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News for Howard County Veterans and Military Families
30 January 2024
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Important December dates to recognize
· Feb. 3 - Chaplains Day (February 3, 1943)
· Feb. 14 - Valentine’s Day; Ash Wednesday
· Feb. 12 -16 - National Salute to Veteran Patients (VAMHCS, DC VAMC)
· Feb. 19 - President’s Day
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Reveille Grounds: A Veteran & Community Impact Hub
Reveille Grounds is proud to announce that our first-of-its-kind Veteran & Community Impact Hub is open and operating! Born out of the Baltimore Military Muster that launched in 2017, we are proud to have scaled our monthly meet-up style event into a physical location focusing on connecting people, convening resources, and curating opportunities that allow military-connected individuals and families - AND the communities we expect them to transition into - to THRIVE. We're constantly bringing in new partner organizations and services, and we're proudly committed to this mission and gathering place belonging to us all! For your first entrypoint to our growing ecosystem, we recommend these initial touchpoints:
- Our doors are open at 1401 Severn Street, Suite C250; Baltimore, MD 21230 Monday-Friday from 8:30am-5:30pm! Coworking is FREE until February 28, 2024
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Our monthly Military Muster takes place on the 2nd Wednesday at 6:30pm. Please plan to join us on February 14th for a decadent Valentine's Day Dessert Bar and missions moments hosted by Blue Star Families, the VA General Caregiver Support Program, The 231st Transportation Trucking Battalion, VetWorkS, and the VA National Minority Veteran Program: https://www.reveillegrounds.com/upcoming
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Reveille is open to ALL, regardless of affiliation. In order to expand our reach, though, we've launched Maryland's Civil-Military Network: https://mdcivmilnetwork.com/. Feel free to add your business, entity, or nonprofit and help us ensure an any-door approach to building stronger veterans, thriving communities, and an enduring legacy of service throughout Maryland!
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Moving Forward After Suicide Loss
The loss of someone you love from suicide can be devastating. But there are ways to navigate the shock, confusion, and despair and begin the healing process.
1st Monday of the month
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HCPSS Military-Connected Military Family Nite - Jan 30
Military families are invited to Bellows Spring Elementary School on Tuesday, January 30 from 5:30-6:30pm to learn about educational and community resources for our veteran and military families. Howard County Office of Veterans and Military Families and Office of Children and Families will share services available and the latest on Purple Star School designation. The school liaison officer from Fort Meade will provide an overview of the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3). 8125 Old Stockbridge Dr, Ellicott City. RSVP at MilFamNite or just show up!
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Ask the Question:
Have You or a Family Member Ever Served in the Military?
One of three priority areas for the Governor’s Challenge is to identify service members, veterans and their families and screen for suicide risk.
A toolkit for governments, providers, and businesses is now available. This toolkit provides information on why it is important to screen for military service, how to ask the question, and what to do when a service member, veteran, or family member indicates their connection to the military. The toolkit contains a script, resources, and other materials for implementing “Ask The Question” campaigns within their organizations.
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Access more than 250 military culture educational products for healthcare providers, Veterans, employers, military family members, caregivers, and more.
Help transform the way our nation engages with the military and Veteran community through the power of education and training with over 250 free courses.
- 15 Things Veterans Want You to Know
- Networking for Military Spouses
- 15Things Military Kids Want You to Know
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Important Dates and Events
Now – Submit content for Veteran and Military Spouse Owned Small Business Directory if you would like to be listed.
January 30 – Howard County Military Connected Family Nite, 5:30-6:30pm at Bellows Springs ES. We would like to invite our military connected families to a special event to network and learn about the educational resources and supports available to military families. The school liaison officer from Fort Meade will share resources and information and give an overview of the MIC3 law (Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission).
If you have any questions about this event you may reach out to Eric Soskil, Leadership Intern @ Bellows Spring Elementary. esoskil@hcpss.org or 410-313-5057.
February 1 - Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families Monthly Meeting, 7-8:30pm (hybrid). Email veterans@howardcountymd.gov for more info.
February 5 (Mondays) – Virtual Parent Support Group, 6-7pm. Veteran and military parents with children ages 3-11 are welcome. Unlock the secrets of effective parenting with our 5-week program featuring the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) method for parent-child conflict resolution which is a non-punitive and non-adversarial evidence-based treatment that empowers children and caregivers to solve problems together. The CPS model is built on the idea that challenging behavior arises when expectations surpass a child's capacity to respond adaptively. Some kids may lack the skills to handle certain demands and expectations. In this group, you'll learn how to apply the CPS approach in your family, fostering a positive environment and improving your child's behavior.
