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7 January 2021
Resources for Veterans and Military Family Members
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Important Dates and Events
· Now – Homebound County Residents Can Get COVID-19 Vaccines In Their Own Homes! Howard County is using Fire and Rescue Services to provide this invaluable service. Call 410-313-6284 press 1 for the Covid 19 hotline, staffed 8:30-4:30, M-F. An appointment system is now in place for all clinics at the Health Department to ensure an efficient vaccination process. Walk-ups are not available at any upcoming clinic where "appointment required" is noted. If you are unable to complete the online registration, call 410-313-6284.
· The State of Maryland has a resource that allows you to search for a vaccination clinic near you. Go to the following: coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/vaccine. You can also text your zip code to 438829 to find the location of FREE Covid 19 vaccines, boosters near you.
· The Maryland Department of Health launched a COVID-19 Vaccination Support Center to provide Marylanders without technology capabilities the ability to gain access to COVID-19 vaccine information and appointments. Call 1-855-MDGOVAX (1-855-634-6829) 7AM - 10PM,7 days a week.
· Now - Veteran Volunteers Needed: Gilchrist is seeking volunteers in Howard County who are either veterans or are currently serving in the Armed Forces to conduct Salute to Service tributes for veterans nearing the end of life, or to serve on our We Honor Veterans Task Force. The Gilchrist We Honor Veterans program is designed to thank veterans and their families for their sacrifice and service to our country. All volunteers must undergo training. Email Jane O’Hara at johara@gilchristcares.org or visit gilchristcares.org/whv
· Now - United Through Reading - Military service members can virtually read books to the children in their lives – Learn More. Schedule a recording session here.
· January 4 - DMV Veteran Legal Cohort, 1-4pm. The mission of the DMV Veteran Legal Cohort is to provide efficient advocacy for veterans throughcollaborating with practitioners in the veteran field. Register. We will address systemic pattern, generate new presumptive categories for veteran claims, and engage in legislative/regulatory efforts.
· January 11 – Howard County Veteran Collaborative, 9:30am. In partnership with ServingTogether, the Howard County Office of Veteran and Military Families, The Howard County Health Department, and NAMI-HC, The Howard County Veterans Collaborative will be an informal, regularly occurring meeting between service providers and community organizations. Join us virtually to share knowledge, celebrate wins, identify gaps, learn together, and build relationships.
· January 12 – Pathways to Resiliency, 3pm - Join the Steven A Cohen Military Family Clinic as we explore the topic of resiliency with our community partners. Veterans, the military, and their families are incredibly resilient and we have seen this time and time again. A perfect topic as we celebrate and reflect this Veterans Day! Additionally, we will be recognizing our Clinic anniversary. Register
· January 13 - Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) Information Session, 9-10am. The SBA Baltimore District Office has planned an event that is specifically intended for active-duty military, reservists and national guard, and veterans that are interested in federal contracting. Participants must pre-register for the events, and the registration link is listed below. The National Center for Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) is a veteran entrepreneurship program that specifically addresses federal procurement. VIP provides businesses with the tools that they need to be procurement ready and grow in the federal marketplace. VIP offers five accelerator training programs for owners, principals, and C-level executives of VOSBs and SDVOSBs. VIP is offered at no cost to veterans. Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veteran-institute-for-procurement-vip-information-session-tickets-227686465347. This event is free, but space is limited. For more information, please contact: Patricia.Henson@sba.gov
· January 18 – NAMI Education Forum: Addressing Mental Illness in the Aging Population, 7-8:30pm. Dementia vs Mental Illness, Polypharmacy risk to seniors, unique challenges faced by the elderly, resources available. Register.
· Fridays, January 21 - February 18, 2022 (except February 4th) - Virtual Sleep Enhancement Group, 12-1pm. Registration: Please contact the Cohen Clinic at 240-847-7500 or info.mfc@eseal.org. Individual phone call and evaluation appointment required to enroll.
· January 24 – Howard County Public School System Hiring Fair, 10am-2pm at Wilde Lake HS. Bus driver, custodian, food service worker
· January 27 – Virtual Career Fair – Government Opportunities,1-5pm. Register
· February 6 - June 5 from 1:30 - 3:00 pm (1st Sundays). Howard County Library Veterans Book Group invites Veterans, both active and retired military, to this online discussion series. During five monthly facilitated sessions, discussions center on military experiences and a unique set of readings, which may include classics, fiction, memoirs, poetry, short stories, articles, and essays. The readings relate in some way to military experiences or offer a veteran’s perspective. The Veterans Book Group is moderated by David Owens. David Owens is a Navy veteran who served for six years onboard two U.S. Navy warships. Owens attended the U.S. Naval Academy and now runs a small media content production business based in the D.C. metropolitan area. Owens loves to read and even more so, enjoys the discussions and camaraderie of the veteran book groups!
