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NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) Weekly Newsletter
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Special Student Veteran Newsletter
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Transitioning out of the military, pursuing an education, staying healthy during the pandemic, managing financial hardships - this has been a challenging year for student veterans.
In this special edition of the DVS weekly newsletter, we will provide resources student veterans can use to support themselves during this challenging period. If you need immediate assistance, please contact DVS at connect@veterans.nyc.gov or (212) 416-5250.
We're proud to kick off this newsletter with an essay from NYC student veteran and DVS intern Wilson Tejada:
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"Luckily, student veterans do not have to go it alone."
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"As a student veteran, I feel blessed to be able to earn a degree at no cost. However, this opportunity comes with hurdles that traditional students may not have to jump through.
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Most student veterans have families they need to provide for. Many live independently and have responsibilities outside of the classroom that requires attention. Some own businesses. Others struggle with internal challenges, such as PTSD and adjusting to civilian life. Some deal with all of the above.
It was hard enough to juggle school and work as a college student under normal circumstances, let alone transitioning from military service to civilian life. This year, you can also add a pandemic. COVID-19 has impacted every aspect of life, including working and attending classes.
Thankfully, NYC and veteran organizations across the five boroughs offer several services to student veterans. You can find assistance with VA claims, food, housing, financial emergencies, health and wellness, academics, and transitioning.
Luckily, student veterans do not have to go it alone."
- Wilson Tejada
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Student Veterans of America's NatCon 21
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DVS will exhibit at Student Veterans of America's virtual National Conference 2021 (NatCon 2021) on February 19th - 20th. We will also speak with attendees about available resources for New York City veterans.
NatCon 2021 is an excellent opportunity to network with student veterans from across the country. Attendees can also connect to leading employers and thought leaders in the veteran community. The next 250 students to register will have their fee waived. Register here.
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Review the following resources to help finance your education:
G.I. Bill Benefits
- Accredited DVS staff members are representing NYC veterans and their families in claims for benefits from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) - including G.I. Bill benefits. Schedule an online appointment with a VA-accredited DVS staff member by contacting claims@veterans.nyc.gov or 212-416-5250. Learn more at nyc.gov/vetclaims.
Tuition Assistance
Veterans Seeking Education Degrees
- Under Mercy College's Mathematics Education Intensive Residency Program (MEIRPRO), veterans can earn a tuition-free Master of Science degree in Mathematics Education. Learn more.
- Veterans who hope to become teachers can find resources for funding their education at TeachingDegree.org.
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Online Tutoring and Counseling
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See below for available academic support:
Vital Initiative
The VITAL Initiative is a partnership between the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System and local colleges and universities to provide:
Tutor.com
Active duty service members and reservists can receive free online tutoring at tutor.com. Expert tutors are available 24/7 to offer support in over 100 K-12 and college-level subjects, including math, writing, reading, ELL, science, English, social sciences, history, accounting, finance, nursing, world languages, computer science, study skills, and test prep.
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For-Profit Colleges & Predatory Loans
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The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) issued a report detailing the predatory practices used by for-profit schools to target student veterans. Below are some valuable takeaways:
- Veterans who earned bachelor's degrees from for-profit schools had average student loan debt balances 20 percent higher than veterans who attended nonprofit and public institutions.
- For-profit schools attended by NYC veterans have poor graduation and earnings outcomes and are less likely to offer credit for military experience.
Read the full report here.
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Below are resources to help you find employment while you pursue a degree. For a full list of employment resources visit nyc.gov/vetjobs.
VA Work-Study
Student veterans participating in the VA Work-Study Program can earn money while enrolled in college. Learn if you are eligible.
Job Board:
Launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, EmpireVets is a new job board website that includes thousands of local postings and a military skills translator to help veterans connect with opportunities that best serve their experience and talents. The website features openings in critical COVID-19 roles. Visit www.empirevets.com to learn more.
Resume Building and Job Training:
NYC's Workforce 1 prepares New Yorkers to find jobs by developing job search skills through resume and interviewing workshops, training local residents to acquire skills in growing fields, and connecting job seekers to employers with open positions. Learn more visit nyc.gov/workforce1.
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DVS staff connects veterans who are facing economic hardships with resources including emergency financial assistance, branch-specific aid, and tax preparation services. Visit nyc.gov/vetfinance for financial resources. For immediate assistance, please contact DVS at connect@veterans.nyc.gov or (212) 416-5250.
Food Support:
Under the latest COVID-19 relief bill, many college students, including student veterans, will be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits they can use to buy food. Students are now eligible for SNAP benefits if they:
- are eligible for federal or state-funded work-study programs during the regular school year or,
- have an expected family contribution (EFC) of $0 during the current academic year.
Apply for SNAP benefits at nyc.gov/accesshra.
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Weekly COVID-19 Vaccine Updates
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Each week, DVS will dedicate a section of our newsletter to COVID-19 updates. This section will be updated weekly to reflect new developments.
NYC COVID-19 Numbers as of February 9th, 2021:
8.09% positivity rate (7-day avg.)
Get Tested Often:
Getting tested for COVID-19 often, even when you don't have symptoms, helps reduce the spread of the virus. To schedule a free COVID-19 test, click here.
Updated Travel Advisory
New York State has updated its COVID-19 Travel Advisory. Certain travelers can now test out of the mandatory 10-day quarantine. Read the most updated guidance here.
COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility
As of February 2nd, essential workers are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This group includes NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) licensed drivers and restaurant workers.
