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.
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Fairfax County Veterans Collaborative |
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Reminder: The next Fairfax County Veterans Collaborative meeting is
Tuesday, October 6 from
1:00 - 3:00 pm
join us from the comfort of your computer or phone!
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We ask that you register to join the meeting:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join.
We know some are unable to join a Zoom Meeting on your government or employer-issued computer.
Please note that you can also join in by phone by calling: 301-715-8592 and enter meeting ID: 941 9145 7918
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Meeting Notes from August 4: |
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Thanks to all that attended our August meeting.
For those unable to attend, you can view the recorded meeting and download the chat room notes here:
We had two informative presentations this month from inTransition and Freddie Mac in partnership with Legal Services of Northern Virginia. Thank you to our presenters for their discussion during this difficult time with COVID-19.
Here's an overview of their organizations:
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Brenda Campbell, Contractor with Magellan, joined us to discuss the inTransition Program, part of Defense Health Agency and the Psychological Health Center of Excellence (PHCoE).
inTransition is a free, confidential program that offers specialized coaching and assistance for active-duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, veterans and retirees who need access to mental health care when:
- Relocating to another assignment
- Returning from deployment
- Transitioning from active duty to reserve component or reserve component to active duty
- Preparing to leave military service
- Or any other time they need a new mental health provider, or need a provider for the first time.
inTransition services are available to ALL military members regardless of length of service or discharge status and there is NO expiration date to enroll.
Additional Resources:
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Freddie Mac
Jennifer has started a pro-bono legal services project to assist veterans, spouses and surviving spouse in applying for VA pensions. VA pension is a monthly tax-free benefit paid to low income wartime veterans or their surviving spouses who are permanently and totally disabled or over the age of 65. Disability does not need to be service connected. Often referred to as Aid and Attendance in the elder care community.
Eligibility criteria
- Wartime veteran Must have 90 consecutive days of active duty. 1 day served during wartime period: WW2; Korea, Vietnam. Discharge can be anything but dishonorable
- Surviving spouse: Must have been married to the veteran at the time of their death
- Income limit: benefits based on countable income. Gross income less allowable deductions.
- Net worth limits: Define net worth to align with Medicaid ($129,094) Exempt assets are home, vehicle and personal property. Included is 1 year of countable income.
- Medical Need (Aid and Attendance only): Helpless or so nearly helpless as to require regular aid and attendance of another person. Need assistance with their ADLs; bedridden or large portion of day in bed due to illness. In nursing home due to cognitive loss. Blind 5/200 or less
Don’t wait until you need the benefit to apply for it. You can work with their team to start getting the paperwork ready, and then day person is placed in facility paperwork can be submitted. They are often working with the family member of the veteran, especially for those aging veterans.
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Collaborative Members Updates: |
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The American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces is offering virtual stress-management and relaxation workshops to help guide members of the military and veteran communities through the stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Join for a chance to connect with others in a live, virtual and guided conversation where you will have a chance to discuss your biggest concerns and learn and practice healthy coping strategies. Workshops are open to anyone with a military veteran affiliation – this includes partners, donors, service members, spouses and staff members, 18-years and up. They are offered over the Zoom platform and led by licensed/credentialed mental health professionals. To register: https://www.redcross.org/local/dc-va-md-de/about-us/our-work/virtual-covid-stress-management-workshops.html
ServingTogether's Two Year In Practice Review with The Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University (IVMF) was held on September 1. Click here to watch the recorded session featuring data and needs of the military and veteran populations in the National Capital Region.
There will be several Regional Community Practice Events this Fall. Save the date for September 30's event which will focus on Improving Access to Mental Health for Military and Veterans held virtually from 10 am - 12 pm.
Loudoun County Community Veteran Engagement Board will hold Officer Elections on Tuesday, October 20 at 7 pm. Seeking nominations for the Executive Committee for those interested in participating. Contact Christy Kenady ckenady@every-mind.org.
ServingTogether is partnering with the Cohen Clinic and Melwood to launch a DC-Military Veteran Advisory Council. Upcoming Town Halls are to help prepare the launch of this group. If you are interested in joining, contact Jennifer Watson at jwatson@every-mind.org.
George Mason University Veterans and the Arts Initiative during the month of September will be offering free virtual guitar workshops for veterans and their families, as well as Songwriting workshops for military children. More info and how to register visit:
Mindfulness allWays provides free workshops in Mindfulness, Heartmath and Tapping with Neil Goodman. Contact Neil at kneel9.com
Shepherd Center in Vienna offering free food delivery services for seniors and transportation to medical appointments. For more information go to their website: https://www.scov.org/
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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
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Oct 6; Dec 1
1 – 3 pm, Location: Zoom
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Please continue to share information, services & events with the Veterans Collaborative through this email. We appreciate your partnership and continued support of the Collaborative. |
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