8 March 2023
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Important March dates to recognize
- March is Brain Injury Awareness Month
- March 6 is the Anniversary of the Star Spangled Banner
Saratoga War Horse: Helping Veterans. Helping Horses
Saratoga WarHorse is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military Veterans and Service Members struggling with any negative impacts stemming from their military service.
OPEN TO VETERANS & SERVICE MEMBERS
Veterans and Service Members who have served or are serving in any Military branch including Reservist and National Guard are welcome from anywhere in the U.S. and its territories no matter where or how long they served.
PARTICIPATION IS FREE - There is NO COST to participate in Saratoga WarHorse’s 3-day program. Transportation to 1 of our 3 program locations, lodging, and meal expenses are 100%-paid by donations.
THOROUGHBREDS ONLY - After their racing careers end, off-the-track thoroughbreds find a new and meaningful career helping Veterans with Saratoga WarHorse. These
retired racehorses benefit greatly from the program.
Next program in Baltimore County is March 30-April 1. Call (518) 886-8131 or email
For more info://www.saratogawarhorse.org
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
As of July 16, 2022, 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route all callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Veterans can call 24/7 and Press 1 to be connected to the Veteran Crisis Line or text 838255. Please spread the word and help save a life!
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Are you struggling financially?
The MD Veterans Trust Fund may be able to help.
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The Maryland Veterans Trust Fund is a 501c3 organization designed to assist with non-emergency, temporary financial challenges facing veterans or widows/widowers of veterans. The fund’s design cannot support chronic, long term financial hardship. It is mostly used to assist with rent/mortgage payments and utility bills.
The Trust Fund is governed by a Board of Trustees which is chaired by the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veteran Affairs. The Trust Fund Grant Administrator completes a brief interview with each veteran/widow/widower before submitting applications for review. Contact: Denise Nowlin, Administrator at 410-260-3838 ext. 0r families to thriveas theerve. They are commrs – i
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Maryland Cemetery and Memorial Program
The State of Maryland and the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) are honored to offer our veterans, National Guard, Reservists and their eligible dependents a final resting place at one of five state veterans cemeteries located throughout Maryland. The MDVA Cemetery Program is the largest of its kind in the nation. Pre-application info for internment available here.
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Important Dates and Events
Are you ready to work in your community? Do you have experience in the areas of mental health, crisis intervention, management counseling, suicide prevention, and crisis de-escalation techniques? What we are looking for:
• Empathetic, excellent reflective listener, patient, knowledgeable of and/or ability to learn about community resources, confident and a problem solver
• Bachelor’s Degree; Strong computer skills
•Crisis Worker Certification is preferred - Bilingual speaking ability is preferred
What benefits and rewards are available?
• Multiple shifts available; On-site and hybrid opportunities ; Great training opportunities
• Excellent compensation and benefits package – Health, Dental, Vacation and Sick Leave, 403-B Plan, and other rewards
Sign on bonus and retention bonus. $250 Hiring bonus, $500 Retention Bonus
To learn more, please visit www.grassrootscrisis.org. Apply today at the Maryland Workforce Exchange Job Order # 1747490 or at 988 Crisis Counselor
Register your job seekers at: https://JobFair4Grassroots.eventbrite.com or with MWE Event #98426.
March 8 - Next Baltimore Military Muster, 6:30pm. You asked, and we made it happen! 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. At this meeting, Mission Moments will share the work of Sieff Studios, the VA Suicide Prevention Program, Marine for Life Network, and Warrior Canine Connection.And yes - there will be 4 Legged Trainees in attendance!
March 8 - Understanding and Responding to Children Who Bite, 7-8pm. Biting is a typical behavior often seen in infants, toddlers, and 2-year-olds. As children mature, gain self-control, and develop problem-solving skills, they usually outgrow this behavior. While not uncommon, biting can be an upsetting and potentially harmful behavior. Join us as we work together to understand why young children bite and how to prevent and address this challenging behavior. You will walk away with language, resources and the confidence to help your child overcome biting. Free Virtual Workshop. Register here
Other Howard County Office of Children and Families Workshops:
The Very Hungry Caterpillar, March 29 at 10:30am
Calling all hungry caterpillars! Join the Parents as Teachers team for a story time and hands-on parent-child arts and crafts activity based on the children’s book classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Children will have an opportunity show and tell about their creations and enjoy a snack. 9830 Patuxent Woods Dr, Columbia 21046/ Free Workshop, Register here
Managing Parenting Anger and Frustration, March 30 from 7-8pm
Parenting is an incredibly rewarding experience, but can also be challenging when our children don’t listen or have meltdowns. Frustration can build and it is normal to find yourself at your wit’s end. This workshop will provide tools to navigate anger and frustration and provide you with coping strategies when you are feeling elevated. Ask questions and leave with skills and resources that you can use to feel more confident in managing your own anger and frustration. Free Virtual Workshop. Register here
Grow with Baby! Hatchlings: In the Nest, Mondays April 17, 24, May 1, 8 from 11am-12pm
This program is designed for parents of babies six months of age and younger. Join us with your baby for this informative and fun early literacy program, complete with songs and engaging activities. Participants are encouraged to attend each session of this four-week program and will receive a free take-home gift each week. 9830 Patuxent Woods Dr, Columbia 21046/ Free Workshop, Register here
March 11 - The CONDUIT is a Care Coordination and Claims Clinic for all veterans, service members, family members, caretakers, and especially those from the Black + Other Veterans of Color (BOVOC) communities across the D.C, Maryland, Virginia (DMV) region. 10am-2pm at 17 Commerce St, Baltimore, MD 21202.
