Read the February 2024 Newsletter from the Delaware Valley Veterans Consortium to stay informed about events and issues happening in the area. Do you have news to share or upcoming events for the March 2024 newsletter and beyond? Please share! This newsletter is published monthly as part of DVVC’s efforts to connect, collaborate, and communicate in service to Veterans throughout our region.
Send your updates and questions to dvvcinfo@gmail.com.
Member Organizations: To submit articles to the newsletter please email Collie Turner, collie@heroicgardens.org by the 25th of the month with your news.
To submit news to DVVC social media sites please email Lynne Williams at Director@greatcareersphl.org with “For DVVC Social Media” in the subject line.
Let us know how we can help!
NEWS FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Dear DVVC Members,
As the newest member of the DVVC Executive Leadership group, I’m so excited to work with you all this year to make the Delaware Valley the most supportive community for Veteran and Military members and their families.
While I write this, it’s a chilly 20 degrees and snowing – too cold to be outside for long but that’s the reality for many homeless veterans throughout the Delaware Valley today. Last month, people all over the nation held vigils in honor of Homeless Person’s Memorial Day to remember those who died while experiencing homelessness, serving as a reminder that homelessness is a matter of life or death. National estimates note that veterans make up over 10% of the homeless population and in January 2023, 35,574 veterans experienced homelessness nationwide.
Please share with your organizations and networks that immediate help for homeless veterans is available during cold weather. Most communities establish Code Blue protocols in very cold conditions, usually to include additional daytime hours at homeless shelters and additional overnight bed spaces. Communities also may offer 24-hour outreach services to find and transport people experiencing homelessness to safe indoor spaces. You can find local Code Blue information online at your city and county’s webpage. Your local 211 system should also have immediate access to emergency shelter 24 hours a day and can be reached by dialing 211 on your phone and online.
We can all help someone in crisis by connecting them to immediate resources like the ones above and to the free mental health resources at the Veterans Crisis Line. Confidential support is available 24/7: Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255 for immediate help. More information, including resources and support can be found at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/.
It is my hope that every one of us has a safe and warm start to the New Year. Thank you for your continued support of the DVVC community and here’s to a wonderful 2024.
Ryan McGoldrick
Member-At-Large, DVVC
Deputy Executive Director of Mission Execution, Veterans Multi-Service Center
Public Sector Strategy Advisor, RallyPoint
Winter Light: A Retreat Day for Women Veterans
Saturday, February 17, 2023, 10 AM – 3 PM at Cranaleith Spiritual Center
Join us and invite surrender of the violence that holds us and our culture in an icy grip. We will explore the theme of moral injury as we bring healing into light within our own hearts. This retreat is free of charge.
Served in World War II?
New law says you’re eligible for VA health care
If you served in the U.S. military between Dec. 7, 1941, and Dec. 31, 1946, a new law makes you eligible for VA health care benefits, but you have to apply because VA cannot automatically enroll you.
The Cleland-Dole Act was signed into law Dec. 29, 2022. Section 101 of this law expands eligibility for VA care for Veterans of World War II. If you served during World War II, now is the time to apply for VA health care, even if you applied before and were not approved due to your income level.
To learn more about eligibility click here.
L’Salle Harvey Veteran Scholarship
The University of Pennsylvania’s Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) program offers free virtual and in person college prep, access, and support services.
Veterans Upward Bound will be awarding three individual scholarships of $1,000 each for those attending college in the Fall semester of 2024. The award is made in honor of L’Salle Harvey, a former VUB participant and made possible through a generous donation from his family.
The application and full instructions can be found here.
Aim and Attain Program in Bucks County, PA
The Aim and Attain program is designed to assist those who left college or post high school programs after June 1, 2021 without finishing their degree/certification. This program is designed to help the grantee receive a degree/certification by June 2024.
The Aim and Attain program is designed to assist those who left college or post high school programs after June 1, 2021 without finishing their degree/certification. This program is designed to help the grantee receive a degree/certification by June 2024.
Through a grant awarded to the Bucks County Department of Workforce and Economic Development (WED), eligible individuals who left a higher-education study program between 2021 and 2023 can apply to continue and complete their program and attain a degree or certificate at no cost.This may include additional financial support for those who are experiencing a barrier to returning to their chosen program.
