VETERANS SUPPORT

Recent studies tell us that nearly a third of veterans who seek care through Veterans Administration (VA) health centers receive mental health diagnoses. With more and more soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with mental health concerns, NAMI recognizes the need for increased services for veterans and their families. Whether you are looking for information on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, mental illness, or how to obtain Veterans Administration (VA) benefits, NAMI's Veterans Resources Center provides an extensive list of sites online where you can find that information.

New Jersey Veteran Helpline
Contact the New Jersey Veteran Helpline to speak to a Veteran peer counselor, Veteran volunteer, or Professional counselor who understands what you're going through and is ready to help. The free, confidential helpline is staffed 24 hours a day/7 days a week so you call when it's right for you.

Call 1-866-VETS-NJ-4 (1-866-838-7654); E-mail: VetsNJ4U@umdnj.edu;
Website: http://www.njveteranshelpline.org

NAMI Education Program for Families of Mentally Ill Veterans

The Veterans Health Administration and the National Alliance on Mental Illness have teamed to provide the NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program for families of veterans with mental illness. The Family-to-Family Education Program (FFEP) is a free 12-week course for family caregivers of individuals with mental illness and is now being offered at VA New Jersey Health Care System locations.

The course includes: Current information about schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and co-occurring brain disorders and addictive disorders; current research and treatments to promote recovery; up-to-date information about medications, side effects, and strategies for medication adherence; gaining empathy for a person with mental illness; learning skills for handling crisis and relapse; coping with care giver worry, stress, and emotional overload; and guidance on locating and advocating for appropriate supports and services for your family.

NAMI New Jersey and VA New Jersey Health Care System are accepting family members of veterans for the class at the Lyons Campus. Classes will be from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings. For information on next class start date/sign up contact Mike at (734) 380-9400 Ext 3618.

Upcoming events:

 Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) Veterans Outreach Campaign

The DMAVA Veterans Outreach Campaign has kiosk displays at malls throughout the state and other special events to help veterans and their family members discover and apply for the benefits they are eligible to receive.

** Outreach events only

Other Information:

 Post extends invitation to Jewish war veterans

An invitation is extended to any Soldier or Airman of the Jewish faith to join the Specialist Marc Seiden Post 444 of the Jewish War Veterans. The veterans meet on the third Thursday of the month at the Twin Rivers library located in East Windsor, N.J. Spc. Seiden was a resident of Twin Rivers and the first Jewish soldier to die in the Iraq War. The post was renamed last April in his honor. Post 444 covers Mercer County and some of the surrounding areas. Anyone interested in joining this post or a similar post should contact Larry Rosenthal Larry.S.Rosenthal@us.army.mil, LSR1950@hotmail.com, or 609-888-0646.

Other useful resources for Veterans:

New Jersey and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

A Chaplain's Reflections on Combat Experience Offers Insights into Returning Veterans' Needs

Vet Career Connect helps military members find jobs

Vet Career Connect is a program designed to connect military service members with New Jersey employers. Vet Career Connect matches veteran's specific abilities, drives and interests with jobs requiring those specific abilities. Participants complete a Caliper Profile, which is an on-line self assessment. They will receive an Individual Developmental Guide outlining personal motivators and areas of developmental opportunity. Participants will then have the opportunity to place the results of the Caliper Profile, their resume and military achievements onto a database which will be viewed by New Jersey-based companies who have indicated a strong interest in employing veterans.

Vet Career Connect program is available at no cost to service members. In order to participate in this program, or if you have additional questions please email or call Barbara Foos, Project Administrator, at 609-524-1228 or bfoos@calipercorp.com.

