Michael Swayze's Community Resources Blog » veterans

New Jersey Veterans Resource Manual Published

Michael Swayze — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:52:12 +0000

The New Jersey chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, NASW-NJ, has published a “New Jersey Veterans Resource Manual for Social Workers”. It reads well and is a comprehensive guide for a veteran or their family members. Social workers should bookmark the guide.

In the 23 page guide are links to many agencies, programs, and services. You will find resources for service members and their family, support for families during military separation, information for those transitioning out of the military, addresses of veteran offices, clinic, and family assistance centers. Many other supportive services are listed as well.

You will find this valuable resource manual on the NASW-NJ homepage or by going to their page at http://www.naswnj.org/associations/5560/files/VetsManual-FINAL-%2008-2010.pdf . To the authors, yes this guide does make the process simpler so our clients can be connected to the services they deserve. Thanks.

Help For Homeless Veterans: HUD Announces New Funding

Michael Swayze — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 22:55:44 +0000

Today is Independence Day, a national holiday, a day we celebrate with family and friends at barbecues, at the beach, watching fireworks. It’s also a day we pay tribute to the members of our armed forces and their families. Earlier today First Lady Michelle Obama issued a message. In it she stated the following, which is worth repeating here.

“Our military families are tested each day. Multiple and extended deployments mean that children often don’t see their moms or dads for long periods of time. Civilian spouses juggle the demands of work and family without their partners for long stretches of time. Family members serve as primary care givers for our wounded warriors, and too many families bear the heartbreaking reality of moving forward with their lives while keeping the memory of our fallen heroes alive. Through it all, military families contribute countless hours to supporting other military families, being role models to our children, and making communities stronger. A small percentage of Americans fight our wars, but we need 100 percent of Americans to support these brave men and women and their families back home.”

Last month the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that nearly 8000 homeless veterans will get permanent housing through the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH). New Jersey vets and their families are expected to receive 150 HUD-VASH vouchers. Eligibility screening for the program occurs at designated VA Medical Centers and within designated Service Areas (Camden, Jersey City, Paterson, Newark, Trenton, and Elizabeth). Eligible veterans are provided supportive services and case management as well as being referred to a participating public housing authority for their rent subsidy voucher.

The VA Medical Centers involved in this HUD-VASH voucher allocation are located at:

East Orange – VA Medical Center
385 Tremont Avenue
East Orange, NJ 07018
973-676-1000

Lyons – VA Medical Center
151 Knollcroft Road
Lyons, NJ 07939
908-647-0180
Service areas includes: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, Warren

Philadelphia – VA Medical Center
3900 Woodland Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-823-5800
Service area includes: Burlington, Camden, Gloucester

Wilmington – VA Medical Center
1601 Kirkwood Highway
Wilmington, DE 19805
302-994-2511 or 800-461-8262
Service area includes: Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Salem

If you know of a veteran who may qualify for the HUD-VASH program they should contact their local VA Medical Center. Or to connect to a trained VA staff person call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans hotline at 877-4AID VET (877-424-3838). For other useful New Jersey contact information see HUD press release or visit the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs website.

Veteran and Spouse Career Fair – Teaneck Armory – December 1

Michael Swayze — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:22:36 +0000

A few days ago I received an email from the G.I. Go Fund, announcing a Veteran and Spouse Career Fair. It will be held at the Teaneck Armory, 1779 Teaneck Road in Teaneck, New Jersey on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 from 10am – 2pm.

Veterans and family members can register online by going to
http://gigofund.org/exposignup.html and filling out the registration form. For additional information contact Alex Manis at the G.I. Go Veterans Transition Center of Newark, 973-802-1614 (phone) or 732-377-8032 (fax).

Veterans Job Fair in Atlantic City – August 16 and 17

Michael Swayze — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 11:51:21 +0000

Less than two months ago New Jersey welcomed back from Iraq the National Guard’s 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team with a parade in Trenton and accompanying political hoopla. Little did some of our servicemen and women know that the world had changed during the 10 months spent thousands of miles away from their friends and families. Too many are now looking for a job since jobs have been erased in their absence.

A Veteran Career/Education/Service Expo, hosted by the state of New Jersey and The G.I. Go Fund, will be held on Sunday, August 16th from 9am – 5pm and Monday, August 17th from 8am – 11:50am at the Atlantic City Convention Center, 1 Convention Boulevard, Atlantic City.

The state is hosting the job fair for the almost 3000 New Jersey National Guard members (August 16) and for all other veterans (August 17). All employers, veteran organizations, college/trade schools, social service providers, and other organizations or agencies that benefit veterans are invited to attend. There is no charges or fees.

An exhibitor registration form is available online or by printing the form on the G.I. Go Fund website. It can be faxed to them at 732-377-8032 or via email to Alex Manis at manis@gigofund.org. For more information call their Veterans Transition Center at 973-802-1614.

To assist returning Guard members, other online resources include:
NJ Civil Service Commission Job Announcements, a listing of other job fairs, plus the location listing for employment service offices at the state’s One Stop Career Centers. Feel free to add your comments or other available resources.