Who is it for?
Pennsylvania residents who began a postsecondary educational or training program and exited after June 1, 2021 before obtaining an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or certificate. The program is open to unemployed individuals as well as currently employed individuals who wish to enhance their knowledge in their current field or gain skills to transition to a different field.
What are the benefits?
- Free tuition, books, and educational supplies.
- Available mentorship, tutorial services and technology resources.
- Complete your study program and obtain your degree or certificate.
- Meet with a Career Services Specialist to guide you every step of the way.
- Connect with staff and resources to assist with job placement for in-demand careers.
Timeframe: Now through June 30, 2024
Study programs to complete an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or formal training program certificate must be completed by June 30, 2024.
Eligibility:
- Pennsylvania resident
- Exited a postsecondary study program after June 1, 2021 before obtaining a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree.
- Maintained a 2.0 GPA (or higher) or a passing grade in a training program prior to exit.
- Can complete a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree program by June 30, 2024.
Participation Requirements:
- Attend a postsecondary institution located in Pennsylvania, either in person or online
- Meet the institution’s established program admission requirements.
- Intend to become employed within 12 months of education program completion if currently unemployed.
- FAFSA completion may be required.
Participating Bucks County Schools:
- Bucks County Community College
- Delaware Valley University (DelVal)
- Holy Family University
- Lancaster Bible College
- Pennco Technical School
How to Enroll:
For more information, or to register, click here.
The Latest From RAND
RAND creates reports that provide information and insights on the military and veteran communities. This month, we’re featuring information on the housing crisis amongst the veteran popluation.
Recent Trends in Housing Cost Burden Among U.S. Military Veterans
Released October 12, 2023
A few of the key findings include:
- Female veterans are more likely to face housing instability than male veterans, suggesting a need to focus on better meeting the housing needs of this population.
- Veterans are more likely than nonveterans to be homeowners.
- This lower level of housing cost burden (HCB) reflects both higher incomes and lower costs of homeownership among veterans, on average.
- Fewer veteran households than nonveteran ones are financially burdened by housing costs.
RAND is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RAND is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest.
YOU CAN STAY UP TO DATE
Monthly Newsletters from Dept of Military and Veterans Affairs for News, Veteran Events and Opportunities in NJ and PA
In PA see: https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/230302C/8z6u9k2ia3mw.vib?test&a0=903
In NJ see: https://dmava.org/
To register for this free event, click here
Now is a great time to get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines
The updated vaccines are free of charge for Veterans receiving care at VA and also for VA employees. Check with your local VA medical facility to make an appointment. Some locations offer walk-in hours, too.
Eligible Veterans can also get these and other vaccines at no cost within the community from one of nearly 65,000 in-network pharmacies or urgent care locations. Learn more from this fact sheet. Use the online VA locator to find a location nearest you.
The DVVC Newsletter serves member organizations by sharing information with the Veterans they serve. In addition to the newsletter, the DVVC shares news and upcoming events on social media. Member organizations can follow our social media platforms to receive updates and share information about your organization’s news and events. Please engage on the posts and repost or share.
- LinkedIn Company Page – click on the bell at the top right and choose All New Posts
- LinkedIn Group
- LinkedIn Hashtag – in the search bar at the top left, type #dvvcorg and click follow
- Facebook Page
Personal LinkedIn Tips
- Optimize your LinkedIn profile. Take advantage of free online workshops that are available.
- Contact and connect with other LinkedIn users. LinkedIn enables you to network with people and professional organizations in your industry to stay updated with the latest developments and share information with others in your field.
- Give and receive recommendations and endorsements.
- Join other LinkedIn groups to discuss ideas and share industry news to develop professional networks.
- Create engaging content. Just as with other social networks, you can post simple text updates, images, and links to other sites, and you can share posts from other users. You can also record or upload videos directly to LinkedIn from your device to share your insights and experiences or to boost your organization’s brand identity.
Company Page LinkedIn Tips
Boost your organization’s profile to create followers and keep them up to date with what is going on inside your organization. Here are some step-by-step instructions from one of our member organizations if you want to create a business page.
