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NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) Weekly Newsletter
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Resources to Address Veteran Suicide
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According to the most recent report from the VA, 17 veterans die of suicide each day. Although that statistic may be disputed, we hope to provide as many resources as possible to help get the number to zero.
If you are a veteran who is struggling with a mental health crisis, please contact the Veteran Crisis Line: call 800-273-8255 (press 1), text 838255, or connect online.
Check-in Calls
- Mission: Vetcheck offers check-in calls to veterans across NYC. Request a check-in call for you or a veteran you know by contacting VetCheck@veterans.nyc.gov.
Counseling Services
Peer Support for Veterans
- The Objective Zero app gives veterans access to mental health resources and a peer support network.
- Vets4Warriors provides veterans, family members, and caregivers with 24/7 help from a confidential peer support network. Receive immediate, free, and long-term peer support through private chats, emails, phone, and text conversations.
- Stop Soldier Suicide connects veterans with a Wellness Coordinator who provides personalized attention and develops wellness plans that are customized to address a veteran's specific needs.
Additional Resources:
- NYC Well is a confidential helpline for mental health and substance abuse services. Trained counselors provide 24/7 support. To reach NYC Well, call 888-NYC-WELL or text WELL to 65173.
- NY Project Hope provides support for those struggling with life during the pandemic. Call 1-844-863-9314.
For veterans in recovery, the following organizations are providing online meetings:
Many of us may not be aware that someone we care about is struggling. We encourage everyone to share these resources with friends, family, and professional networks.
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MTA's Suicide Awareness &
Remembrance Ceremony
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This week, DVS participated in the MTA's 1st Annual Veteran Suicide Awareness and Remembrance (SAR) Ceremony.
"By having an annual observance, we elevate this issue in the public consciousness...thereby taking away the stigma associated with it. And by normalizing an otherwise taboo subject of mental health among veterans, we will allow them to seek out the care they need without fear of judgment." - Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Flag
Nearly 2,000 veterans work for the MTA.
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Veteran Voices Project Live
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Virtual Veteran Storytelling Event
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DVS will host a virtual storytelling event on Thursday, September 24th, on Facebook Live!
Veteran Voices Project Live will provide a platform for veterans to discuss their military service, transition experience, and careers. The event is also a great opportunity for civilians looking to gain insight into the veteran experience.
Featured veteran storytellers include:
Maria Salazar, U.S. Marine Corps
Edwin Mickel, U.S. Army
Tom Smoot, U.S. Army
WHEN: Thurs, 9/24 | 5 pm - 6 pm
WHERE: facebook.com/nycveterans
Share your story.
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Excerpt from the DVS Oral History Library
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"Veteran Voices Project" Excerpts, Week 2: The 1950's
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Veteran Stanley Goldstein was inspired to serve in the 1950s after his older brothers enlisted in WWII: “In those days, people with a person in the service had a star in the window. And we had two stars. It was considered a patriotic duty and something to look up to.” Listen to his story here.
This is an excerpt from the DVS oral history library. If you are a veteran and would like to preserve your story, click here.
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Virtual Events for Veterans
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Manhattan Vet Center Informational Workshop
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The Manhattan Vet Center will host a virtual informational workshop on Friday, 9/25, to provide information on the services they offer to veterans.
WHEN: Friday, September 25th | 1 pm - 3 pm
WHERE: Online
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Town Hall to Discuss Veteran Mental Health
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The Intrepid Museum and New York Presbyterian Military Family Wellness Center are hosting a virtual town hall to explore veteran mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts will discuss how social changes, grief, and economic loss affect the veteran community. The Military Family Wellness Center will provide information on the services and treatments they offer.
WHEN: Friday, September 25 | 12 pm -1:00 pm
WHERE: Online
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Virtual Webinar: Job Opportunites
with the LIRR Expansion Project
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The MTA and 3rd Track Constructions is hosting a virtual webinar to discuss the remaining professional opportunities for the LIRR Expansion Project.
WHEN: October 7th | 10:00 am - 11:30 am
To register contact DDCREvents@mtahq.org.
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Experts predict a second wave in the fall. Let's be prepared.
Learn where you can get a free COVID-19 test here.
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Census 2020: Less than 1 Week Left
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We have less than one week left to fill out the 2020 Census! This is a big deal. Census data is used to determine how much funding we receive from the federal government and the number of seats representing us in Congress. Fill out the census by September 30th here.
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Honoring an American Hero
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Ruth Bader Ginsburg served her country well. Every American is better off because of her.
Her mission was to use the law to enact true equality. She believed that generalizations based solely on sex and gender should not dictate or limit the rights of men and women. It was this principle that informed her majority decision in 1996's United States V Virginia, which established that "military training facilities that segregate men from women without a compelling reason violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment"
Simply put, the United States is a fairer country, and the military a stronger institution, because of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
May her memory be a revolution.
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DVS Programs & Initiatives
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Support for Veteran Organizations
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DVS will provide financial support to NYC's Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) hit hardest by the COVID-19 lockdown. Eligible VSOs can receive a microgrant of up to $500 or a $100 Home Depot gift card. Learn more.
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As part of MissionVetCheck, volunteers are making check-in calls to NYC veterans and informing them about available services. You can be part of this mission. Join today here.
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If you’re a veteran in need of food assistance during the COVID-19 crisis, DVS is here to help. Contact DVS at (212) 416-5250 or connect@veterans.nyc.gov to have GetFoodNYC meals delivered to your home.
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Housing Support & Eviction Prevention
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If you're a veteran worried about eviction, please contact DVS at connect@veterans.nyc.gov or 212-416-5250.
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Helping Veterans File VA Claims
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DVS is now processing VA benefits claims. We're prepared to help you get the benefits you've earned! To learn more, contact claims@veterans.nyc.gov.
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Grow your veteran-owned business by becoming NYC certified! 75% of certified businesses have won contracts with City agencies. Learn if your business is eligible for NYC certification here. To learn more, contact business@veterans.nyc.gov.
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SITREP NYC Podcast Season 2
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DVS COVID-19 Resource Page
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Employment Services:
- Christian T. Peralta
(646) 630-1932 | cperalta1@veterans.nyc.gov
Education Services and Unemployment Assistance:
- Amauri Espinal
(646) 799-2728 | aespinal@veterans.nyc.gov
Housing:
- Dana Rock, HSS Director
(646) 901-4948 | DanaRock@veterans.nyc.gov
- Horng Chou, HSS Deputy Director
(646) 532-1884 | Hchou@veterans.nyc.gov
Eviction Prevention:
- Angela Guyton-Cyril
(646) 740-8156 | AGuyton-Cyril@veterans.nyc.gov
Food Assistance:
Healthcare:
- Melissa Walters
(646) 889-4180 | Mewalters@veterans.nyc.gov
Military Families and Caregivers:
- Tanya Thomas
(646) 499-0098 | tthomas@veterans.nyc.gov
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