Stand Down
STAND DOWN 2020 AGENDA September 24th – Virtual Benefits Presentations
9:00AM OPENING CEREMONY – To Be Broadcast Via Microsoft Teams & Facebook Live10:00 – 11:00AM BENEFITS PRESENTATIONS – Via Microsoft Teams
VA Connecticut – Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Presenter – Heather Neves
Description: The Veterans Benefits Administration of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for administering the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs programs that provide financial and other forms of assistance to veterans, their dependents, and survivors. The VBA Representative will provide an overview of all benefits available to Veterans.
CT Department of Labor Veterans Services (CTDOL) Presenter – Tim Rockefeller, Sheldon Boyce
Description: The CT Department of Labor Veterans Service offers CT veterans and service members a variety resources and expertise to assist and prepare Veterans to obtain meaningful careers, maximize their employment opportunities and protect their employment rights. The CTDOL Representative will provide an overview of the programs and services available to CT Veterans who are seeking employment or looking to improve their employment situation.
US Small Business Administration (SBA) Presenters – Frank Alvarado & Tanisha Baptiste
Description: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides support to entrepreneurs and small businesses. The mission of the Small Business Administration is "to maintain and strengthen the nation's economy by enabling the establishment and viability of small businesses and by assisting in the economic recovery of communities after disasters". The SBA Representatives will provide an overview of the programs and services available to the Veterans seeking to establish or maintain a small business.
211 Connecticut United Way
Presenters – Kim Jackson, Ann Scully & Jennifer Hartan
Description: What is 211 is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people to essential health and human programs & services 24 hours a day, seven days a week online and over the phone. The 211 Representatives will provide an overview on how CT Veterans could access housing and other resources through the CT United Way 211 system.
CT Dept. of Veterans Affairs Office of Advocacy & Assistance (CTDVA OA&A) Presenter – Ryan McKenna
Description: The CTDVA Office of Advocacy and Assistance provides assistance to veterans, their eligible spouses and eligible dependents in obtaining veterans benefits under federal, state and local laws. CTDVA Office of Advocacy & Assistance employs authorized Veteran Service Officers to assist CT Veterans in pursing these benefits. The CTDVA Office of Advocacy & Assistance Representative will provide an overview of the services offered and how to contact a Service Officer. The CTDVA Office of Advocacy also oversees the CT Veterans Cemeteries and the CTDVA Office of Advocacy & Assistance Representative will provide an overview of the cemetery services offered to CT veterans.
11:00AM-Noon BENEFITS PRESENTATIONS
CT Commission on Human Rights & Opportunities (CHRO) Presenters – Kimberly Jacobsen & Michelle Dumas Keuler
Description: The mission of the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) is to eliminate discrimination through civil and human rights law enforcement and to establish equal opportunity and justice for all persons within the state through advocacy and education. The CHRO Representatives will provide an overview of anti-discrimination rights related to Veterans and other protected classes as well as the CHRO complaint filling process.
CT Dept. of Veterans Affairs Programs & Services (CTDVA) Presenters – Laura Nelson & Leslie Nieves
Description: The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) has a long history of "Serving Those Who Served"; since 1864, the Agency has supported Connecticut Veterans and continues this tradition with Residential Facility and Healthcare Center on our campus in Rocky Hill. The Sgt. John L. Levitow Healthcare Center is a state-of-the-art skilled nursing facility that provides long-term care, palliative care and short term rehabilitation to veterans with chronic, disabling conditions who require 24-hour assistance. The facility is Medicare and Medicaid Certified as well as a Federal VA Certified Sate Veterans Home. The CTDVA Residential Facility offers temporary, supportive living with programming designed to return Connecticut veterans to independent living in the community. The CTDVA Representative will provide an overview of the programs and services offered at each facility as well as the application and admission process.
VA Connecticut – Homeless Services
Presenters – John Chiechi, Jen Moriarty & Jason Mastrpaola
Description: The VA CT Homeless Services provides a full range of services for Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The VA CT Homeless Services Representatives will provide an overview of the programs and services they provide through outreach, community resources, referral center, grant per diem and HUD/VASH.