Join the adult career education topics and networking in February 2024 at the Great Careers Groups (GCG) whether you are unemployed, self-employed, or employed. Visit the EVENTS page for registration info. Connect on social media and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Topics include:
- Thu Feb 1 – Questions to Ask Recruiters & How to Spot the Great Ones
- Tue Feb 6 – Career Support for Immigrant Professionals – What Recruiters Do/Expect from Candidates
- Wed Feb 7 – Tips to Optimize Your Resume
- Thu Feb 8 – 2024 Tips to Build Your LinkedIn Brand (in person Bucks County)
- Thu Feb 8 – Virtual Jobseeker Support Group
- Fri Feb 9 – Black History in the Philadelphia Landscape
- Mon Feb 12 – Career Success Group Job Seeker Accountability & Networking
- Mon Feb 12 – 2024 Tips to Build Your LinkedIn Brand
- Tue Feb 13 – LGBTQ+ OUTstanding Careers Group™
- Thu Feb 15 – Recruiter on Call with Jobs LinkedIn Audio
- Thu Feb 15 – Using LinkedIn as a Search Engine for Career Management
- Mon Feb 19 – Discover How Storytelling Can Unleash Your Charisma
- Tue Feb 20 – Career Support for Immigrant Professionals: Interviewing
- Tue Feb 20 – Beating the Applicant Tracking System: Tips to Format Your Resume
- Tue Feb 20 – Lehigh Valley Business Executives Networking Group (BENG) meeting
- Wed Feb 21 – Interview Techniques
- Wed Feb 21 – Exploring Salary Negotiation & Compensation Trends
- Thu Feb 22 – Career Success Group Job Seeker Accountability & Networking
- Mon Feb 26 – Chemical Reactions: A Metaphor for Life & Your Career
- Tue Feb 27 – Business Executives Networking Group (BENG) & Guests meeting
- Thu Feb 29 – Job Search 2.0: Demonstrating inclusivity in Your Career Quest
For unemployed veterans who want to attend to free, contact Lynne Williams in advance director@greatcareersphl.org.
Bucks County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge Program
Bridges don’t just connect to land. They connect people. And in Bucks County, they are using the bridges the County owns to forge permanent ties between our diverse communities and the soldiers who died serving them.
With the partnership of Bucks County-based veterans’ advocate Ed Preston and the Pennsylvania Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (PAVVMF), the County in late 2022 began the work of dedicating its government-owned bridges to the 136 residents who gave their lives in the Vietnam War.
Dedicated and reopened Nov. 14, 2022, the LCP Kenneth G. Worman Memorial Bridge was the first renamed as part of this program. Worman was a resident of Silverdale, and a graduate of Pennridge High School. He was killed in action May 22, 1967, and was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart.
The bridge named for him connects West Rock and Three Mile Run roads near where Worman lived. It was known previously as Bucks County Bridge #279.
In what has become typical of these ceremonies, the bridge’s rededication was attended by friends and family of the late Silverdale resident, as well as local officials and members of the veteran community.
In Middletown Township, Bridge #15 along Frosty Hollow Road became the CPL. David John Ortals, USMC, Memorial Bridge.
The Levittown Marine was a Neshaminy High School graduate who enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in June 1967, and served for about three years before his death on May 22, 1970.
Crossing Tochicon Creek along Farm School Road in Upper Bucks, Bridge #183 was rededicated in memory of 2nd Lt. William James Erkes Jr.
The ceremony on May 4, 2023, was attended by his friends and family, as well as members of the county government. Erkes was a resident of Upper Black Eddy and graduated from Palisades High School before attending Rutgers University. Bridges also have been dedicated in Yardley Borough, New Hope Borough, and Buckingham Township, with more in the works.
All bridges owned by Bucks County can be found on the County Bridge Dashboard.
VA health care travels with you Are you traveling?
VA has resources across the states to provide you with easily accessible information about telehealth options, the closest VA location, and the Veterans Crisis Line.
How to Get Your Free Veteran ID Card
Your service can get you free event tickets and entry to national parks, discounts from retailers, restaurants, hotels, recreational activities and many other perks.
Learn how you can get your free official Veteran ID card and easily show your Veteran status.