The Veterans Book Group is coordinated statewide by Maryland Humanities and is presented locally in partnership with Howard County Library System. The Veterans Book Group is supported in part by Lockheed Martin, David Bruce Smith and the Wawa Foundation. Register here
· February 7 – Veteran Support Group, 6-7:30pm (First Monday of the month). A free, drop in, peer-led support group for Veterans living with mental illness. Joining a Support Group can help you to feel better in any number of ways, such as:
• Knowing that others are going through something similar
• Learning tips on how to handle day-to-day challenges
• Meeting new friends or connecting to others who understand you
• Learning how to talk about things that bother you or how to ask for help
· February 23 - Baltimore Military Muster, 6:30-8pm at 1399 S Sharp St, Baltimore, MD 21230. The Muster is a bi-monthly, joint effort event where veterans from all eras, active duty military, and the community that supports them are invited to a meetup style get together.
Enjoy free food, valuable information, and great company while meeting current and former service members from throughout the area. You'll have the chance to learn from and share information about various organizations and resources that do great work here in the Baltimore veteran space!
· February 26 – In-Person Child Care Fair on Saturday, 10am to 2pm at the North Laurel Community Center, located at 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road in Laurel (masks are required). While admission is FREE, attendees are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item or unopened pack of diapers or wipes to donate to the Howard County Food Bank. Though not required, pre-registration is highly recommended so event organizers can contact attendees in case of inclement weather on the day of the event. For more information about the Fair, contact the OCF at 410-313-1940 (voice/relay) or email children@howardcountymd.gov. To request a sign language interpreter or other accommodations to participate, call at least one week in advance.
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Recurring Events/Programs
· Monday thru Friday - Veteran Virtual Kiosk, 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 #
· Thursdays beginning Nov 4 - Teen Virtual Therapy Group, National Family Resiliency Center (NFRC), 7-8:15 pm. Group will run for six weeks, with the option to continue. Registration and individual meeting prior to group start date required. Teens in grades 8-12 have an opportunity to explore and resolve concerns related to families in transition, as well as focusing on many issues such as dating, friendships, pandemic stress, decisions about college, careers, etc. Teens who have participated comment about how comfortable it is to talk and be understood by their peers. One session with parent and one with teen prior to group start date is required so that therapists can get to know participants prior to group and answer any questions or concerns. For more information or questions, please email khelt@nfrchelp.org or call 410-740-9553 x208. Sliding scale payment available.
· 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 #
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Support Needed
· Now - Howard County Fallen Heroes Tribute. To honor Howard County residents who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, the Office of Veteran and Military Families is proud to announce the creation of the Fallen Heroes Tribute page. We hope that you will use this form by sharing their stories of valor which will be highlighted on a future webpage. Fallen Heroes Form
If you would like to research possible heroes and help us recognize them, visit the following sites:
For World War II, the Archives have a list by County.
www.findagrave.com
Howard County Historical Society - https://hchsmd.org/#
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Resources
· Free Wills for Veterans - GoodTrust for U.S. Veterans. Veterans will at no cost receive the GoodTrust Premium Plan for 12 months (value $96) when you create an account. In addition, all Veteran families will receive a 50% discount on the GoodTrust service fee when helping to manage the digital accounts of a loved one who has passed away - just enter GoodTrustVeteranLove at checkout. We also encourage Veterans to set up a free consultation as part of the Premium Plan and we'll be happy to extend any offer.
· Email notifications for Scheduled Fireworks – If you have a member of your household that may be negatively affected by fireworks and wish to receive notifications for neighborhoods that have firework permits, please contact the fire marshal at FD3461@howardcountymd.gov
· Catch A Lift - CAL is a Maryland based 501c3 non-profit that provides equipment, coaching, programming, and gym memberships to combat-wounded veterans nationwide. We believe fitness, wellness, nutrition and building a health-based community helps veterans heal holistically, alleviating impacts of TBI and PTSD, reducing unnecessary reliance on pharmaceuticals, and building stronger family and community ties. CAL was founded in 2010 after the death of Baltimore-native Army Cpl. Christopher Coffland, KIA, Afghanistan, 2009. Chris believed a fitness focused lifestyle provided critical physical and mental benefits, and he was always ready to "catch a lift" and workout.