Battlemind supports Soldiers, families through deployment cycle

Battlemind is a term used to describe combat readiness. The first Battlemind product was a mental health post-deployment briefing. It quickly became a training system supporting Soldiers and families across the seven phases of the deployment cycle. The Battlemind system includes separate pre-deployment training modules for Soldiers, unit leaders, health-care providers and spouses. Psychological debriefings are given in theater and upon redeployment. There is also a post-deployment module for spouses and several post-deployment modules for Soldiers. Pre-deployment Battlemind tells Soldiers what they are likely to see, to hear, to think and to feel while deployed - by describing the worst-case scenario. Post-deployment Battlemind addresses safety concerns, relationship issues, normalized combat-related mental health reactions and symptoms -- along with teaching Soldiers when they should seek mental health support for themselves or for their buddies. All of the Battlemind products (training modules, brochures, debriefings and videos are available on the Web site, www.battlemind.army.mil.

 Morris County offers program for military families

Family Service of Morris County in partnership with the Family Programs Office, New Jersey, would like to announce its Military Families Outreach Program. Based on a community effort, the Military Families Outreach Program strives to support Morris County military personnel and their families, including extended families, pre-deployment, during deployment and post-deployment.

We realize the pressures and problems that may occur when a family member is called to duty, and we want to assist with any services that you may need to ensure quality of life. Social services, support services and mental health services are some of the resources that will be available to Morris County residents. All services offered in this program are free of charge to you and your family and are bound by the highest consideration for complete confidentiality.

For more information about the Military Services Outreach Program, contact Wendy Parrinello, Military Families Outreach Case Manager at wparrinello@fsmc.org or call 973-538-5260, extension 326. You can also contact Tammy Rosenthal, Director of child and Adolescent Services at trosenthal@fsmc.org or 973-538-5260. We are privileged to work with you who have given so much for your country!

 Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) VSO Outreach on Monmouth University Campus

DMAVA Veterans Service Officer Donald McNamara is now doing outreach work at Monmouth University on the third Tuesday of each month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. He will be there to provide assistance to veterans and their families, helping them to apply for the benefits for which they are eligible to receive.

 Army improves access to behavioral health services

Since the fall of 2007, the Army has added more than 190 contract behavioral-health providers to work on its installations. Additional help will come from Public Health Service providers detailed to work at military installations. There are an additional 93 social workers now employed by the Warrior Transition Units. Across the Army, there are over 2000 providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric technicians, drug and alcohol counselors and marriage and family therapists. The Army is reminding Soldiers and their Families of the many available mental health and wellbeing programs to assist them with stress.

The Department of Defense this year established the Defense Center of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, led by Army BG Loree Sutton. This organization will pool expertise for treatment, education and research on these issues.

A wealth of information is available at http://www.behavioralhealth.army.mil

On Aug. 5, 2008 the Army launched Afterdeployment.org as a Behavioral Health Self-Help tool for veterans.
Check out Afterdeployment.org a new wellness resource site developed by DoD and VA Service Members, Veterans, and Military Families. If you've deployed, or know someone who has, you know that spending time in a war zone means being changed in some way. Some of these changes are good. But some of these changes may be causing problems for you or for someone you know. Having problems after a deployment is normal.

Retirees can call toll free to Military One Source (1-800- 342-9647) for help, including referral for behavioral health counseling.

 VA accepting on-line claims applications

WASHINGTON - The VA is accepting on-line applications from veterans, survivors and other claimants filing initial applications for disability compensation, pension, education, and vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits without the additional requirement to submit a signed paper copy of the application.
VA is processing applications received through its on-line application website (VONAPP) http://www.va. gov/onlineapps.htm without the claimant's signature. The electronic application is sufficient authentication of the claimant's application for benefits. Normal development procedures and rules of evidence will still apply to all VONAPP applications.

VONAPP benefits both internal and external users. Those seeking compensation, pension, education, or vocational rehabilitation benefits can apply electronically without the constraints of location, postage cost, and time delays in mail delivery. VONAPP reduces the number of incomplete applications received by VA, decreasing the need for additional development by VA claims processors. The on-line application also provides a link to apply for VA health care benefits. For information about VA benefits, go to http://www.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000.

 DoD develops compensation and benefits handbook

DoD announced today it has developed a comprehensive handbook describing compensation and other benefits service members and their families would be entitled to upon separation or retirement as a result of serious injury or illness.

