Smoky Skies Causing Health Problems |
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Have you noticed smoke again this summer? Much of it this year is coming from fires in California. Depending on the weather pattern, some days are better than others. This can be a serious issue for Veterans who are respiratorily compromised, from burn pits and chemicals. If you are sensitive, take heed to the air quality advisories when they are issued. The California fires are predicted to burn late into the season until possibly December. Colorado unfortunately is downwind. |
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Speaking of Medical....Travel Reimbursements |
Get Paid Quickly for Travel Reimbursements
Important updates from Greg
Did you know you can submit your travel vouchers online and get paid within a week? You can do this by using BTSSS, Beneficiary Travel Self Service System. Contact the Beneficiary Travel Team at your VA hospital to get set up. If you’re in the Cheyenne VA catchment area here’s a link that may be helpful: https://www.cheyenne.va.gov/services/Travel_Beneficiary_Travel.asp
Once you are in the system, it takes me about 4 minutes to submit a voucher. You will need to be able to upload a PDF of your completed doctor visit to confirm the appointment happened. It is my understanding this is a new system. We want you to be informed because it works great for me, and I hope it does for you.
VA Travel Reimbursement Tax
I just learned that when you submit travel vouchers in any given month, the VA withholds $3.00 per voucher until the total reaches $18.00 for the month, then you receive the full 41.5 cents per mile. The VA calls this a deductible, I call it a tax, and a well-hidden one…Just be aware if you track vouchers and payments based on 41.5 cents per mile, they won’t match because of this tax. I will bring this up with my local congressman.
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The recent turn of events in Afghanistan has been deeply upsetting to a great number of Veterans, particularly those who served in the Middle East. The VA has put together special information for those struggling emotionally with the United States exit strategy.
Photo Courtesy DoD. The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) personnel does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
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This Is Why We Do What We Do |
A 78-year-old USN Veteran was the victim of identity theft while being hospitalized. Social Security Administration and Colorado Legal Services are helping with the identity theft, but his monthly Social Security was taken out of his bank account the day it was deposited two consecutive months leaving him unable to pay rent. We facilitated back rent payments allowing him to get back on track.
A 51-year-old Army Veteran was in arrears with utility payments. He was unable to work due to a series of injuries and therefore unemployed while in recovery. We facilitated payment for past-due utilities. Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has been working with him on viable employment while he moves back toward being healthy.
48-year-old USN Veteran transitioning from homeless needed a security deposit to move into permanent housing. We facilitated funding for his deposit and provided donated furniture and household belongings for his new home.
Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.
- Helen Keller
We Love to Partner!
- We’re partnering with VFW Post 6624 in Evans, CO to modify a member’s home to accommodate recent changes in his mobility.
- We partnered with Loveland Marine Corps League 1250 in their first Golf Tournament Fundraiser June 19th.
- We partnered with Wellington American Legion Post 176 with the success of their first Beer Garden Fundraiser on July 4th.
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Our “Suits for Veterans” Program is Back
Through our partnership with ARC Thrift Stores, we are once again providing vouchers to Veterans needing clothing for job interviews, work, or just something to wear. Vouchers are redeemable at any ARC Thrift Store in Colorado. Just email your DD-214, name, mailing address, and phone number to Resource@QualifiedListeners.org.
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Qualified Listeners has become a community partner with SCHEELS All Sports in Johnstown, Colorado. The store is offering valuable coupons to Veterans and family members. Scheels recognizes our military heroes' dedication and sacrifice and their families. The organization wants to give back to the Veteran Community. The coupon value is $10 off with a $50 purchase through 12/31/21 and is redeemable at the Johnstown location only. All you have to do is contact us by phone or email to let us know how many coupons you would like and where we should send them.
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Seeking Reputable Resources
Since we cover such a large geographic area of Colorado and Wyoming, we cannot be in every community, so we ask for your help. We need to create a list of excellent service providers in your area, such as plumbers, electricians, lawn care, painting, sprinkler systems, handypersons, home contractors, moving companies, home cleaning, and others. We want to find business owners who recognize that their freedom to own a business comes from Veterans. They also need to work with us on pricing. If you’ve had success in working with a Veteran-friendly company, please let us know so we can reach out to them.
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For Veterans From Veterans |
- If you need a mobility device contact us!
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Veterans enrolled in the VA Healthcare system and admitted to a non-VA emergency room or urgent care facility, can call the VA Authorization Office at 1-888-795-0773, option 1. A Veteran DOES NOT have to call this number before being admitted to the ER or urgent care but must do so within 72 hours post-admission.
If a Veteran is 100% disabled or retired from the military, and is in the Cheyenne VA Medical Center catchment area, call 307-778-7310 to check eligibility for dental benefits.
To transfer your records to the Cheyenne VA Medical Center catchment area, call 307-778-7555
If you fall and need help getting up, call your local fire department. If you lock your keys in the car, call your local fire department.
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Recent Progress
760 Volunteer Hours | 3,075 Miles
62 Veteran Transports
24 Listening Sessions
Facilitated rent payment for 1 Veteran
Facilitated rent deposit for 1 Veteran
Facilitated utility payment for 1 Veteran
Facilitated military burial for 1 Veteran
Delivered donated power chairs/scooters for 2 Veterans
Delivered donated furniture to 5 Veterans
Onboarded 52 new Veterans into our system
Created 63 new cases
Ended month with 76 work-in-process cases
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What exactly do we do?
- We listen
- Provide transportation to medical appointments
- Help with mobility equipment
- Offer vetted resources for Veterans
- Help Veterans & families find more peace in their lives
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Monetary Donations:
We are always grateful for monetary donations, which allows us to continue serving Veterans and families. If you can contribute whatever amount you feel comfortable with, please click here. It’s not about donating; it’s about making a difference. We’re a 501(C)3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible under our EIN 81-5381427.
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Qualified Listeners
Mailing Address:
PO Box 563
Dacono, CO 80514
Tel: 720-600-0860
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