ServingTogether, a program of  EveryMind , is here to make it easier for all of those who have served in the Armed Forces, National Guard or Reserves, and their families, to access the local services they have earned.
Fairfax County Veterans Collaborative
Thanks to all that attended our first virtual meeting on April 7th!
Meeting Notes from Feb 4:

Julie Riggs, DC Chapter Director with Blue Star Families provided us an overview of Blue Star Families and some recent surveys they have conducted.

Blue Star Families was founded in 2009 by military spouses with focus to empower military families to thrive by connecting them with their civilian neighbors- both people and organizations to create strong communities of support. Membership is free and there are a lot of benefits from joining.


Some of the top issues from the survey for active duty military is time away from family and military spouse employment. Top stressors are financial issues/stress, relocation issues and isolation from family/friends.

Top issues for National Guard are Time away from family and military benefits.

Top issues for reserves are Time away from family and access t o military healthcare.

Transitioning remains difficult for veterans. Has long term impacts. 56% feel transition was difficult or very difficult. 42% feel now well prepared to navigate transition.

Female veterans feel it is harder for them to transition to civilian life.

Blue Star Families has also launched a COVID19 Military Support Initiative . They have a partnership with the Association of Defense Community to address military specific issues as they relate to the pandemic.

Initiated a weekly Pain Point Poll to see how people are doing during this period. If you want to participate in these polls go to https://bluestarfam.us/BSF-COVID-19 . The results are released weekly, view them here: https://bluestarfam.org/pain-pts/

They will be having virtual events to provide connection, support and resources, check out their local pages for upcoming events and information:

Reminder: April is designated as the Month of the Military Child, and several events will be going on this month for Military Kids, including Purple Up Day on April 15!

Any questions, reach out to Julie Riggs at dc@bluestarfam.org.


Mallary Lass, Outreach Manager at the Steven Cohen Clinic for the Military Family at Easterseals joined us to provide an overview of the services available through Easterseals for Military and Veteran families.

Mallary explained the mission is to provide accessible mental health care to entire military family to include veterans, their families and caregivers in MD, DC and Virginia.

Their services include counseling for children 3 years old and up, individuals, couples and families; case management; telehealth using the Zoom platform (HIPPA compliant); medication management (person has to be in therapy at Steven Cohen Clinic); Skill Building workshops/groups.

They offer a variety of therapies for mental health and typically work with people for 6 months to a year. No referrals are needed.

The clinic number is 240-847-7500 which is manned 24/7. Intake typically takes 15-20 minutes and an appointment can be scheduled following completion of intake. Appointments are being scheduled 1-2 weeks out unless an emergency.

They offer financial, legal, educational, health and wellness workshops.

Mallary stated they are interested in collaborating with community partners to offer more programs. 

For more information, contact mlass@eseal.org .

Collaborative Member Updates

Upcoming Events:

General Updates:

ServingTogether:
  • Go to website to see other collaborative meetings to join virtually https://servingtogetherproject.org/collaboratives/
  • Offering refresh training sessions Unite Us every other week
  • Next Regional Community of Practice event will be on Military Sexual Trauma to be held in June 2020.

Mindfulness allWays:
Free workshops in Mindfulness, Hearth Math and EFT (Tapping) with Neil Goodman. Contact Neil at kneel9.com

American Red Cross
  • Resiliency Module being offered. Contact Chris Duffley.
  • Blood Donors needed: www.redcross.org
  • Blood Donation sites needed as well
  • Blood Donation Center looking for volunteers
  • DC and Prince George's County Disaster help volunteers needed

Real Warriors:
Resource for materials in ending the stigma of mental health disorders. The Real Warriors Campaign encourages help-seeking behavior among service members, veterans and military families coping with invisible wounds. www.realwarriors.net

Melwood: Operation Tohidu
Released the Fall schedule for retreats. Men’s MST survivor retreat rescheduled for the Fall. www.operationtohidu.org

Wounded Warrior Project
Setting up virtual opportunities contact bsampson@woundedwarriorproject.org

George Mason University: Veterans and the Arts Initiative
Shifted their guitar and ukele workshops virtually. Check out more info here: www.hyltoncenter.org/veterans

Mark your calendar for our next meeting!

Tuesday, June 2
1 - 3 pm
Zoom

Agenda and Details to be Announced
We look forward to seeing you soon!

Thank you from your Fairfax County Veterans Collaborative Co-Chairs,

Christy Kenady 
Northern Virginia Program Manager
703-288-5355 

Michele Khol
Director of Operations
MK9s Service Dogs
703-336-3618

Jun 2; Aug 4; Oct 6; Dec 1
1 – 3 pm, Location: TBD
Please continue to share information, services & events with the Veterans Collaborative through this email. We appreciate your partnership and continued support of the Collaborative.
ServingTogether | servingtogetherproject.org