WHAT'S NEW? May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year it’s especially important that we equip ourselves to take care of our mental health and help others. Less than half (44%) of U.S. adults with mental health challenges received treatment in 2019, and rates of self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression have jumped significantly during the pandemic. So this month, we’re shedding light on the importance of our mental health and how you can help yourself and others.

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Virtual NC Veterans Coffee | Wednesday, May 26 | 8:30 AM | Virtual

A Walk in the Park | Tuesday, May 25 | 11:00 AM | Meck County Park & Rec Park Cleanups

Wednesday Workout | Wednesday, May 26 | 6:00 AM | Veterans Park CLT

ICYMI Registration for Team RWB's Fort Mill Memorial Day HONOR Run ends May 30 at 11:59pm EDT. Register now!

STAT OF THE WEEK 28%. The rate of food insecurity among female Veterans in comparison to the general U.S. population.

VETERAN SPOTLIGHT Meet Ben Reed, academic advisor at Central Piedmont Community College. Ben served three years in the U.S. Army as an 11x infantryman, earning the rank of of E-4. During his enlistment, Ben deployed in support of Operation Bright Star in Egypt and Operation Desert Thunder in the Persian Gulf region. Reed's favorite movie is JFK.

Do you know of an awesome Veteran to spotlight? Let them know and have them submit this form!

EVENT HIGHLIGHT Join Team RWB for this overnight camping event. If you missed this event in October here’s your chance to join as they share an evening under the stars while sharing stories around the campfire. There is a $15 charge to participate. Dogs and children welcome. Sat, May 29, 2021 3:00 PM - 11:55 PM. Register here

Military Veteran Teaches Kids to Code Through Video Games Boys and girls ages 7-14 learn to code in a fun, safe, and social learning environment at Code Ninjas, where STEM and gaming are encouraged and rewarded. Rylan Clark, a military veteran and cancer survivor...READ MORE

Doctors Harness the Power of Human Connections Social medicine programs, which often encourage patients to engage with other people, can help address dementia, isolation and more....READ MORE

Compassionate Contact Corps Provides Social Support for Veterans The Compassionate Contact Corps is a pre-clinical social prescription program. It offers social support to Veterans who are experiencing loneliness or are socially isolated. The virtual program allows volunteers to connect with Veterans in rural areas and, sometimes, across the country. READ MORE

WEEKLY POLL

LAST WEEK'S POLL RESULTS The correct answer was The National Defense Act of 1916. Did you answer correctly?

Wednesday Workout | Wednesday, May 26 | 6:00 AM | Veterans Park CLT |

Coffee and Conversation | Wednesday, May 26 | 9:00 AM | The Caswell County Senior Center- Yanceyville, NC

Lunch and Conversation | Wednesday, June 2 | 10:00 AM | Golden Corral- Burlington, NC

Atrium needs your help supporting mass vaccination events located at Bank of America Stadium. Shifts are every Tue/Wed & Sat/Sun. Click here to sign up!

Have you heard about the VBH Battle Buddy Program yet? You can learn all about it and sign up here!

Don't miss out on volunteer opportunities! Subscribe to our volunteer distribution list here.

Multiple Positions | JW Marriott Charlotte | Apply

General Contractor Positions | Andrew Roby | Apply

TSO | Charlotte Douglas Airport | Apply

Advisor | Equitable | Apply

Multiple Positions | Salvation Army | View

Outcome Specialist | CLC View

General Construction | SSU | View

Cybersecurity Workforce training/positions | UNC-Charlotte | Contact

Multiple Positions | Service Source | Apply

Advisor | Equitable | Apply

Retirement Benefit Group Advisor | Equitable | Apply

Cybersecurity Workforce training/positions | UNC-Charlotte | Contact

EMPLOYMENT NEWSLETTER Want more? The Charlotte Area Veterans Employment newsletter is for you. You can view this week's here.

2363 Total Services

750 Total Veterans Served

SERVICES NEWSLETTER Want more? Check out the Services Newsletter here.

BECOME A PATHFINDER OR BRIDGEBUILDER Are you interested in financially supporting Veterans Bridge Home? For only $20 a month you can become a VBH Pathfinder and assist a veteran family in need and if you donate $1,000 or more you can become a member of the 2020 VBH Bridge Builders Society. Click here to donate.