Seeking WWII, Korean and Vietnam Veterans who may be interested in visiting DC Memorials, as well as, volunteers and guardians to help! Honor Flights MD transports America's veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices. Helping every single veteran in America, willing and able of getting on a plane or a bus, visit THEIR memorial. - Honor Flight Maryland. Register now

Blue Star Families was founded by military spouses in 2009 to empower families to thrive as they serve. They are committed to strengthening military families by connecting them with their neighbors – individuals and organizations – to create vibrant communities of mutual support. This past fall, BSF and Howard County Govt. hosted "Stronger Together" to welcome our veteran and military families to our community. We believe we're all stronger when we take care of one another. Join for free today and learn about events in your area, perks, and resources. Stronger Together Welcome Week video to empower families to thrive as they serve. They are commrs – i

The first Bailey's Bundle was mailed during the Vietnam War and has continued ever since, even after Ms. Bailey's passing last year. In January, community members came together to pack care packages for our deployed service members with Valentine's Day cards made by members of our 50+ Centers, Harpers Choice MS students, Girl Scouts and preschoolers. American Legion 300 and many others donated snacks as well.

Now – Masterclass.com free Black History, Black Freedom and Black Love classes during Black History month.

February 8 – IRS Virtual Employment Information Session for Veterans and Military Spouses, 1-3pm. As part of the IRS workforce, your efforts will help make America stronger as we continue to support the nation’s most vital programs, from Homeland Security to America’s defense, to Social Security — as well as programs and projects closer to home, like parklands and forests, roads and bridges, libraries, museums, schools, and more. During this information session, we will provide an overview of IRS benefits, Veteran preferences, Excepted Service hiring appointments for Veterans and Military Spouses, documentation requirements, how to apply for positions with the IRS, and provide tips for creating an effective resume. We will also discuss some of the positions currently being offered by the IRS. Register

February 8 - Dog Tag Info Session, 12pm ET/11am CT. Join us LIVE for an overview of program components and the application process for our unique entrepreneurial- and business-focused fellowship.

Other Dog Tag Programs:

Dog Tag Alumni Q&A Webinar Monday, February 20th, 4pm ET/3pm CT

Dog Tag Learning Lab Thursday, March 2nd, 12pm ET/11am CT

Learn from guest speaker and Dog Tag Learning Lab partner Mike Steadman—veteran entrepreneur, founder of Ironbound Boxing, and author of "Black Veteran Entrepreneur: Validate Your Business Model, Build Your Brand, and Step Into Greatness."

Dog Tag Virtual Open House Tuesday, March 21st, 4pm ET/3pm CT

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.

February 9 – Virtual Minority Outreach Symposium, 1-3pm. Join here. In recognition of Black History Month, this symposium will celebrate African American service in military, as well as Veteran contributions to our Nation. The symposium will also provide information on current and future VA benefits, to include filing a VA disability claim online, fraud prevention and awareness and the Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022

February 11 - Recreation & Parks’ Camp Fair, 1-3pm at North Laurel Community Center to learn more about its amazing camps, while enjoying a variety of camp activities. While geared towards children aged two to 14, the whole family is invited to this FREE family, fun event. Attendees will also receive $5 off their next camp registration fee! To learn more about this year’s Camp Fair, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/camp-fair. Scholarships available.

February 15 – MD Innovation Center’s How to Multiply the Value of Your Small Business, 1-2PM | Virtual

February 16 - Virtual Military-Friendly Job Fair, 11am-2pm to connect transitioning service members, National Guardsmen, Reservists, veterans, and military spouses with a great group of employers. Register

February 21 & 28 - 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. KidsConnex sessions are currently being held online. The link will be provided with your registration confirmation. Please ensure that you have downloaded Zoom prior to our sessions beginning. Please email ask@nfrchelp.org or call (410) 740-9553 (Ext. x208 or x100)

February 22 - Recovering from Elder Financial Exploitation, 2-3pm ET. Learn about the Recovering from Elder Financial Exploitation report, a financial recovery framework explaining how and when older adults get money back after financial exploitation. Topics include identifying, reporting, and investigating elder fraud and returning funds to victims. Register

February 24 – Mental Health First Aid Training for Military, Veterans and Family members. 9am-5pm at Platoon Veteran Services Goodwill in Frederick. Register

