National Hispanic American Heritage Month
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“During National Hispanic American Heritage Month, from September 15th through October 15th, we recognize the diverse and dynamic contributions of Hispanic Americans to the broad tapestry of our nation. Hispanic Americans are the fastest-growing segment of the US population, totaling 62.1 million people in the latest census and 18.7% of the US population. In NYC, approximately 28% of New Yorkers - or 2.4 million people - are of Hispanic or Latinx descent.
Hispanic Americans' story is America’s story. They have lived in the U.S. since its founding and served honorably in every conflict dating back to the Revolutionary War, despite past and present instances of discrimination.
From Marcelino Serna, who stormed a German trench during WW1, becoming the first Hispanic American to get the Distinguished Service Cross, to Medal of Honor recipient Master Sergeant Leroy Arthur Petry, Hispanic Americans have risked their lives to defend our freedoms.
This month, we celebrate the impact that Hispanic Americans have had on all aspects of our society and the influence they will continue to have in shaping our nation going forward.”
- Statement from NYC Department of Veterans' Services Commissioner James Hendon
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VA Work-Study Positions at DVS
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The VA Work-Study Program offers an opportunity for student veterans to get paid for part-time work while they study at a college, vocational, or professional training program. The NYC Department of Veterans' Services supports VA Work-Study positions and we're looking to fill the following roles:
If you are interested in applying for a DVS-specific Work-Study position and meet eligibility requirements, please submit the following to DVSHRSupport@veterans.nyc.gov:
- resume
- cover letter stating specific position applying for
Visit the VA Work-Study website for work-study opportunities and eligibility requirements.
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Civil Service 101 Information Session
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The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services and the Asian Community United Society are hosting an information session on Wednesday, October 27th, 2:30 - 4:00 pm, for New Yorkers interested in learning more about careers in NYC government.
Register today.
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Last week, the NYPD and DVS hosted a health and wellness luncheon to honor police officers - who are also veterans - who received Transcendental Meditation through Operation Warrior Shield and David Lynch Foundation. Thank you, NYPD for providing wellness tools to your veterans!
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Commissioner Hendon joined the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, Admiral Karl Schultz, 26th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, Congressman Jerry Nadler, and NYS Senator Brian Kavanagh at the rededication ceremony for the USCG Memorial, a new plaza at the Battery Conservancy. The memorial is a fitting tribute to those Coast Guard members who served in WW2.
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Information on Booster Shots
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Booster Shots Eligibility
The following people are now eligible for a booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine if they received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago:
- People 65 or older
- People 18 to 64 who either have an underlying medical condition or a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure due to their job (for example, health care workers) or where they live or frequently visit (for example, a homeless shelter)
- People living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility
Please note: This shot is intended to help many people boost their immunity from the initial vaccination series, which may have decreased over time. You are only able to get a Pfizer booster shot if you received a second Pfizer dose at least six months ago.
How to Get a Booster Shot:
- Booster shots are available at City-run sites. Schedule an appointment here.
- If you are an eligible veteran 65 years or older, you can schedule an appointment for a Pfizer booster at VA NY Harbor by calling 1-877-877-9267.
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Get Your First Dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine
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Please note: The following information applies to those who have yet to receive the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine:
Schedule Online:
You can schedule a vaccine appointment at nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC (1-877-829-4692).
Walk-ins Welcome:
All New Yorkers can now get their COVID-19 vaccine by simply walking into any of the CIty's 11 public hospital locations! To find a walk-up vaccination site near you, click here.
Get Vaccinated at Home:
All New Yorkers can request an in-home vaccination with the COVID-19 vaccine. Fill out this form to get started or call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692).
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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 form at VetConnectNYC.org (select "Benefits Navigation" as your preferred service).
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Volunteering with 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. Mission: VetCheck has placed over 33,485 calls to NYC veterans. To volunteer with Mission: VetCheck or request a check-in call, click here.
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Were you inspired to serve after 9/11? Are you a veteran who volunteered at Ground Zero. Did you help to support victims following the attacks? If so, we want to capture your story as part of our oral history initiative, the Veterans Voices Project. Learn how you can preserve your story here.
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Ending 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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Veteran-Owned Business Map
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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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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.
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