Senate Passes the
SFC Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act
|
|
On Thursday, the Senate passed the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act. The bill would expand health care resources and benefits to veterans exposed to burn pits, providing coverage for up to 3.5 million toxic-exposed veterans. Read more here.
"Tremendous news for our veterans. Thank you to everyone on the Hill who advocated for the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act." - James Hendon, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS)
For help with disability claims, fill out the form at nyc.gov/vetconnect and select "Benefits Navigation" as your preferred service.
|
|
Looking Back at the Got Your 6 Summit
|
|
DVS joined the Bob Woodruff Foundation, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, and leaders of NYC’s veteran community this week for the Got Your 6 summit, a day-long convening focused on finding solutions to the issues facing our veterans and their families. Special guest NYC Mayor Eric Adams reaffirmed NYC’s commitment to our veterans in a rousing address. DVS Commissioner James Hendon elaborated on what needs to be done to strengthen the community moving forward. The event also featured a panel discussion focused on supporting veteran families struggling with food insecurity.
Each organization who participated at the Got Your 6 summit is eligible to receive a $1,000 problem solving stipend. Learn more here.
Thank you to all who attended this summit and proposed solutions. We are committed to turning the ideas we heard into action!
|
|
Got Your 6 Breakout Sessions
|
|
|
Got Your 6 guests participated in breakout sessions, many of which were led by members of the DVS staff. Participants workshopped solutions to a wide range of issues including how we can support veteran caregivers, establishing a veteran-friendly arts community, supporting veteran families in need of affordable housing, creating educational pathways for student veterans, and helping veterans access quality mental health care.
|
|
New York State Women Veterans Recognition Panel
|
|
|
This week, Donee’ Smalls, DVS Veteran Peer Coordinator and U.S. Army veteran, joined fellow prominent women veterans from across the state for the New York State Women Veterans Recognition Panel. They shared their stories and discussed what can be done to assist women veterans in New York! The panel was organized by the NYS Division of Veterans' Services.
|
|
Recognizing Women Veterans on
Wall Street and AmeriVet Securities
|
|
|
This week, Women Veterans on Wall Street (wVOWS) and AmeriVet Securities held their Women Veterans Day Panel to highlight the career success of women veterans in the financial industry. DVS Commissioner Hendon presented a mayoral proclamation to both groups for the work they do to help women veterans grow their careers and professional networks.
|
|
DVS Programs and Initiatives
|
|
Get the Benefits You Deserve
|
|
|
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).
|
|
|
VetConnectPro: A New Employment Tool for NYC Veterans
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Fighting Veteran Homelessness
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
VetBizNYC: NYC's Veteran-Owned Business Map
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
How DVS Responded to the Pandemic
|
|
|
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.
|
|
SITREP NYC: NYC's Official Veteran Podcast
|
|
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:
|
|
|
|
Stories of Transition
The Black Veteran Experience
|
|
LGBT Veteran Stories
The Health of Women Veterans
|
|
|
|
|