February 26 – Virtual Workshop for Gold Star/Surviving Spouses, “Parenting After Loss”, 7-8:30pm. Contact Admin@SugarbearFoundation.org

March 1 - Money Smart for Older Adults, 2-3:30pm ET. Learn how to use Money Smart for Older Adults instructor-led curriculum and resources. A joint program of CFPB and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Money Smart for Older Adults can be adapted in a variety of ways. Register

March 2 – Dealing with Debt: Tips and Strategies to Get Back on Track for Gold Star/Surviving Spouses, Virtual 1-3pm. Information provided by Bank of America “Better Money Habits”. Contact Admin@Sugarbearfoundation.org

March 2 – Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families Monthly Meeting, 7-8:30pm at 9830 Patuxent Woods Dr. Columbia, MD or Webex. Email veterans@howardcountymd.gov for link and if interested in serving on the commission. 

March 5 – Howard County Virtual Veterans Book Club, First Sundays of the Month (March 5, April 2, May 7, and June 4), 1:30-3pm. Led by David Owens, United States Naval Academy, Class of 1994, this book group is open to current service members and veterans of all eras. Participants should plan to attend all five sessions. Materials are provided. Registration is required. 

Other Maryland Humanities Veterans Book Clubs

March 7 – Stronger Communities: LGBTQ Suicide Prevention Conference, 8:30am-4:30pm at UMBC. This conference is focused on making LGBTQ mental health and suicide prevention education a community priority. This conference raises awareness about LGBTQ suicide risk, brings research findings to the attention of professionals and the public, and explores strategies for LGBTQ suicide prevention.

March 8 - Serving Together Central MD Veteran Collaborative, 9-10am. Register

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 25 – Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park Adaptive Hiking Series and 2023 Calendar of Events

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

Pre-register HERE For information, contact jstanto6@jhmi.edu or 410-740-7601.

May 3 – SAVE the DATE: Veterans Claims Clinic 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!

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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

Writing Workshop for Military, Veterans, Caregivers and Spouseswith 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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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.

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. 

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 – 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 ou 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.

Boys State Application / Howard County American Legion Post 156 sponsorship info

Reinvest Renovate Restore program - The housing repair loan program can help income eligible Howard County homeowners make necessary repairs to their homes. The housing repairs can be done to meet local housing codes for health and safety conditions. Repairs may include, but are not limited to: heating and air systems, electrical wiring, plumbing, roofs, windows, doors, painting and landscaping. Cosmetic upgrade items may also be eligible. This program can help homeowners stay in their homes, address outstanding maintenance and repair items and improve overall neighborhood appearance.

Maryland Department of Commerce and the Maryland Department of Planning, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), have launched the Military and Community Compatible Use Website with tools to enhance military sites, surrounding areas. Press release here.

The Trained Military Assistance Provider (TMAP) Program is an essential part of Maryland's plan to end suicide in our service members, veterans, and their families. This curriculum is intended for Maryland-based healthcare providers interested in learning more about military culture, crisis response planning and suicide prevention strategies, and lethal means safety protocols focused on service members, veterans and their families (SMVF). Enroll Now

Howard County Aging in Place tax credit program expands Are you 65 or older? Have you lived in the same dwelling for the last 30 years? You may qualify for Howard County's Aging in Place senior tax credit. New guidelines took effect November 30, 2022, increasing the maximum amount of qualifying assessed property value to $650,000, lowering the amount of years required to live in the same dwelling to 30 years, and extending the tax credit for eight years. To check your eligibility, call 410-313-4076 (voice/relay).

ServingTogether offers service members, veterans and their families access to a class-leading continuum of providers that runs the gamut from superior mental health, housing, and emergency service providers to employment, financial capabilities, education, volunteering, recreation and fitness, and more! We are able to track client progress, communicate with providers and ensure the veterans are truly getting what they need all free of charge. 

Veteran Medical Debt Relief - If you are concerned about your medical copayment debt and want to seek relief, you can now apply online at VA’s new online debt access page: https://www.va.gov/manage-va-debt/.

Remember, patient statements are mailed monthly or can be viewed online:  https://eauth.va.gov/accessva/ or https://www.va.gov/manage-va-debt/.

Ft. Meade Education and Resiliency Center is now open! Stop in to be connected to community resources and learn about the programs we have planned.

The Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program is open for FY23 grant applications. The notice of funding availability, application, and associated materials are available on the MDVA website.

Army Reserve Minuteman scholarship for students who wish to attend college and participate in the Army Reserve. After college graduation, students will be commissioned as an officer in the Army Reserve, obtain leadership and  specialized training, and pursue civilian career plans.

·      Covers full tuition and fees (in-state) OR room and board ($10,000 per year) at the participating university; Monthly $420 Cadet stipend; Annual $1,200 book stipend; E5/Sergeant pay in an Army Reserve unit. Guaranteed commission in the Army Reserve with an eight-year military service obligation

·      Prospects must enroll Army in ROTC while in college; 2-, 2.5-, 3-, 3.5-, and 4-yr scholarships are available (includes graduate school students).

·      Prospects cannot compete for Active Duty

·      If candidate does not meet SAT/ACT requirement, they will be required to achieve a 110 GT score on AFQT & acquire a waiver

The ETS Sponsorship Program 

www.etssponsorshipprogram.com * www.facebook.com/etssponsorshipprogram/ The transition out of uniformed service is difficult, whether you served four years or forty. Our mission is to support active duty service members in their journey back into civilian life. We connect new Veterans with trained sponsors from their destination community with a focus on the 12 months between leaving the military and reintegrating into civilian life as a new Veteran. We give you the tools to achieve your goals, along with a sponsor to guide you along the way. A program by Vets for Vets.

The Village in Howard is offering a free, 3-Month ASSOCIATE Trial Membership for Howard County residents 55 and older. This truly is a no-obligation FREE 3-month trial. Trial ASSOCIATE members will receive a website login and can freely register for events and activities. In addition, a trial ASSOCIATE member will be assigned a “Buddy” to aid in the process of becoming familiar with all The Village has to offer. 

To become an ASSOCIATE Trial Member, simply register online or by downloading a paper application at https://www.thevillageinhoward.org via the Membership Tab >>>>Application. What do you have to lose? Any questions or need assistance? Contact the office at 443-367-9043.

The Food Security Committee is working to increase food access among priority populations with the recent expansion of the Howard County Food Resource Guide. This electronic resource includes over 30 food pantry listings with dates, times and locations

Paid Research study for veterans and first responders with PTSD. https://www.resilient-warriors.org/

Knot Just Knitters Club at Glenwood Library  - make hats/gloves for deployed service members

 Starting Tuesday, all U.S. military veterans in suicidal crisis will be eligible for free care at any VA or private facility

Project Opportunity Spring Classes - Free Entrepreneurial Training for Veterans

Prince George's County Orientation on March 8, 2023, Classes begin Mar 22

Montgomery County Orientation on February 27, 2023, Classes begin Mar 13

Military Spouse Orientation on March 15, 2023. Classes begin on Mar 29

Howard County Loan Closet Volunteers Needed to inventory, sanitize equipment and other tasks. Call to inquire.

Sugar Bear Foundation and Hiring Our Heroes have joined forces to support Gold Star/Surviving Spouses with employment opportunities. To get started, send your resume to Admin@Sugarbearfoundation.org

Writer and Media Relations Coordinator - Responsible for administrative support work performing tasks in support of Public Information through social media and Howard County Government websites.

Technical Support Specialist - Serves as the liaison for technology related issues. Works as a Service Desk Technician to provide first and second tier application support for applications used by the county employees. 

Director, Department of Public Works - Directs the general operation of the Department of Public Works; advising and providing information to the County Executive and the County Council on matters relating to public infrastructure, capital budget and the core services it provides. 

Chief Information Officer/Director of the Howard County Department of Technology and Communication Services (DTCS). This position directs the general operation of DTCS, which is responsible for the infrastructure of the County's wide area network and administers all of the hardware and software used to implement the County's computer applications. 

Executive Director - Southern MD - American Red Cross · Glen Burnie, MD (On-site)

 

Government Relations Director, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington DC - REMOTE - American Cancer Society · Annapolis, MD (Remote)

Chief Administrative Officer - Habitat for Humanity International · Baltimore, MD (On-site)

Chief Advancement Officer - Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art · Washington, DC (Hybrid)

Communications Coordinator (15 hrs/wk)

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

Crisis Intervention and Peer Recovery Specialists

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