To register for the group, please reach out to the Cohen Clinic at Easterseals at info.mfc@eseal.org or (240) 847-7500
Mental Health First Aid Discusses:
• Common signs and symptoms of mental illness and substance use in adults
• How to interact with an adult in a non-crisis and crisis situation
• How to provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and connect them to appropriate care
• The Mental Health First Aid Action Plan for panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, non-suicidal self-injury, reaction to a traumatic event, and substance abuse
• Includes a self-paced online course to be completed before the instructor-led class. The online course will be the foundation for the skills
practiced in class. FREE
March 22 – Annual Suicide Prevention 5K event, Light the Night. Oakland Mills HS, tentatively from 5:30pm (vendor arrival)-8:30pm (event end time). Save the Date.
April 7 - Sunday Welcome Home Gilchrist Vietnam Veterans Celebration, Martins West, 11:30 am. Reserve: kmcdonnell@gilchristcares.org,; 443-849-8337; free of charge to Vietnam and Vietnam Era Veterans. Hot lunch provided.
Recurring Programs:
Writing workshop for healthcare workers that blends poetry, community, and the science of resilience. Every Tuesday, 7 PM EDT
Creative writing workshop where you can put your personal stories on paper in a supportive environment. 3rd Thursday, 7 PM EDT
Virtual Toastmasters for Veterans and Military Communities 2nd Tuesdays at 7pm & 4th Saturdays of every month at 11:30 am. Please register with Bernadette Garrett at tmspeakerleaderdtm20@gmail.com
Now – Honor Flights Maryland seeking WWII, Korean and Vietnam Veterans who may be interested in visiting DC Memorials next year, volunteers and guardians to help!
Now - Howard County Fallen Heroes Tribute. To honor Howard County residents who died while in service to our country, the Office of Veteran and Military Families is proud to announce the creation of the Fallen Heroes Tribute page.
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Resources
Behavioral Health Administration’s Online Training Portal: Hosted by the Maryland Department of Health's Behavioral Health Administration, this portal provides online training in the area of behavioral health. This portal offers a self-paced opportunity for behavioral health professionals, peers, and family members to engage in and learn about various topics, such as substance-related disorders; mental health; suicide prevention; children, adolescents, older adults, and clinical interventions; and cultural and linguistic competency. Registration also allows you to earn continuing education credit. Explore Online Training
Memory Guide for Veterans - This resource goes over dementia in detail and shares treatment options as well as available VA programs and resources.
Also included are:
Project Hero – From building and donating adaptive bikes and producing cycling events throughout the nation to supporting community-based rehabilitation and recovery programs and important medical and clinical research, Project Hero is raising awareness of the national PTSD mental health crisis and making a difference in the lives of thousands of Veterans and First Responders, as well as their families and communities. Our programs have helped more than 10,000 Veterans and First Responders through cycling-based programs and other events since 2008. Project Hero participants record elimination of and decreases in use of prescription drugs of as much as 65 percent, greater injury recovery rates, improved sleep habits and overall improvement in daily life functions.MD Chapter: Walter Reed NMMC Bethesda, Md, Ray Clark
Department of Housing and Community Development
Applications Now Being Accepted for MIHU January Open Enrollment Period
Our Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is now accepting applications for its Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program January open enrollment period. Held quarterly, DHCD’s MIHU is an inclusionary zoning program that offers quality new homes at reduced sale prices and rents to income eligible families.
To purchase an MIHU home, individuals must apply to DHCD during an open enrollment period to be placed in the database. Applicants with a combined annual household income of a minimum of $55,000 are eligible to apply; applicants who do not meet this minimum amount are not eligible for this program. Additionally, applicants must meet credit score requirements and household income must be sufficient to qualify for a mortgage based on industry standards (click HERE for more information).
Sale prices for available MIHU homes, currently range from $244,300 for a new condominium to $370,000 for a new townhouse. Actual sale prices may vary depending on the size and amenities of the unit. More details regarding our MIHU homeownership program are available HERE or contact DHCD at 410-313-6318 (select option two) or email housing@howardcountymd.gov.
To rent an MIHU unit, a qualified applicant’s household income may not exceed 60 percent of the Howard County median income (click HERE for more information). MIHUs are rented on a first-come, first-served basis, are interspersed throughout each community and residents enjoy the same amenities of community life as market rate tenants. Visit DHCD’s MIHU rental website for more information.
MIHU homeownership applications are now available online and completed applications can be either submitted online, mailed to 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224, Columbia, MD, 21046, or dropped off at DHCD’s Patuxent Woods Drive office by appointment only. Applications are being accepted through 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 31st.
Tobacco Cessation - The Triple Track program is designed to help people deal with their addiction to tobacco and nicotine. The comprehensive program approaches the problem on three levels: biological, psychological, and social/interpersonal. What distinguishes Triple Track from other smoking cessation programs is the use of clinical interventions that have been effective in the treatment of other substance use disorders.