March 15 - Maryland National Guard SPRING JOB FAIR / Open to the General Public. Attention Maryland National Guard Members, Spouses, Dependents, Caregivers, Military Veterans and the General Public, 10am-2pm. Featuring on-site Employers and Live Interviews. Please register for this No-Cost Event. Location: 5th Regiment Armory, 219 29th Division Street, Baltimore, MD. 21201. POC: John Veney Jr. at 410-386-2849, Thomas Fort and Kenneth Newkirk
March 18 -20 - Basic Training: Chesapeake Shakespeare Company Vets Ensemble Spring 2023, Saturdays 10am12pm. The Studio at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company presents an educational program workshop that will be FREE for US veterans. Participants should be men and women, ages 20-85, who are veterans of the United States armed forces. Combat experience not required. Working with CSC Teaching Artists, the ensemble will explore Shakespeare’s text for personal connections. This ten-week program will culminate in a performance for friends, family, and invited guests. No experience required! Open only to U.S. military servicemembers (active duty, reserve, veteran). Location: The Studio at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, 206 E. Redwood St., Baltimore, MD 21202. Tuition: FREE Click here to register
Visit with Dog Tag staff and alumni and learn more about our innovative transition program, what we're looking for in our applicants, and what it's like to be a part of the Dog Tag community.
March 23 - Join Blue Star Families and Kennedy Krieger Institute for Families Thriving & Building Resilience: Helping Young Children Manage Stress. Led by psychologist Dr. Jamie Benson, Ph.D, the goal of this virtual Lunch & Learn is to help parents of young children learn strategies to support their children through stressful events and to build resiliency.12-1pm EST via Zoom. Please RSVP to attend. https://bluestarfam.org/chapters/baltimore/
March 25- Gilchrist’s 5th Annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration, 8:30am at Martin’s West. Learn more about Gilchrist’s We Honor Veterans program or call our veterans coordinator at 443.849.8337 or email kmcdonnell@gilchristcares.org
March 29 – Eat Free at Mission BBQ on National Vietnam War Veterans Day. All day, we will be saying, “Thank you and Welcome Home” to All Vietnam Veterans...including Vietnam Era Veterans...with the gift of a Free Sandwich
March 29 and 30 - Annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey Results Data Deep Dive. Join us as we explore the results of the 13th annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey. After hearing from over 9,300 military and Veteran-connected family members, we are here to share your stories and explore the findings live. This engaging two-day virtual symposium will feature expert panel discussions on the current issues facing our families, as well as intimate Data Deep Dives so you can learn more about the results from the researchers themselves! With a focus on two critical topics, we will educate and enact change on: Addressing the Recruitment Crisis and Supporting Families.
March 30 – Ft. Meade Alliance Industry Day, 7:30-11:00am at BWI Marriott
1743 W. Nursery Road • Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
March 30 thru April 1 – Saratoga WarHorse Program, equine therapy, dedicated to helping military Veterans and Service Members struggling with any negative impacts stemming from their military service.
OPEN TO VETERANS & SERVICE MEMBERS:
Veterans and Service Members who have served or are serving in any Military branch including Reservist and National Guard are welcome from anywhere in the U.S. and its territories no matter where or how long they served.
PARTICIPATION IS : There is NO COST to participate in Saratoga WarHorse’s 3-day program. Transportation to 1 of our 3 program locations, lodging, and meal expenses are 100%-paid by donations.
THOROUGHBREDS ONLY: After their racing careers end, off-the-track thoroughbreds find a new and meaningful career helping Veterans with Saratoga WarHorse. These
retired racehorses benefit greatly from the program.
