29 June 2022
Resources for Veterans and Military Family Members
Important Dates and Events

·      June 30 – Last Day to Register for Aging in Place Property Tax Credit

·      Now – Military Wellness Community Connection Initiative: Free and Discounted Wellness, Fitness, Recreation Programs, Classes and more for veterans and military families.
Business: If you wish to participate in the Military Wellness Community Connection, register below.
Military/Veterans: If you are a family member that wants to learn more about the various free and discounted offers, register here.
 
·      Now - The 2022 Military Family Lifestyle Survey is now open until July 10th!  Take it here

·     Now - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL)'s new 9-8-8 number. We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. According to national data, older adults account for 20% of our country's death by suicide rate and for 15-to 24-year-olds, it is the second leading cause of death. 

·   Age Friendly Action Plan Lunch & Learns. To register, please click here.
·      Wednesday, June 29. 5:00 to 6:00 pm, East Columbia 50+ Center, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045
·      Wednesday, July 6, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, Ellicott City 50+ Center, 9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042
·      Friday, July 8, Noon to 1:00 pm, Glenwood 50+ Center, 2400 Route 97, Cooksville, MD 21723
·      Friday, July 15, Noon to 1:00 pm, Elkridge 50+ Center, 6540 Washington Boulevard, Elkridge, MD 21075
 
·      July 4 – 22nd Annual River Hill Community Association Independence Day Parade, 8:30am American Legion officers sworn in at Pointers Run Elem, followed by the parade.
 
·      July 4 - Enjoy a FREE music festival at the Chrysalis, Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods, July 4th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. After the festival, walk to the Lakefront for fireworks! Performers include Here's to the Night (90's rock), O'Malley's March (Irish rock featuring Martin O'Malley) American Military Spouses Choir (from America's Got Talent) and Peter Humphrey of Oasis Band (steel drums). Food trucks onsite and beverages (including beer and wine) available for purchase. Or bring a picnic!
 
·      July 8 – Last Day to complete Climate Change Preparedness Survey. Howard County government is asking residents to provide us information through an anonymous survey on how prepared you feel for climate emergencies such as extreme heat, flooding, and other severe weather events. Survey responses will help determine what actions should be prioritized in our upcoming Climate Action Plan, including actions that can help you feel better prepared, safer, and more comfortable. Survey is available in English, Spanish, Hindi, Korean, and Chinese. The first 500 people to complete the survey get $10 off a Roving Radish Meal Kit. Code will be provided at the END of survey. Meal kits include all the ingredients needed for two dinners for a family of four. 
 
·      Now thru July 8 - The White House is launching a national strategy to improve nutrition security this September and NCOA is gathering feedback by July 8, to submit and ensure the needs of older adults are considered. We invite you to share your perspective to help us shape NCOA’s comments.
Add your story to the NCOA site here by July 8th  Or Contribute comments directly to the White House page here by July 15
 
·     July 11 - (1st Monday of the month, moved due to holiday on 4th) - Virtual Veteran Support Group, 6-7pm.
 
·      July 12 – Howard County Veterans Collaborative, 9:30am
 
·      July 13 – In-Person Hiring Fair, 10am-1pm. Columbia Workforce Development at 7161 Columbia Gateway Drive, Ste. D Columbia, MD 21046.
 
·      July 13 - FREE Separated and Divorced Men’s Discussion & Support Group, The National Family Resiliency Center is offering a FREE discussion/support group for men who are contemplating or are experiencing a separation or divorce. The online virtual group will meet for 5-6 weeks on Wednesdays from 7:00 pm- 8:00 pm beginning July 13, 2022. Men will have the opportunity to work on various topics related to their family change such as adjusting to family transitions, parenting and co-parenting in a safe, confidential environment.  If you are interested in getting more information about the discussion group, or to register, please email khelt@nfrchelp.org or call 410-740-9553 ext. 208. NFRC is a private, non-profit 501©3 mental health center serving families in Maryland since 1983.
  
·      July 14 – Virtual Cleared Job Fair, 2-5pm.
 
·      July 15 - The Silver Spring Vet Center is hosting a Potluck/Picnic for our Veterans and their families, 11am-2pm, Knights of Columbus: 9707 Rosensteel Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910. The event will be primarily outside weather permitting, RSVP by June 27th by replying to this email
 
·      August 1 (1st Monday of the month) - Virtual Veteran Support Group,
6-7pm.
 
