DVS Hosts Roundtable to Launch the Veteran Business Leadership Association
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We were proud to launch the Veteran Business Leadership Association (VBLA) program at a special roundtable discussion at Brooklyn Borough Hall this past Monday (April 11th, 2022). Approximately 50 veteran small business owners were in attendance. Special thanks to NYC Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin D. Kim, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, and veteran entrepreneurs for joining us.
The VBLA program offers monthly educational workshops, networking opportunities, and one-on-one support to help veterans grow their businesses. The first VBLA workshop will be held virtually on Thursday, April 28th, 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm. The workshop will focus on the Emerging Business Enterprises (EBE) program, a program designed to level the playing field for socially and economically disadvantaged business owners. Attendees will gain a greater understanding of the qualifications, application process, and preferences given to EBEs in NYC government contracting.
Learn about the VBLA, including information on upcoming workshops for veteran business owners, at nycvbla.org!
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Purple Up Day: Honoring Military Children
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“We don’t give enough credit to the families of veterans and service members. Our kids are sacrificing the time we have together and they are ultimately left with what remains when we come home. They deal with the effects of conflict, which is often overlooked. I’m thankful to have a support system at home. I couldn’t continue serving our nation and veteran community without them. Freedom is precious but family is forever.”
- Greg Williams
Manager of Strategic Partnerships, NYC Department of Veterans' Services
Sgt. 1st Class, U.S. Army Reserves
Today, April 15th, is Purple Up Day. On this day we honor military children for their strength and sacrifices. To find resources for military families, click here.
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Events for Military Children
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Saturday, April 16th | 2:00 pm:
Virtual Tour Saratoga Automobile Museum
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The New York State Division Veterans' Services is inviting military families to discover New York’s automotive heritage at the Saratoga Automobile Museum on Saturday, April 16th, at 2:00 pm. Take your family on a guided virtual tour that will encompass everything from an impressive antique car collection to the ever-popular New York Auto Racing Hall of Fame. RSVP by emailing Benjamin.Pomerance@veterans.ny.gov.
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Saturday, April 30th | 11:00 am:
Dandelion Festival
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On Saturday, April 30th, at 11:00 am, Blue Star Families will host a Dandelion Festival at Fort Wadsworth to celebrate military children. The festival will include exhibitors, games, giveaways, bounce houses, and veteran service organizations providing information on available resources. Register here.
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Upcoming Events for Veterans
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Monday, May 2nd - Thursday, May 5th:
National Small Business Week Virtual Summit
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Attention veteran business owners:
The U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) will host a Virtual Summit from May 2nd to May 5th as part of its National Small Business Week (May 1st to May 7th). The virtual summit will feature access to critical federal resources, information on new business strategies, and an opportunity to meet other business owners and chat with industry experts! This 4-day event will include honoring small businesses around the country, educational sessions, online business resources, and speakers. Register here.
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Saturday, May 7th | 9:30 am:
New York Mets to Host a Military Transition Summit
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The New York Mets are inviting transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses to a Military Transition Summit on Saturday, May 7th, at 9:30 am, at Citi Field! The day will include workshops, a panel discussion, lunch, networking session with companies, colleges and veteran service organizations, and a tour of Citi Field! Register here.
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Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon
Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program
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Attention veteran service organizations and community based organizations:
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the opportunity of
funds for suicide prevention services grants under the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon
Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP). The SSG Fox SPGP program offers funding to eligible entities to provide, or coordinate the provision of, suicide prevention services to eligible veterans and their families. Applications for suicide prevention services grants under the SSG Fox SPGP program must be received by 11:59 pm on June 10th, 2022. Learn more here.
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Recognizing a New York City Veteran Hero
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One of Tuesday's heroes is an Afghanistan veteran.
US Army veteran Thomas Fischer used his military training to assist the victim after the subway shooting, applying a tourniquet to a wounded man’s leg.
“I used my belt to stop the bleeding, or slow it down enough, and just keep him nice and calm and awake so he doesn’t pass out...I wouldn’t have felt comfortable if I hadn’t been in the military as long as I was, because you’re dealing with people’s lives.”
Thank you to everyone who helped Tuesday's victims. You showed why NYC is the greatest city in the world.
Read Thomas Fischer's story here.
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DVS Programs and Initiatives
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Get the Benefits You Deserve
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DVS represents NYC veterans in claims for benefits from the VA. During a time of economic crisis and high unemployment, we wanted to ensure that every veteran got the financial benefits they earned. To file a claim, fill out the VetConnectNYC.org form (select "Benefits Navigation" as your preferred service).
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VetConnectPro: A New Employment Tool for NYC Veterans
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This past Veterans Day, the NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) officially launched VetConnectPro - a new employment tool designed to help veterans find employment, professional mentorship, and resources to advance their careers. Get started by creating or uploading your resume today: nyc.gov/vetconnectpro.
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Mission: VetCheck volunteers make check-in calls to veterans across NYC. Through these calls, volunteers provide veterans with information regarding vital public services, including free meals, information on COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites, and mental health resources. To volunteer with Mission: VetCheck or request a check-in call, click here.
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Fighting Veteran Homelessness
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Over the past five years, our housing team has moved over 1,000 veterans from shelters and into permanent housing. Learn more about DVS's efforts to end veteran homelessness in NYC here.
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VetBizNYC: NYC's Veteran-Owned Business Map
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The Veteran Voices Project (VVP) is an oral history initiative designed to preserve the stories of NYC's Veterans. For more information, visit nyc.gov/vetvoices.
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How DVS Responded to the Pandemic
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Making supportive calls. Distributing face masks. Preparing meal kits. Housing the homeless. Processing VA benefit claims. Watch this video to learn how DVS responded to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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SITREP NYC: NYC's Official Veteran Podcast
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Listen to SITREP NYC, NYC's official veteran-focused podcast, to hear stories from veterans who are often ignored and underserved. Hear the complete season here or see below for a list of episodes:
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Stories of Transition
The Black Veteran Experience
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LGBT Veteran Stories
The Health of Women Veterans
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