Call (518) 886-8131 or email info@saratogawarhorse.org
For more info://www.saratogawarhorse.org
April 6 - Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families Virtual Monthly Meeting, 7-8:30pm. Email veterans@howardcountymd.gov for link and if interested in serving on the commission.
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 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 - 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)
May 3 – SAVE the DATE: 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. More information to come! By appointment only.
May 10 - Military Spouse Hiring Fair and Appreciation Day, Ft. Meade McGill Training Center, more details to follow.
ecurring Programs:
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.
Virtual—https://meet.google.com/awf-yoqx-mmu
Phone—+1 516-268-6742 PIN: 748 066 507 #
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
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 #
Connections Veteran Support Group, 1st Monday of each month, 6-7:30pm
Parent Support Group, 2nd Monday of each month, 7:30-9pm
NAMI Connection Support Group, 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, 6:30-8pm
Transition Age Youth Support Group, 3rd Thursday of each month, 7:30-9pm
Family Support Group, 3rd Friday of each month, 7:30-9pm
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 - 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.
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Resources
Military Portraits - Heather P. Shreve, master artist, will soon be offering portraiture of people, from dignitaries to the armed forces, from children to ancestors, done in a special way to make them glow, in oil or watercolor. Ms. Shreve will take photos of the subject or use old vintage photos as a reference if preferred. Heather P. Shreve, Award-winning Screenwriter/TV Series Creator/Historical Advisor
SHREVE Interactive, Inc.
410-900-0266
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?
Blue Star Families' Caregivers Empowering Caregivers (CEC) Cohort Program is coming to Baltimore, and this is your official invitation to be part of it!
We're reserving a spot just for you, but space is limited. Learn more about this opportunity and apply today!
A Colorectal Cancer Stool Test Kit - Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer among men and women in the U.S. and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you are 45-75 years old, it is time to get screened for colorectal cancer. You can do the screening at home by completing a stool test kit.
Please contact your VA Primary Care team to discuss your screening options, such as a home stool test or colonoscopy. You can send a secure message through My HealtheVet or call the site where you receive your care.
Rental Assistance due to loss of income or illness during the pandemic - Many of our residents are still struggling to recover from the effects of the pandemic. Higher rents and rising food prices are leading to tough choices for our neighbors who have limited income households. An additional round of $1.3 million in transformational funding to support residents struggling to pay rent due to loss of income or illness during the pandemic and facing eviction. These funds will help those individuals and families clear back rent and maintain their housing. Applications are now being accepted and the online portal will close on March 10th at 4:00pm. For more information and to apply, please click here.
AARP Income Tax Preparation at 50+ Centers - through April 13th, AARP and the IRS will be offering FREE personal Federal and Maryland income tax preparation at 50+ Centers throughout the county. Offered by appointment only, this service is available to middle- and low-income taxpayers with special emphasis on those 60 and older. Self-employment returns with more than $5,000 in expenses and complex returns are not eligible for this service. Also, please keep in mind, each appointment is for one single or joint return. Appointments will be available on the following days, times and 50+ Center locations:
• Bain 50+ Center – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• East Columbia 50+ Center – Tuesday, 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. and Thursday, 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.
• Elkridge 50+ Center – Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Ellicott City 50+ Center – Monday and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Glenwood 50+ Center – Monday and Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• North Laurel 50+ Center – Tuesday and Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
To schedule a tax prep appointment, please call 443-741-2373; do NOT call the 50+ Center directly. To your appointment, participants will need to bring the Social Security card for anyone listed on their personal return, their 2021 state and federal tax returns, all 2022 tax records and the purchase cost of investment transactions during 2022 (if any).
All preparers and volunteers have received IRS-approved training and are certified in tax preparation.
Newsletters/Articles
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Employment/Volunteer Opportunities
Project Opportunity Spring Classes - Free Entrepreneurial Training for Veterans, Military Spouses and Caregivers
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.
To be eligible for services
Transitioning service members must be
- Transitioning within 180 days or retiring within 270 days
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Be stationed/ assigned to Fort Meade and reside in the state of Maryland or
- If not stationed/assigned to Fort Meade must reside in Anne Arundel or Howard County
Military Spouses must be
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The spouse of a service member assigned/attached to Fort Meade and reside in the state or Maryland or
- A military spouse (active duty, veteran, reserve, or NG) who resides in Anne Arundel or Howard County
- Unemployed or underemployed and seeking new or better employment
Veterans must have
- Separated from the Military with an honorable, general, or other than honorable discharge
- Reside in Anne Arundel or Howard County
- Unemployed or underemployed and seeking new or better employment
Max Outreach - OutreachCoordinator@maximus.com or by phone at 1-800-274-8582 ext 185
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