·      August 17 - Veteran/Milspouse Resource & Networking In Person Event - is Free as Always to Attend. Bourbiz DC MGM National Harbor , 3-7pm. Register
 
·      August 24 – Free Entrepreneur Training for Spouses of Veterans, Active Duty and Guard/Reserve Personnel Orientation at 6-8:30pm at Anne Arundel Workforce Development Center, 613 Global Way Linthicum, MD 21090.
Is Entrepreneurship the right choice for you?
Do you have a business idea but not sure where to start?
Do you have a business and want to take it to the next level?
 
Classes will be held on Wednesday Evenings from 6:00 To 9:00 pm
Starting on September 14, 2022, and ending with a Graduation Ceremony on November 9, 2022
To register for the Orientation Session please complete form found at
Project Opportunity is an intensive curriculum based 8-week cohort program that meets every Thursday evening from 6:00-9:00PM. The curriculum and material are facilitated by small business professionals and subject matter experts. The program concludes with a formal business pitch. Training Includes:
Assessing Your Business Idea
Marketing Analysis
Financing and Financial Management
Business Structure and Taxes
Development of a Business Plan
 
The Fall 2022 Project Opportunity course for Spouses of Veterans is sponsored by Philip E and Carol R Ratcliffe Foundation. The Ratcliffe Foundation is based in Annapolis Maryland and operates as a charitable organization designed to encourage and reward entrepreneurship, create jobs and expand economic opportunities.
 
·      Now – Free Web Based Financial Workshops, Counseling, First Time Buyers (in Spanish)
 

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 #
Register for Maryland’s Workforce Exchange by visiting        https://mwejobs.maryland.gov/
 
·      1st Tuesday of every month - Virtual Tai Chi for Veterans, 12-1pm.  
 
·      2nd Tuesdays & 4th Saturdays of every month, Virtual Toastmasters for Veterans and Military Communities, Tuesdays at 7 pm & Saturdays at 11:30 am. Please register with Bernadette Garrett at tmspeakerleaderdtm20@gmail.com
 
·      2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month thru December 22, 2021 - Virtual Mindfulness and Gentle Yoga, 5-6pm.
 
·      Every Thursday 9am-1pm, 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, 9am-1pm and other days/times by appointment - The Perry Point Veterans Museum at the Grist Mill with guided tours available to all visitors. Behind the scenes, however, museum volunteers have been busy for several months, researching the history of Perry Point and assembling new displays. Before the pandemic, members of the Archaeological Society of the Northern Chesapeake combed through boxes of materials unearthed during an archaeological dig at Perry Point nearly 40 years ago. The artifacts they uncovered and identified – including native American projectile points, clay pipe pieces and assorted pottery sherds – make up some of the new displays.
The museum is housed in the historic grist mill at Perry Point, which was built around 1750. The three floors of the grist mill cover the rich history of the Perry Point peninsula. The land was once used as the hunting grounds by the Susquehannock Indians, served as a large estate for early settlers, and was occupied by Union soldiers during the Civil War. The U.S. government purchased the land in 1918 and used it briefly to manufacture explosives for World War I. When the war ended, Perry Point started its long history of serving the health care needs of Maryland’s veterans.
The museum is staffed by volunteers and the hours are subject to change.
The Perry Point Veterans Museum at the Grist Mill is located on the campus of the Perry Point VA Medical Center on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and the Susquehanna River at the end of Sixth Street.
 
Please call 410-642-2411 ext. 26071 or email PerryPointVeteransMuseum@va.gov to verify the current hours or to schedule a visit.
 
·      4th Tuesdays of every month - Virtual Creative Writing Workshops with Community Building Art Works, 12-1pm
  
·      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 #\

·      NAMI Support Groups
Connections Veteran Support Group, 1st Monday of each month, 6-7:30pm
Parent Support Group, 2nd Monday of each month, 7:30-9pm
NAMI Connection Support Group, 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, 6:30-8pm
Transition Age Youth Support Group, 3rd Thursday of each month, 7:30-9pm
Family Support Group, 3rd Friday of each month, 7:30-9pm
Resources



·  Financial Education You Tube VideosAmerica Saves and More

·  Kolmac Integrated Behavior Healthreturning to in person at their Towson and DC locations

·  American Society for Suicide Prevention Conversation Starters - You don’t need special training to have an open, authentic conversation about mental health. Often, just talking about it can be the first important step in staying connected for yourself or someone else and helping get support or treatment if needed.