The state will expand vaccine eligibility to New Yorkers with underlying conditions starting Monday, February 15th. See a full list of qualifying underlying conditions here.
For a full list of eligible New Yorkers, click here.
Scheduling a Vaccine Appointment at the VA:
The VA NY Harbor Healthcare System is offering the COVID-19 vaccine to veterans 65 years of age and up currently enrolled in VA health care. Call 1-877-877-9267 to make an appointment at one of the following locations:
The VA care team at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center will reach out to eligible veterans to schedule vaccinations. There is no need to preregister or come to a facility to sign up. For more information, click here.
The VA has online resources with information about the COVID-19 vaccines.
Scheduling a Vaccine Appointment at NYC Health + Hospitals:
If you are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, you can schedule a FREE appointment at an NYC Health + Hospitals location by calling 877-VAX-4NYC (1-877-829-4692) or by visiting the NYC COVID-19 Vaccine Finder. Appointments are required! To learn more information, click here.
You can also visit the following resources to find other locations that may have appointments available:
What to Expect at Your Vaccine Appointment:
Here's what you can expect at your COVID-19 vaccine appointment.
Vaccines are Free:
You do not need insurance to get the COVID-19 vaccine in NYC. When you are eligible, you can get the vaccine for free no matter what.
Avoid Scammers:
If anyone attempts to charge you to receive the vaccine, it is a scam.
Vaccines Are Safe:
According to the CDC, "COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective...these vaccines have undergone the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history." Learn more about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine.
People who are trying to become pregnant now or who plan to try in the future can be vaccinated. There is no evidence fertility problems are a side effect of COVID-19 vaccines, or of any other vaccines.
Side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine are mild to moderate, such as soreness where the vaccine was injected, tiredness, or a headache.
Learn more about vaccine safety and effectiveness here.
Combatting Misinformation
Fact: You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine. The vaccine does not contain the virus.
Both available COVID-19 vaccines are messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines. mRNA vaccines teach our cells how to create an immune response so that the body knows how to fight the virus. To learn more, click here.
Vaccine Distribution in NYC
The City is now administering vaccines to Bronxites at Yankees Stadium and Queens residents at Citi Field.
NYC has given over one million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Get Your Flu Shot
With COVID-19 still around, it’s important to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting the flu and needing medical care. The flu shot can reduce your risk of illness, hospitalization, and even death. Learn more, including how to schedule an appointment here.
Recognizing Health Care Heroes
Visit NYC's interactive COVID-19 Heroes website to track the journey of the Health Care Heroes who cared for the City during the height of the pandemic. Read their stories, see their photos, and view videos to learn how they saved lives on the front lines.
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Veteran-Specific Online Events
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Healing Their Hidden Wounds
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Operation Warrior Shield (OWS) is hosting the Healing Their Hidden Wounds online event. The event will feature VIP speakers and celebrities addressing veteran mental health and the value of specially trained service dogs for veterans. For a full list of speakers, click here.
WHEN: Mon, February 15th | 7 pm
Register here
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NY State Benefits and Legal Services
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The New York State Division of Veterans' Services and the VOLS - Volunteers of Legal Service is hosting a free webinar to review veterans' benefits, the NYS eviction moratorium, drafting a Last Will and Testament, and other advance directives.
WHEN: Thurs, February 18th | 1 pm - 3 pm
Join By Phone: 518-549-0500
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Bay Ridge Heroes Webinars
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Bay Ridge veterans ages 60 and up are invited to join the following Bay Ridge Center's Bay Ridge Heroes webinars:
- February 12th: Veterans and the Vaccine
- February 19th: Navigating Civilian Resources
- February 26th: Staying Healthy at BRC
- March 5th: Joining Bay Ridge Village
- March 12th: Feedback Session
To register, email Bay Ridge Center's Director of Strategic Initiatives, Michael Schumer at mschumer@bayridgecenter.org.
To join, call (646) 558-8656 and enter 752 500 7881
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DVS Programs & Initiatives
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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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DVS partnered with GetFoodNYC to help deliver food to homebound veterans. We're also working to distribute HelloFresh meals to veteran families. Request food or learn how to volunteer to prepare meal kits by contacting connect@veterans.nyc.gov.
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Housing Veterans During the Pandemic
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DVS continues to house homeless veterans during the pandemic. The agency was able to house 183 formerly homeless veterans in 2020, an increase of approximately 18% compared to the previous year. Learn more about DVS's efforts to end veteran homelessness in NYC here.
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Making Calls to Veterans Across NYC
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As part of Mission: VetCheck, volunteers call NYC veterans to provide information about essential services, including free meals, COVID-19 testing, and mental health resources.
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Many veterans living in NYC are eligible for, but do not receive, their Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. That's why DVS is representing veterans and their families in claims for benefits. To schedule an online appointment with a member of our VA Claims Team, contact claims@veterans.nyc.gov or 212-416-5250.
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Veteran Voices Project: Oral History Initiative
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DVS has captured the oral history of NYC veterans representing every branch and service era. From World War 2 to COVID-19, hear stories of service across generations on our Veteran Voices Project library.
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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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DVS updated its website to help EVERY veteran find the services that are right for them. Whether you're a student, transitioning, woman, LGBT, or a senior veteran - nyc.gov/vets has what you need.
Review the webpages on our site:
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Support a Veteran:
Media:
Contact Us:
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Referral Services: vetconnectnyc.org or 1-833-VETS-NYC
VA Claims & Food Donations
- Latisha Russaw
(917) 605-0325 | lrussaw@veterans.nyc.gov
Food Delivery Assistance:
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
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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