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New Jersey is home to thousands of veterans who have served our country with heroism. NAMI New Jersey is proud to support outreach and education for veterans and their families. We will raise awareness about veterans mental health needs through the 2012 Celebrating Our Heroes campaign and the Step Forward for Our Heroes Walk on May 12, 2012. 
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 class in Sussex County!
Resources and News for Veterans and Family Members:
New Jersey and the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs
A Chaplain's
Reflections on Combat Experience Offers Insights into Returning
Veterans' Needs
DOD Issues Purple Heart Standards for Brain Injury
By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 28, 2011 - U.S. service members have long been eligible to receive the Purple Heart Medal for the signature wounds of the current wars -– mild traumatic brain injuries and concussions -– but now there is more clarity on how medical criteria for the award are applied, Defense Department officials said yesterday.
The criteria for the Purple Heart award state that the injury must have been caused by enemy action or in action against the enemy and has to be of a degree requiring treatment by a medical officer.
But it may be difficult to determine when a mild traumatic brain injury or a concussive injury that does not result in a loss of consciousness is severe enough to require treatment by a medical officer. "This is why we created this baseline standard," DOD spokeswoman Eileen Lainez said.
DOD allows the award of the Purple Heart even if a service member was not treated by a medical officer, as long as a medical officer certifies that the injury would have required treatment by a medical officer had one been available.
DOD officials said that as the science of traumatic brain injuries becomes better understood, guidance for award of the medal will evolve.
"The services are not able to speculate as to how many service members may have received a mild TBI or concussion but did not seek or receive medical treatment," Lainez said. "Therefore, each military department will establish its retroactive review procedures in the near future to ensure deserving service members are appropriately recognized." Retroactive reviews would cover injuries suffered since Sept. 11, 2001, she added.
The Marine Corps has issued clarifying guidance to ensure commanders in the field understand when the Purple Heart is appropriate for concussions.
Army officials are preparing to issue their guidance and ask soldiers to wait until submission requirements are published through command channels and on the Human Resources Command website at http://www.hrc.army.mil before submitting or resubmitting nominations for the Purple Heart Medal for concussion injuries.
Once the Army publishes its requirements, officials said, soldiers should resubmit requests through their chains of command.
Army veterans should resubmit to the U.S. Army Human Resources Command at: Commander, USA HRC, ATTN: Awards and Decorations Branch (AHRC-PDP-A), 1600 Spearhead Division Ave., Fort Knox, KY 40122. Vets also can call 1-888-276-9472 or email hrc.tagd.awards@conus.army.mil.
ANJC signs covenant to treat veterans of OEF/OIF for free
LONG BRANCH, N.J. -- The Association of New Jersey Chiropractors (ANJC), which represents more than 1,900 chiropractors statewide, recently announced it is teaming with Army OneSource, a U.S. Army community outreach program, and the Army Community Covenant to raise awareness of the unique challenges of military life on our service members and their families, and to address the growing need for accessible health services.
As part of its commitment, the ANJC announced participating member doctors would treat returning veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars for free for a minimum of 60 days. The ANJC made the commitment by signing a community covenant during a special ceremony with military leaders at its spring convention at the Ocean Place Resort & Spa in Long Branch on April 16. Veterans will be able to find a participating chiropractor in their area by visiting www.njchiropractors.com
Guide to VA mental health services
The Department of Veterans Affairs South Central Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (SC MIRECC) has produced a Guide to VA Mental Health Services for veterans and their families. The Guide describes the guiding principles of VA mental health care and different treatment settings and treatments that veterans can expect.
This guide is posted at www.mirecc.va.gov/VISN16 where it can be viewed or downloaded.
In addition, a limited supply of hard copies is available and to receive a complimentary hard copy of the Guide, please email Shane.Russell@va.gov and include your complete postal address.
RecruitMilitary seeking veterans, transitioning service members for job opportunities
RecruitMilitary is currently seeking military veterans and/or transitioning service members for
RecruitMilitary is a veteran-owned firm dedicated to helping veterans and transitioning service members achieve educational, career, business and franchise opportunities through their established relationships with industry associations, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.
Currently they are looking for candidates for several urgent positions within an aviation and aerospace company. The company, which is based in Mississippi, has current open positions for C-12 aircraft mechanics in Arizona, Illinois, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Florida.
For more information about these job opportunities, please contact Mary Beth Miller, communications manager at RecruitMilitary, at 513-683-5020 or visit their Web site at www.recruitmilitary.com.
The VA National Caregiver Support Line opened, February 1, 2011
Caregivers are the family members and loved ones who provide care for Veterans who are living with the effects of war, disability, chronic illness, or aging. They deserve VA’s highest level of support. VA values the sacrifices caregivers make to help Veterans remain at home. Caregivers are the critical link to ensuring Veterans have the highest quality care and optimal wellness. We want all caregivers to feel supported and have trust in VA to assist them in their caregiving roles.
This support line will serve as a resource/referral center for caregivers, Veterans and others seeking caregiver information; provide referrals to local VA Medical Center Caregiver Support Coordinators and VA/community resources; and provide emotional support. It will also be available to respond to inquiries about the new caregiver benefits associated with Public Law 111-163, Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010.
The Caregiver Support Line will provide a “warm” referral service to VA medical center Caregiver Support Coordinators (CSCs) for call backs to caregivers. The CSCs will provide caregivers support, information, education, and referrals to appropriate VA and community resources. Please make sure to find out the name and contact information for the CSC at your VA medical center. The CSC plays a critical role to the successful implementation of the national Caregiver Support Line and caregiver support programming at your medical centers.
The National Caregiver Support Line will be open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
The National Caregiver Support Line Toll-Free number is 1 (855) 260-3274. Please also see VA’s updated caregiver website: www.caregiver.va.gov
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.
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.
Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs Working Together for Mental Health
On Friday, July 2, 2010 the NAMI National Convention hosted a symposium entitled "Veterans and Military Mental Health: Can VA and DoD Move Forward Together?"
Presenters from Department of Defense, Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, and two veterans groups; Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) Disabled American Veterans. (DAV) addressed what mental health care is needed and what is being done for American troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and for other veterans being supported by the Departments of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA).
The symposium can be viewed on CSPAN at http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294359-1
Information on Housing and Mortgages for Veterans: http://www.mortgageloan.com/veterans/
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