You are interested in becoming a U.S. Citizen,
Have an honorable or General Under Honorable Conditions Discharge, and
Have a copy of your DD-214
Please contact VNAP to schedule an intake conversation.
Mailing address:
The Veterans Consortium c/o VNAP
2101 L Street NW, Suite 840
Washington DC 20037
Phone: (202) 733-3337
Fax: (202) 628-8169
Email: vnap@vetsprobono.org
 
Financial Education, Literacy and More
·      Financial Literacy Information to include consumer fact sheets on auto repair, home improvements, retail and services, scams and more
·      Cash Campaign of MD – free financial coaching, tax prep and more
·      Making Change – financial education and wellness
·      CCCSMD -Debt Management, Homebuying workshops, credit report review
 
·      Howard County Rec & Parks Active Duty Discounts
Welcome active duty military members and immediate family members. Howard County Recreation & Parks (HCRP) would like to invite you to get to know us better and discover the many programs we have to offer. Whether you’re looking for local recreation opportunities, searching for new fitness classes, or wanting to take on a new hobby —HCRP has you covered!
This June, HCRP is offering you a 10% discount on our 6-month and 12-month memberships to HCRP community and nature centers. To be eligible, please present your active duty military ID when purchasing. On behalf of Howard County Recreation & Parks, thank you for your service.

 
 
 
·      Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park – Check out the calendar for adaptive programs, mountain biking and more.
 
·      Comparing Three Treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Exposure therapy, relaxation training and EMDR are three clinical treatments for PTSD. Some researchers say the exposure therapy is more effective. Read More
 
·      Women Veterans/Inclusion Program - The MDVA Women Veterans/Inclusion Program was established in August 2021 to collaborate with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, state and local governments, and community organizations to coordinate events to raise awareness of the needs of Maryland’s women, minority, and underserved veteran populations. A statewide advisory group has convened to identify resources to support and advocate on behalf of this group of veterans.
 
 
 

Employment Opportunities
  

· US Dept of Labor Veteran and Military Employment - Transition Assistance Program: VETS administers a one-day employment preparation workshop that is mandatory for all transitioning service members, and two optional two-day workshops for career exploration and technical career preparation, or general employment preparation.

Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and Veterans’ Preference (VP) investigations and technical assistance: VETS provides assistance to those persons experiencing service connected problems with their civilian employment and provides information about USERRA to employers. VETS investigates complaints of USERRA violations. VETS also assists veterans who have questions regarding VP and investigates complaints of VP violations.

Jobs for Veterans State Grants (JVSG): The JVSG program provides federal funding to the Maryland Department of Labor to hire dedicated staff to provide individualized career and training-related services to veterans and eligible persons with significant barriers to employment and to assist employers fill their workforce needs with job-seeking veterans. The JVSG team excels at providing job services across all fields. The JVSG is no-cost to employers and jobseekers.
Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program (HVRP): HVRP is an employment focused competitive grant program that focuses exclusively on competitive employment (and training) for homeless veterans.

HIRE Vets Medallion Program: The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the only federal-level veterans’ employment award that recognizes a company or organization’s commitment to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development.


 

· Solar and Sustainable Energy Free Training – Power52 Energy Institute offers No Cost training in the Solar and Renewable Energy Sector towards a career. Our training takes place via a hybrid online / in-person format over 16 weeks and we're centrally located in the heart of Columbia, MD. Please call us today to discuss enrollment for our upcoming cohort which starts Oct. 3 2022 @ 410-777-9677 or visit us online @www.power52.org.
 
· The Veterans Curation Program in Alexandria, VA is currently looking for post-9/11 applicants for their next five-month session beginning May 2, 2022. This paid transition program is part- or full-time and provides transferable skills while veterans work with managers to care for archaeological and archival collections from the US Army Corps of Engineers. Veterans will also receive paid time to work on their resume and cover letter, complete job searches, and work with managers to further their career goals. Applications and FAQs can be found at www.veteranscurationprogram.org Flier

·  Amanda Trice  - Workforce Development Veteran and Military Liaison 
·      Max Outreach - OutreachCoordinator@maximus.com or by phone at 1-800-274-8582 ext 185
Liaison