Since its founding, CAL has served more than 7,200 veterans and 600 caregivers, and we are often told that CAL "saved my life." For more info, contact Darin Winick
· Winter Growth Adult Medical Day Program in Columbia and Olney - VA provides for 2 days/week of Medical Day Programs for qualifying Veterans and Winter Growth has reopened its Adult Medical Day Programs in Columbia and Olney and is currently accepting new participants. We know that the isolation of older adults over the 18 months has taken a toll, leaving many anxious and depressed; and spouses exhausted from being sole caregivers. Our vibrant Day Programs, with onsite nursing, PT, OT, and Speech Therapy, are an effective antidote.
For more information about the programs, please contact our Center Directors:
· Maryland Crisis Hotline, 1-800-422-0009
If you are in immediate crisis, call the Maryland Crisis Hotline.
Maryland Crisis Connect, Call 211 Press Option 1
211 Maryland is a nonprofit health and human services agency that connects individuals to essential services like food, housing and mental health support.
· Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, 410-531-6677
24-hour crisis intervention and support hotline
Walk-in counseling is available at 6700 Freetown Rd. Columbia, MD 21044
Survivor of suicide loss support group offered twice per month, email amanda@grassrootscrisis.org to register.
· HC DrugFree, 443-325-0040
HC DrugFree provides resources and education on prevention, treatment, recovery, and health and wellness to help Howard County residents develop skills to address behavioral health (substance use and mental health concerns).
· Howard County Bureau of Behavioral Health, 410-313-6202
Resources for behavioral health equity and optimal wellness that is accessible for all who live, work and visit Howard County.
· Maryland Helpline, 1-800-422-0009
A state-wide 24-hour crisis intervention and supportive counseling hotline for SUICIDE, family and relationship problems, shelter needs, violent or threatening domestic situations, loneliness, depression, chemical dependency issues and others.
National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Howard County
· Howard County Government -https://www.howardcountymd.gov/health/behavioral-health
· Howard County Health Department
· Maryland Association of Behavioral Health Authorities
· Howard County Public School System Mental Health Resources
https://www.hcpss.org/supports/mental-health-wellness/
· National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress as well as prevention and crisis resources.
· Crisis Text Line, Text HOME to 741741
Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message for concerns such as anxiety, depression, suicide, etc.
· SAMHSA's National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
· Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ + Youth) 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
The Trevor Project provides 24/7 crisis support services to LGBTQ young people.
Text, chat, or call anytime to reach a trained counselor.
Trans Lifeline, 1-877-565-8860. Trans peer support.
· SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline, 1- 877-360-5428
Hotline responders are certified in crisis response, offer support without judgment, answer questions factually and confidentially, and provide information about community support resources such as healthcare, transportation, counseling, legal services, and emotional support programs.
· Operation Tohidu - Melwood’s flagship veterans program, Operation Tohidu® is a transformative retreat program that promotes “Peace with the Past, through Power in the Present” and encourages participants to reframe their trauma, so that they can approach life with renewed purpose and positivity.
· NAMI Homefront Mental Health Resources for Military Service Members, Veterans and Their Families, a free online suite of resources designed to increase understanding, communication, wellness and advocacy skills.
· Operation Homefront’s Transitional Housing (“Villages”) provides rent-free, two and three bedroom apartments to wounded, ill, and injured warriors and their families as they leave the military in Gaithersburg, MD. The Villages are designed to enable families to heal together, while bridging what can be a lengthy gap between military pay ending and veteran benefits beginning, or when veterans’ disability claims are reviewed and received. Our Villages relieve the financial stress and provide a comprehensive package of individualized family support and financial planning services. Each participating family is provided with: Rent-free, utility-free, fully furnished
Apartment, Case management and customized, transition plans, One-on-one financial counseling, Assistance with medical referrals, Employment coaching and educational guidance, Support network
Families experience a supportive environment among understanding peers, and most make impressive financial progress during their stay, leaving the Village debt-free, or nearly so, with an emergency savings plan in place.