Social Security Administration (SSA) Presenter – Robert Rodriguez
Description: The Social Security Administration Representative will provide an overview of Social Security Administration programs and services including information about Retirement, Disability, Survivors, Spousal and Medicare Benefits. Additionally, they will provide information on how to create a My Social Security Account and briefly navigate the SSA website.
The Kennedy Center, Inc.
Presenters - Meg Haffner, Southwest CT Regional Mobility Manager; Mary Rosenbauer, CT ADA Specialist
Description: The Kennedy Center's Mobility Services Department (MSD) provides information and tools to help seniors, veterans and persons with disabilities navigate the public transportation system thereby maintaining or increasing their independence. The Southwest CT Regional Mobility Manager, CT ADA Specialist and Travel Trainers will discuss MSD projects, local transportation options (including those to drive-thru testing centers), online resources, and other services including ADA, paratransit, M7 New Freedom Fund, Reduced Fare Transit Photo ID.
Connecticut Small Business Development Center Presenter: Joseph Williams
Description: Thinking of starting a small business? CTSBDC can help. In this presentation we will assess your personal readiness, identify your business idea, research and determine feasibility, develop your business plan, and help you identify how to secure financing.
1:00-2:00PM BENEFITS PRESENTATIONS
VA CT Caregiver Support Program
Presenters – Bonnie Cecarelli, LCSW, Jessica Bainer, LMSW
Description: Often people do not identify themselves as a “caregiver.” Caregivers are daughters, wives, husbands, sons, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, partners and friends. Caregivers manage a wide range of responsibilities. As a family caregiver you play an important role in caring for the Veteran at home and in the community. The VA has two programs for caregivers: The Program of General Caregiver Support Services (eligible Veterans all eras) and the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (eligible post-9/11 Veterans). The VACT Caregiver Support Program will provide a presentation on the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers and General Caregiver Support, the services offered and recent changes under the mission act.
The Workplace SSVF Presenter – Alan Gopain
Description: Based in Bridgeport, Connecticut, The WorkPlace, administers the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program in South West and South Central, Connecticut. Funding for this program is provided through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. The purpose of SSVF is to assist homeless and at risk of becoming homeless veterans with securing stabilized housing and providing support services. During the presentation, information will include eligibility requirements for a veteran to participant in the program, geographical areas covered, and services provided.
Veterans Inc. SSVF Presenter – Bill St. Denis
Description: Veterans Inc. provides assistance to veterans and their families in their time of need with the ultimate goal to end homelessness among veterans. Their goal is to help veterans regain self- sufficiency through the provision of holistic supportive services, including housing, employment and training, case management, food security, health and wellness, family support programs, women, and child care services. The Supportive Services for Veterans and Veteran Families Program, Veterans Inc. helps individuals and families who are homeless or at risk. If you meet the basic eligibility requirements, Veterans Inc. provides direct services and financial assistance to help search for housing, assist with initial rent costs, and pay for certain bills related to back rent or utilities. The Veterans Inc. representative will provide an overview of the eligibility requirements, services provided and the geographic areas they serve.
Columbus House SSVF
Presenter - Aimee Prior & Robin Bowman
Description: SSVF provides up to 90-days of services for Veterans and their families who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless in New Haven, Middlesex, and New London counties. SSVF offers financial assistance, rapid re-housing, and benefit & employment services. The Columbus House representatives will provide an overview of the eligibility requirements, services
provided and the geographic areas they serve.
Community Renewal Team (CRT) SSFV Presenter – Tylon Crump
Description: The Community Renewal Teams Support Services for Veteran Families helps both male and female veterans and their families stabilize their housing, and avoid homelessness. Veterans and their families are assisted with homeless prevention. Homeless veterans can quickly find and pay for new, more affordable housing. Veterans and their families throughout Central Connecticut, Hartford, New Haven, Middlesex and New London Counties are welcome to contact their office. CRT representative will provide an overview of the eligibility requirements, services provided and the geographic areas they serve.
Statewide Legal Services of CT Presenter – Don Phillips
Description: Statewide Legal Services of CT empowers low-income people of Connecticut to obtain justice by providing tools to address their civil legal needs. At Statewide Legal Services we believe knowledge is power. We are a legal aid advice and referral center helping low-income people solve their legal problems. We believe that everyone should have access to justice. Representatives of State Wide Legal Services of CT will provide an overview of the services and assistance they provide, eligibility criteria and referral services.
Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) Presenters - Melvin Jones and Marcia Kilpatrick
Description: DRS professionals will: provide an overview of the agency, including state taxes administered by DRS; tax assistance services available; and review common questions and information requested.
2:00-3:00PM BENEFITS PRESENTATIONS
CT Department of Social Services Presenter - Michelle Mozzicato
Description: The Department of Social Services (DSS) delivers and funds a wide range of programs and services as Connecticut’s multi-faceted health and human services agency. DSS serves about 1 million residents of all ages in all 169 Connecticut cities and towns. We support the basic needs of children, families, older and other adults, including persons with disabilities. Services are delivered through 12 field offices, central administration, and online and phone access options. With service partners, DSS provides federal/state food and economic aid, health care coverage, independent living and home care, social work, child support, home-heating aid, protective services for older adults, and more vital service areas. DSS supports the health of nearly 850,000 residents through HUSKY Health (Medicaid & Children’s Health Insurance Program), including medical, dental, behavioral health, prescription medications, long-term services and supports. DSS helps nearly 370,000 residents afford food and supports Connecticut’s economy with federally-funded Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). The Representative of the Department of Social Services will provide an overview of DSS programs they administer and how to access those benefits and services.
University of Connecticut, Office of Veterans Affairs & Military Programs Presenter - Paul Hanlon
Description: "The University of Connecticut is an institution where those who serve our nation in uniform can thrive, as it has been since our earliest days. We at UConn take pride in the welcoming and supportive environment we create for veterans and active duty military personnel and their families as part of our core mission of academic excellence, personal development and serving societal needs through scholarship and health care.”- President Thomas Katsouleas, UConn. The Veteran Community at UConn is an open, welcoming, supportive community of people who have sacrificed in service to our great nation. The Veteran Community encompasses nearly 1,500 students, staff and faculty. A Representative of the University of Connecticut and the Office of Veterans Affairs & Military Programs will provide an overview of the services offered for military-affiliated students, and the educational opportunities for Veterans, National Guard, Reservists, dependents and spouses.
Horse Feathers Veterans Program at Ray of Light Farm Presenter - Jackie Mickiewicz and Cathy Languerand
Description: Horse Feathers Veterans Program at Ray of Light Farm in East Haddam, CT is an equine learning and wellness program helping veterans or first responders with post-traumatic stress. Horse Feathers pledges to: promote emotional well-being for veterans and first responders through a connection with rescue horses, inspire self-confidence through learning about horse related care and activities, emphasize individual goals such as harnessing expertise, cart or wagon driving, barn management, grooming and provide the opportunity to continue in the program as a volunteer for future participants.
VET Centers
Presenters - Craig Hall, Natalie Martinez, Gabe Kautzner
Description: Vet Centers across the country provide a broad range of counseling, outreach, and referral services to combat Veterans and their families. Vet Centers guide Veterans and their families through many of the major adjustments in lifestyle that often occur after a Veteran returns from combat. The Connecticut Vet Center Outreach Team will provide a PowerPoint presentation that explains the services offered at the Vet Center.
Easterseals Capital Reagion & Eastern CT, Veterans Rally Point
Presenters - Ron Welch, Jason Sechrist, Josh Salazar, Vin O’Neill, Lori Marriott
Description: Easterseals Veterans Rally Point program serves CT Veterans, and provides free life- changing services. Easterseals believes our veterans and military families can thrive where they live—and our mission is to ensure that’s possible in every community. Easterseals is committed to the successful reintegration of veterans and their families into civilian life. Easterseals Representatives will introduce their team and provide an overview of veteran programs services provided by Veterans Rally Point located in Norwich and Rocky Hill as well information on the Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program (HVRP) and their Peer to Peer meet Ups.
Advanced Behavioral Health Inc. - Military Support Program Presenter - Albert Guillorn, LMFT
Description: The Military Support Program (MSP) was created to address the behavioral health needs of National Guard and Reserve personnel affected by deployment in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq) and Operation New Dawn (Iraq). In 2011 the State of Connecticut expanded MSP to include all who served in the Military after 9/11 and their family members. The Military Support Program offers specialized support services statewide for troops and their families when care is unavailable, difficult to access, or not covered by insurance. Services include information and referral, case management and counseling for post-deployment stress issues, family counseling, and embedded clinician services.