Our program provides two types of intervention, both in an online setting:
- A formal treatment program for people who are committed to quitting their use entirely or transitioning to a less harmful use of nicotine. The treatment includes the prescription of medication as well as individual and group psychotherapy. All patients are seen by our medical director, Dr. George Kolodner, who is an addiction psychiatrist with 50 years of clinical experience. All patients are evaluated within 24 hours of contact and can enter treatment immediately if desired.
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A discussion group for people who have concerns about their use of tobacco and nicotine but are not yet ready to commit to receiving treatment. The specifics of their concerns are explored, and their questions answered by Dr. Kolodner. There is no charge for the virtual group, which meets on Zoom weekly on Tuesdays from 4 PM to 5 PM.
- Triple Track is in network with the following insurance companies:
● Aetna
● CareFirst
● Cigna/Evernorth
● United/Optum
● Johns Hopkins/EHP
● Self-Pay options available
Veteran History Project - The Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress collects, preserves and makes accessible the firsthand recollections of U.S. military veterans who served from World War I through more recent conflicts and peacekeeping missions, so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand what they saw, did and felt during their service.
Embracing the Great Outdoors:
Sierra Club Military Outdoors - Sierra Club’s military veteran roots run deep. The first executive director of the Sierra Club was a World War II Army Veteran named David Brower. He was a man who dedicated his life to fighting for clean air, land, and water for all. There is not currently a Military Outdoors Program in the DMV, there is a Howard County and Maryland Calendar.
At ServingTogether we provide local veteran resources, information and services to Active Duty service members, Veterans, Family members and Caregiver in the DMV region. We do this through Coordinated care, Community education and our Collaborative. Below you will find some information on all three approaches of care and outreach
Community Resources
ServingTogether, a program of EveryMind, was launched in 2011 to coordinate community-based resources for service members, veterans and their families in the MD/NoVa/DC region. Our mission is to make it easier for all those who have served in the Armed Forces, National Guard or Reserves, and their families to access the local services they need.
We are affiliated with a larger network of coordinated care, with the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) initiative called AmericaServes. We are one of 18 communities throughout the United States serving as a hub of health and human service related providers. The goal is to help reduce down the number of times a veteran or military-connected individual has to get bounced around to different providers or lost in seeking to find the right resource. This also allows us to be connected to a broader community of providers throughout the United States, and refer veterans to the closest provider to their community.
ServingTogether’s Peer Navigators connect service members, veterans, their family members and caregivers, regardless of rank, service era or discharge status, to specific resources to best fit their needs. From benefits and education assistance to financial, health care, legal and employment resources, ServingTogether’s staff connects military and veterans with opportunities and resources they may not even be aware of in the area.
To contact the Peer Navigators, please visit www.servingtogetherproject.org and complete the Get Assistance form on the website, or call 1-855-738-7176.
Community Education
ServingTogether works to educate the entire DMV community on the needs of military and veterans in the National Capital Region. Since 2012, ServingTogether staff has been trained to provide Mental Health First Aid workshops focusing on Military, Veterans and their Families. Mental Health First Aid teaches the warning signs of mental illness and addiction, as well as how to help someone experiencing a mental health related crisis. By attending a Military/Veteran Mental Health First Aid, our military and veterans become more aware of the support available in their community and help to break down the stigma associated with mental illness. To date, ServingTogether has trained over 650 Mental Health First Aiders in how to better understand military culture and the unique needs of our military and veteran populations, especially to support improved mental wellness. ServingTogether is funded to provide 4 Military/Veteran Mental Health First Aid workshops per year.
We are also connected to various experts in the region and can work to coordinate a workshop or training to meet the needs of providers and community stakeholders in the National Capital Area.
Visit www.ServingTogetherProject.org for upcoming events, information, helpful guides & checklists, and more. Sign up for our weekly newsletter that highlights events and information pertinent to the veteran population in the National Capital Region.
Community Collaboration
ServingTogether helps to coordinate or is members of various Collaboratives, Committees and Councils related to our military and veteran community. We chair 5 community collaboratives which provide an opportunity to network, share, learn and interconnect to other area community providers. To learn more about them, visit: https://servingtogetherproject.org/collaboratives/
Military OneSource – free Non-medical Counseling, Relationship Support, Parenting Resources, Education and Career Opportunities, Financial and Legal, Exceptional Family Member Program resources, and Relocation Support.
Care Patrol – A free service for seniors and families that provides expert guidance finding Assisted Living Communities, Residential Care Homes, Memory Care, Retirement Communities, Respite Care and Independent Living 410-218-5588
Community Solar - Visit nonprofit Solar United Neighbors for more information about how community solar works and also to see a list of community solar projects currently accepting subscribers by utility area. You just put in your zip code and choose your utility from a drop down list and their site will list all of the active community solar projects and information about what they offer. Generally all of them offer some discount off the utility standard offer of service – anywhere from 5-10% is common, with 15%-25% available for income-qualifying households. That information is under the block that says Part 3 – Where to Find Community Solar.