· Caregiver Support Line 855-260-3274
· Military Veterans and Families - Expedited Licensing. Maryland law requires the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing to help veterans and active members of the United States armed forces, including their spouses, to obtain occupational and professional licenses in Maryland. Service members include active duty reservists and members of the National Guard. Occupational and Professional Licensing will issue your license within 60 days of receiving a completed application with all supporting documentation. Once an application has been submitted, please direct all inquiries for expedited processing to the boards/commissions, or call 410-230-6221.
· Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network Virtual Exhibition Featuring Military Service Member and Veteran Artwork - The National Endowment for the Arts proudly presents Creative Forces: Healing the Invisible Wounds of War—an interactive exhibition of visual art, music, and performances by military service members and veterans who are current or former participants in the Creative Forces®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network.
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Newsletters, Articles and other Information
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Employment Opportunities
· RTA Bus Drivers Wanted! - New incentives to recruit and retain bus drivers for the Regional Transportation Agency (RTA), which is facing a driver shortage.
Increasing salaries for all fixed route RTA drivers, starting at $20 per hour, bringing entry level salary above $40,000 annually, and increase of over $5,000 a year.
Recruitment bonuses of $3,000, paid in quarterly increments for first year of employment
Retention bonuses of $1,500 to existing employees, paid in quarterly increments.
Lowering age eligibility for RTA driver employment from 21 to 19 years, on a pilot basis over the next year.
Provide in-house training and assistance with getting a CDL license.
Provide $250 referral bonuses for existing RTA employees who refer someone successfully
· Veterans Conservation Corps (VCC) empowers veterans and s them in conservation service work on public lands. The VCC’s work in State Parks uses veterans’ unique background, diverse job skills and service ethic to address pressing conservation needs on public lands. The focus of the VCC is to develop veterans professionally through training and on the job experience within the Maryland Park Service and the Department of Natural Resources. These are full-time, paid, year-round positions. For more info, contact Ranger Luke Terrell at luke.terrell@maryland.gov or 240-278-5218 or 443-510-9920.
· The Maryland Department of Labor's Veterans Virtual Kiosk is now available to help veterans! This pilot program is a great way to get IMMEDIATE help from our employment professionals for any veteran, eligible spouse or dependent, and even vet caregivers! Visit Monday through Friday between the hours of 1000 hours and 1500 hours (EST) using your internet connected computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone at meet.google.com/awf-yoqx-mmu. Not connected to the Internet? Call during the same hours to 516-268-6742 PIN: 748 066 507#
· Free Career Coaching, Employment Preparation and Fellowship Opportunities for Howard and Anne Arundel counties. Who We Serve:
Transitioning Service Members.
• Stationed or assigned to Fort Meade
• Transitioning within 180 days or retiring within 270 days
• Reside in the state of Maryland
• Started the TAP process
Active Duty Spouses
• Married to a service member that is assigned or attached to Fort Meade
• Reside in the state of Maryland
• Currently unemployed or seeking new or better employment
Veterans
• Must reside in Anne Arundel or Howard County
• Must have separated from the Military with an honorable, general or other than honorable discharge
• Must be currently unemployed or seeking new or better employment
For more information, please contact us at military@aawdc.org
· Boots to Business - B2B is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The course provides an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable business ownership fundamentals. Active Duty Service members (including National Guard and Reserve), Veterans of all eras, and spouses are eligible to participate.
· Howard and Anne Arundel County Career ReStart program - Traditional job searching is no longer effective. We can teach you how to proactively campaign for jobs, just like politicians do. Through AAWDC’s Career ReStart training you will develop powerful self-marketing tools and implement strategies that promote confidence and courage that result in rapid employment. Military spouses, transitioning service members and veterans are encouraged to apply.
Four 2.5 hour group sessions over 2 weeks
A new step is introduced at each session
Self-paced online assignments that build on what you learned in each session
Successful completers who submit all assignments will receive a stipend
· Part-Time Bookkeeper - Wilde Lake Community Association is seeking a PART-TIME BOOKKEEPER. Process accounts receivables & payables, reconcile bank & credit card statements, process payroll and maintain financial records. Candidates must be immediately proficient in accounting software (QuickBooks Online) & Microsoft Office programs and have generally accepted bookkeeping practices. Send letter of interest and resume to wlca@wildelake.org. Only qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews.
· TALMAR - an agricultural compensated work-therapy program for veterans at TALMAR Horticultural Therapy Center in partnership with the Vocational Programs at MDVA. We are based in Parkville, MD in Cromwell Valley Park.