3:00-4:00 PM BENEFITS PRESENTATIONS
Homes For the Brave
Presenter – Ed Bellows & Elizabeth Gorenbergh
Description: With a focus on Veterans, the Homes for the Brave goal is to enable homeless men, women and their families, especially those who have served our country, to attain safe, affordable housing, meaningful life activity and a livable income so that they may return to a productive and meaningful life. Representatives from the Homes for the brave will provide an overview of the programs and services offered to Veterans.
VA CT Office of Privacy
Presenter - Stephanie Hotchkiss, Quinn Martin
Description: The VA Healthcare System works diligently to keep Veterans healthcare information safe and secure. A Representative from the VA Privacy Office will provide an overview of the Privacy Program at VA Connecticut.
CT Troops to Teachers
Presenters - Kimberly Audet, Melissa Michaud-Maltese, Sal Escobales
Description: Connecticut Troops to Teachers is a program for all service members and Veterans to receive assistance in transitioning their leadership, core values and acquired skills to a career in teaching. Presenters will discuss a step-by-step approach to get started in the process to become a teacher utilizing the free resources available through the Connecticut Troops to Teachers program. Learn everything you need to know to become a teacher in Connecticut including types of K-12 teaching certifications (academic and vocational areas), typical timeline and requirements to become fully certified, teacher salary and benefits, and employment opportunities before and after certification.
CT Veterans Legal Center (CVLC)
Presenters - Rasheeda Woods, Mille VandenBroek, Chelsea Donaldson
Description: The mission of Connecticut Veterans Legal Center is to help veterans recovering from homelessness and mental illness overcome legal barriers to housing, healthcare and income. The CTVLC representative will provide and introduction to CT Veterans Legal Center, services provided and referral information, brief overview of discharge upgrades, VA character of discharge review information, and service-connected disability claims regarding PTSD due to military sexual trauma.
STAND DOWN 2020 AGENDA
September 25th
Regional Distribution & Benefits Information Locations
All persons must follow Pre-registration and COVID-19 mitigation protocols:
You must pre-register for a specific time slot and you may only go to the for which you registered.
Masks must be worn (covering mouth and nose) by all attendees.
Physical distancing is required.
There will be one-way pedestrian traffic.
If you are not feeling well do not go to a regional distribution location.
Masks will be provided if needed and hand sanitizer will be available at each location.
Attendees must follow all directions given by event personnel.
Persons who failure to follow these requirements will be denied access.
REGIONAL SITE LOCATION
Below is a tentative list of providers that will be at each site. This is subject to change as we adjust to ongoing circumstances in the community. Changes and additions will be posted as soon as possible.
Danbury, CT - Patrick Waldron Veterans Hall, 23 Memorial Dr.
VET Centers, DVA staff with benefits information, CT Bar Association, Lions Club, American Legion AUX, VFW AUX, COVID-19 Testing, Flu Vaccines.
Bridgeport, CT - Port 5 National Assoc. of Naval Veterans, 69 Brewster St.
VET Centers, DVA staff with benefits information, CT Bar Association, Lions Club, American Legion AUX, VFW AUX, COVID-19 Testing, Flu Vaccines.
Norwich, CT - Veterans Rally Point/Easter Seals, 24 Stott Ave.
VET Centers, DVA staff with benefits information, CT Bar Association, Lions Club, American Legion AUX, VFW AUX, Reason to Ride, COVID-19 Testing, Flu Vaccines.
Rocky Hill, CT - DVA Rocky Hill Campus, 287 West Street
VET Centers, DVA staff with benefits information, CT Bar Association, Lions Club, American Legion AUX, VFW AUX, COVID-19 Testing, Flu Vaccines.
REGIONAL SITE TIME SLOTS: Capacity is capped at 45 persons per time slot per location, if the time you selected is filled please select another time. Please show up no later than 30 minutes prior to the end of your selected time slot.
8:00am – 9:30am
9:30am – 11:00am
11:00am – 12:30pm
12:30pm – 2:00pm