"The Compensation and Benefits Handbook is the one source of information that covers everything a seriously ill and injured service member will need during his or her recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration," said Ronald A. Winter, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs.

The handbook was compiled in cooperation with the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and the Social Security Administration. Additionally; there are references to assistance provided by other governmental and non-governmental agencies and organizations.

"The handbook describes the disability eligibility process, various program qualifications, application procedures, and numerous resources with associated contact information," said Sharon Gunselman, policy and resource analyst for the Department of Defense.

Web sites and toll-free numbers are provided, and the electronic version includes hyperlinks. The electronic version of the handbook will be updated frequently and the hard copy of the compensation and benefits handbook will be updated annually.

The electronic version of the handbook can be found on the five Web sites listed below:
http://turbotap.org
https://www.nko.navy.mil
http://www.npc.navy.mil
https://www.aw2.army.mil
https://www.my.af.mil/gcss-af/USAF/AFP40/d/1073755231/Files/C&BHandbook

 Helmets to Hardhats

The New Jersey State Building and Construction Trades Council's Helmets to Hardhats Program (NJ H2H) is designed to help transitioning military personnel, National Guardsmen and Reservists find the careers in the building and construction industry. The program seeks to help military members find a career in one of 15 affiliated trades, such as electrical workers, carpenters and painters.

They work in cooperation with the national Helmets to Hardhats program, adding a personal component to the program's on-line services. NJ H2H offers veterans preparation for successful application to any of New Jersey's registered apprenticeship programs in the building and construction trades. Services include career counseling, entrance test preparation and referral to supportive services.

For program registration and information, visit online at www.njbctc.org/h2h or contact at 732-499-7295 or at H2H@njbctc.org.

 Military Pathways

Military Pathways™ has launched a brand new online screening tool with a new look and feel that allows service members and their families the opportunity to assess their mental wellbeing anonymously and to identify symptoms linked with mental health disorders before a problem becomes serious. Failure to recognize depression and other mental health issues such as PTSD can have devastating consequences, underscoring the importance of detecting these disorders early. This is where online screenings can help.

Military Pathways'™ online screening, funded by the Department of Defense, is available 24/7 and includes free, anonymous self-assessments for depression, alcohol problems, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. In addition to detecting an individual's potential risk and their need for further evaluation, the new online tool offers advanced options that provide users with specific resources in their communities as well as enhanced learning materials and resources.

http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/military/index.aspx

 Military OneSource

Military One Source is a free 24/7 information and referral service available by toll-free telephone and the Web to active duty, Guard, and Reserve (regardless of activation status) members and their families. The program is especially helpful to those who live at a distance from installation services or who can't easily seek assistance during traditional working hours. Their goal is to improve the quality of life of military families and the overall effectiveness of the military community.

Support includes personalized consultations on issues such as deployment, relocation, parenting, education, special needs, and finances, as well as customized research describing community resources and appropriate military referrals. They also offer personalized online and telephonic health coaching for stress management, weight loss, and cardiovascular health; and a program for teens that provides health coaching to support weight management.

Military OneSource also provides referrals for face-to-face counseling (up to twelve sessions per issue) in the local community to service members and their families. These free non-medical, short-term, solution-focused sessions focus on issues such as normal reactions to abnormal situations (e.g. combat), couples concerns, work/life balance, grief and loss, adjustment to deployment, stress management, and parenting. Face-to-face referrals are available in the Continental United States as well as Hawaii, Alaska, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Face-to-face personal financial counseling sessions are also available.

Military OneSource is provided by the Department of Defense at no cost to active duty, Guard, and Reserve (regardless of activation status) and their families. It is a virtual extension of installation services. Visit Military OneSource today at www.militaryonesource.com or call 1-800-342-9647.

 Project Stars launched - new program women veterans

A new program was launched in October 2009 for female veterans and service women as they return to New Jersey following deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan called Project Stars. Located in the Women's Rights Information Center, 108 West Palisade Avenue, Englewood, the program is designed to address the unique needs of women veterans as they return from active duty. The three primary areas of focus will be academic, career services and legal assistance.