Our program is called VA FARMS, and is a 3 to 6 month opportunity for veterans to engage in both the therapeutic and vocational benefits of farming. Program time is split between hands-on farm work, classroom time, activities, cooking, and group therapy. The VA compensates veterans by hours in attendance. It is considered a stipend, so compensation will not affect benefits.
To provide a small list of topics covered, we approach farming through a therapeutic and sustainable approach. We start with the basic elements of farming, and walk the veterans through the seasonal tasks and changes of the farm and business. Hands-on and classroom time cover field growing, hoop house growing, and greenhouse growing. We cover nutrition and value-added products such as canning, fermenting, broommaking, soapmaking, and seed saving. We also include outside speakers, field trips to other farms, and veterans have the opportunity to shadow another farmer for one day. For our 2022 participants and program alumni, we are adding both a beekeeping and a mushroom growing operation!
In order to be eligible for this program, veterans must have a diagnosis of mental illness and have been honorably discharged from the military. Veterans also must be able to attend the program two days a week from the end of March 2022 to either the middle of July 2022 for the Introductory session, or the end of November 2022 for the Advanced session.
If you would like to learn more or add your name to our recruitment list, please visit our website: Caution-https://talmar.org/vafarms/ < Caution-https://talmar.org/vafarms/ > . Otherwise, please feel free to email me or pass my email address along.
Vanessa Lubiner , Sustainable Agriculture Instructor, 410-825-2020 | vanessalubiner@talmar.org
· Leidos has ongoing needs and welcomes military veterans and spouses to apply to any position they are qualified for and interested in. You may also visit http://www.leidos.com/operation-mvp to view all of our current openings.
Please apply directly and/or reach out to Alex Verhulst for further information.
Alex Verhulst | Leidos
Talent Acquisition Military Program Manager
https://www.leidos.com/
Requisition #
Job Title
Clearance Required
Location
Control Account Manager
TS/SCI w/ Poly
Annapolis Junction, MD
R-00070657
FORNSAT Signals Specialist
TS/SCI w/ Poly
Annapolis Junction, MD
R-00069596
ISSO
TS/SCI w/ Poly
Annapolis Junction, MD
R-00069139
Junior Scrum Master
TS/SCI w/ Poly
Annapolis Junction, MD
R-00070819
Lead Test Engineer
TS/SCI w/ Poly
Annapolis Junction, MD
R-00070006
Linux Sys Admin
TS/SCI w/ Poly
Annapolis Junction, MD
R-00070051
Network Engineer
TS/SCI w/ Poly
Annapolis Junction, MD
R-00068180
Python SWE
TS/SCI w/ Poly
Annapolis Junction, MD
R-00068012
Release Train Engineer
TS/SCI w/ Poly
Annapolis Junction, MD
R-00065826
Software Configuration Manager
TS/SCI w/ Poly
Annapolis Junction, MD
R-00069149
Tools Integration Software Developer
TS/SCI w/ Poly
Annapolis Junction, MD
R-00069885
Cloud Software Engineer
TS/SCI w/ Poly
Fort Meade, MD
R-00067143
Computer Network Operations Planning Support Specialist
TS/SCI w/ Poly
Fort Meade, MD
R-00070736
Cyber Analysis Support Specialist
TS/SCI w/ Poly
Fort Meade, MD
R-00070741
Digital Network Intelligence Analyst
TS/SCI w/ Poly
Fort Meade, MD
R-00070743
Multi Source Support Specialist
TS/SCI w/ Poly
Fort Meade, MD
· Assistant Attorney General - Department of Human Services
· New Training & Resources Center for Veterans Starting Businesses
The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling and resource partner referrals to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard & Reserve members and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business. The SBA has 22 organizations participating in this cooperative agreement and serving as Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC). For more info:
Coverage: Washington, D.C., Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania
Address: Maryland Innovation Center, 6751 Columbia Gateway Dr, Suite 500, Columbia, MD 21046
· Veteran Staffing Network - connects veterans and military spouses to employers using a veteran staffing agency model. We work with employers to fill temp-to-perm, contract, and direct-hire positions.
· Veteran Employment Resource Center - Resume-writing tutorials & guidelines specific for military members and veterans, How-to / Instructional videos, Interviewing techniques and best practices guidance and list of career fairs.
· Gregory Ingram, Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialist
Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning, Maryland Department of Labor (see partial job listings below, contact Gregory for more)
· Orion Jones, Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning
· Max Outreach - OutreachCoordinator@maximus.com or by phone at 1-800-274-8582 ext 185
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