Loans for Minority and Women Owned Businesses - You Are Not A-Loan
Powered by Howard County Economic Development Authority’s (HCEDA) and part of Maryland’s Video Lottery Terminal Small, Minority and Woman-Owned Business Account initiative, the Catalyst Fund is locally managed source of capital used to finance start-ups and expanding businesses statewide whose projects will create permanent jobs and leverage private sector investment. Loan funds can be used for normal business uses such as working capital, equipment, real estate, franchise fees and inventory purchases, and loan amounts vary pending availability of funds.
Also, HCEDA is now also offering it Collateral Assistance Fund to Howard County businesses. This fund assists companies in satisfying the collateral requirement to secure a catalyst loan.
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Employment Opportunities
Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot - Military spouses of currently serving members of the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Space Force, to include active, reserve and National Guard components, are invited to apply to the new Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot, a competitive multi-year program that provides spouses with paid 12-week fellowships at employers across various industries and locations. Host employers provide fellows accepted into the program with hands-on professional training and mentoring in the civilian workplace. Those who excel in the program and are a fit with their host company may be invited to join the employer as a direct hire. This program is in its early stages. We will be adding new information and new host employers over the next few months. Applications are accepted throughout the year on a rolling basis with new opportunities available on an ongoing basis.
Maximus Openings – architect, analyst, tech writer, engineer, administrator and more
Howard County Government Job Listings -To find a full listing of available positions, please click here.
Summer Camp Counselors – Sports Camp participants spend their day playing a variety of sports indoors and outdoors, arts and crafts and endless fun in the sun while the camp staff guide them throughout the day and ensure their safety. Activities will encourage and support movement, personal growth, and build confidence. Campers will be taught basic to advanced sport-specific skills and enjoy a variety of summer camp activities. All hired staff will have to pass a background check. This summer, we're looking for energetic and responsible camp counselors to help children (ages three to 15 years) develop confidence!
Summer Camp Directors/Assistant Directors – Sports Camp participants spend their day playing a variety of sports indoors and outdoors, arts and crafts and endless fun in the sun while the camp staff guide them throughout the day and ensure their safety. Activities will encourage and support movement, personal growth, and build confidence. Campers will be taught basic to advanced sport-specific skills and enjoy a variety of summer camp activities. All hired staff will have to pass a background check. This summer, we're looking for energetic and responsible camp counselors to help children (ages 3-15 years) develop confidence!
Technical Services Support Specialist IV - Work includes maintaining, supporting, and using the multiple and complex operating system components and subsystems used by the Data Operation Center or performing highly complex programming analysis and systems design.
Technical Services Support Specialist I - Technology and Communications, Radio Division – Performs intermediate technical level technology and communication services work under regular supervision from a technical superior. Work may include assisting in television production work; providing graphic arts, printing and reproduction services; installing, repairing and maintaining radio, telephone, data and related electronic equipment; performing entry level desktop or GIS support functions; or operating computers and peripheral on-line components of the data processing system.
Sports Supervisor - (Recreation Services Coordinator II) - Recreation & Parks, Bureau of Recreation – This position performs professional level recreation services work, which may include supervision, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes overseeing the safe and efficient operation of activities at school and department recreational facilities, parks and private recreational facilities; or overseeing the operation of programs in specific functional areas under the direction of a recreation supervisor. Assists in analyzing marketing data for program promotion and customer service. Work also includes the supervision of contingent, part-time staff and volunteers; overseeing the approved budget; and preparing information for recreation supervisor for seasonal and fiscal reports.
Career Coach - Office of Workforce Development - The position coordinates career exploration resources, identifies and collaborates with partners to develop career exploration activities and administers these activities in the middle and high schools.
Sports League Staff - Officials – The Recreation & Parks Department Flag Football League Staff performs entry level work in supporting the operation of a sports league or program and does related work as required. An employee in this position handles fundamental assignments and skills to help ensure a safe, secure, and enjoyable atmosphere for all sports participants. The employee works directly with participants in a variety of age groups, skill levels, and programs. Work is subject to detailed instructions, established routines, and/or standardized practices and procedures.
Mental Health Professional – Performs professional level corrections operations work, which includes interviewing, counseling, orienting inmates in the Detention Center; classifying inmates and developing and implementing treatment plans; and conducting education and rehabilitation program.
Career Coach - Office of Workforce Development – Coordinates career exploration resources, identifies and collaborates with partners to develop career exploration activities and administers these activities in the middle and high schools.
To find a full listing of available positions, please click here.
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