Project Stars offers free training and services. Some of the programs available include:

• Office technology computer training programs - earn a Microsoft Office Specialist certification
• Daytime classes at Farleigh Dickinson University, Hackensack campus, technology center or the evening classes at the Women's center
• Meet with college Director of Veterans Services to learn about Yellow Ribbon program and how the program can pay for your college education
• Job advice, interviewing skills and more with the career Counselors
• Free, private consultation with an attorney from Women Lawyers in Bergen to receive support counseling and confidential referrals to non-military specialists for advice on marital law, child custody rights or other family issues or personal concerns.

Visit www.womensrights.org or call 201-568-1166 for more information.

 Monmouth University Has New Office of Veteran Services

The Office of Veteran Services has recently opened as part of the Division of Student Services. Robert Lowry, an MSW and an MBA graduate from Monmouth University, has been appointed Coordinator of Veteran Services and Special Projects. Bob began his assignment on March 1st.

The Office of Veteran Services is located in Room 33 off the first floor student lounge of the Stafford Student Center. This office will be a one-stop point of contact for all of our veteran students, active duty and reserve personnel, and dependents of military personnel. Bob will provide assistance, advocacy, and mentoring as well as advising our newly formed Monmouth University Veterans Association. He will also assist in other projects within the Division of Student Services.

News and Information for Veterans:

 VA Announces Expansion of Counseling for Combat Veterans: Additional 28 New Community Vet Centers

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that combat Veterans will receive readjustment counseling and other assistance in 28 additional communities across the country where the VA will establish Vet Centers in 2010. The community-based Vet Centers -- already in all 50 states -- are a key component of VA’s mental health program, providing Veterans with mental health screening and post-traumatic stress disorder counseling.

Press release: http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1744

VA’s Suicide Prevention Program Adds Chat Service New Service Expands Online Access for Veterans

The Suicide Prevention campaign of the VA is expanding its outreach to all Veterans by piloting an online, one-to-one “chat service” for Veterans who prefer reaching out for assistance using the Internet. Called “Veterans Chat,” the new service enables Veterans, their families and friends to go online where they can anonymously chat with a trained VA counselor.

Press Release: http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1757

 Iraq Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)

Community of Veterans.ORG A joint effort of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) and the Ad Council, this site is designed as a resource to our nation's newest Veterans. Comprising less than 1 percent of the population, Veterans face a myriad of challenges while feeling isolated and cut off from those to whom they can best relate - other Veterans. While addressing a range of topics, this site is ultimately a point of connection where Veterans are helping Veterans. http://communityofveterans.org

There is a companion site for families, friends wanting to help and support at: http://supportyourvet.org

IAVA
Founded in 2004, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is the nation's first and largest group representing veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. IAVA is a non-profit and nonpartisan organization with more than 125,000 active veteran members and grassroots supporters in all 50 states. For more information, visit http://iava.org/

 VA offers assistance to vets with subprime mortgages

Veterans with conventional home loans now have new options for refinancing to a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) guaranteed home loan. These new options are available as a result of the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2008. It will allow the VA to assist a substantial number of veterans with subprime mortgages by refinancing into a safer, more affordable VA guaranteed loan. As a result of the new law, VA can now assist veterans in refinancing their subprime or conventional mortgage up to 100 percent of the value of the property. These loans were previously limited to 90 percent of the value. For more information please visit http://www.homeloans.va.gov or http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov.

 American Legion offers scholarships, booklet on their Web site

The American Legion has scholarship information on their Web site - www.legion.org - including the 152-page booklet, Need a Lift, which is a complete financial aid reference guide for veterans, family members and the American Legion family. When you get on the site, click on "Scholarship Information" in the "Useful Links" block.

 Web site provides support to separating military members

TurboTAP (Transition Assistance Program) is an easy to use, interactive Web portal that provides life-long support to separating military service members (Active Duty, Guard and Reserve) and their families. It is a single source starting point for accessing key resources available for service members transitioning out of the military at any point in their military career. Resources include Department of Defense, Department of Labor, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Education, Small Business Administration, the National Veterans Corporation and the National Guard Bureau. For more information go to www.TurboTAP.org or email TAPHelp@military-inc.com.

 Improved, single access Web site now open for Wounded Warriors, families

WASHINGTON (Feb. 25, 2010) - The federal departments of Veterans Affairs, Labor and Defense unveiled today an improved Web site for wounded warriors.

"VA is committed to tapping into the full powers of the Internet to provide accurate, timely, easy to find and easy to understand information that improves the lives of Veterans, service members, their families and all who care for them," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.

The National Resource Directory is a comprehensive, free, online tool for wounded, ill and injured service members, Veterans and their families. Visitors to the site can find an extensive range of information about Veterans' benefits, including disability and pension benefits, VA health care and educational opportunities. The site also provides information for those who care for Veterans, such as access to emotional, financial and community assistance.

The Web site has been enhanced to provide a single point of access to a wealth of information from more than 10,000 sites by federal, state and local governments and organizations offering services for wounded warriors.

"This online directory is an invaluable resource for those involved in helping service members and Veterans," Shinseki said. "Reliable information about government and private-sector programs can be a priceless tool."

A recent addition to the Web site is a specialized section where users can find help for homeless Veterans. These resources will help end Veteran homelessness over the next five years. The new design will help visitors find needed resources easily. Other enhancements include a fast, accurate search engine; a "bookmark and share" capability that allows users to share valuable resources on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites; and a news feature with updates on relevant information and events. Resources are added daily.

Visit the site at www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov.

To access the New Jersey Resource Directory Page directly, visit: http://www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov/state/new_jersey?go.y=13&go.x=16

 Monmouth University looking for volunteers for veterans program

Monmouth University is looking for volunteers to help launch its Yellow Ribbon Mentorship Program to help student-veterans as they pursue their degrees at the West Long Branch university. Paul Gaffney, the university president a retired U.S. Navy vice admiral, said he envisions the mentorship program as an extra benefit to students who are attending the school using the Post- 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. Although the tuition assistance provided under the act is substantial, Gaffney wants the university to also be able to respond to all of the needs of their student-veterans. The volunteers could assist university staff with needs such as job networking, fellowship, and family help.

Gaffney believes students who have served in the military would benefit from having mentors who are veterans. If you live in the general vicinity of Monmouth University, and are interested in volunteering or finding out more…please contact program coordinator Jose Siandre at Jose.Siandre@glacialenergy.com.

 Always A Soldier

Sergeant First Class Ray Davis was preparing for what he thought was the end of his military career five years ago. After 20 years of service, Davis was at his last duty station in Fort Knox, KY preparing for life as a civilian when the Army came calling again.

Through the US Army Materiel Command’s (AMC) Always a Soldier Program, Davis was recruited to work for the Software Engineering Center’s Software Assurance Division at Fort Monmouth, NJ.

Always a Soldier is an AMC-based employment initiative for disabled Soldiers who have completed their service to the Nation in uniform but wish to stay in the fight through employment at AMC.

“The program’s goal is to provide Veterans with opportunities for career advancement, job mobility, family well-being and greater financial security while continuing to support their fellow Warfighters,” said Debra Coleman, Program Manager. “By providing job opportunities for these Veterans, AMC gains a dedicated employee who is already familiar with the military; someone with practical, hands-on experience along with the discipline and work ethic that were instilled in them throughout their military training.”

From Davis’ perspective, the program has allowed him to come full circle with his career. “I started fresh out of high school as a private and loved every moment of being a Soldier. Instead of having the typical clear beginning and end, I now see my Army career as a continuous circle, and this is just another phase.”

“It is a ‘win-win’ for the Veteran and the Army. The program allows for a rewarding civilian career experience that capitalizes on the unique qualifications and work experience of our priority customer…the Soldier,” said Davis.

For more information about the Always a Soldier Program or to refer a disabled Veteran to apply, visit www.amc.army.mil/alwaysasoldier or call 703-806-8140.
 
   

NAMI NEW JERSEY is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families who are affected by mental illness.