Veteran Affairs, Orgs, Benefits



SOLDIER ON for Veteran Senior Housing

On any given night, more than 275,000 veterans can be found huddled on the streets and under the bridges of our country.   One in five homeless Americans is a veteran.
The veterans we serve are men and women who have served our country and who now struggle with a variety of issues.   They have mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse problems, and other issues that require treatment.
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides health services, but was not created to address homelessness.   And other organizations that work with the homeless are not equipped to deal with the unique needs of veterans.
We're here [as a non-profit] to fill the gap and to help those who have served reclaim their lives and their place in the community.

Area Veteran Services — Elder Services of Berkshire County

Project New Hope Massachusetts

Project New Hope exists to provide veteran retreats.   Including the whole family (even the kids!) is unique to Project New Hope and fosters family togetherness through a wilderness getaway.
    It is our goal to provide veterans (singles, couples, and families) with the education, training, and skills necessary to manage their lives after wartime service :: repair of relationships is a primary goal.   And of course, have fun in the process!
      NO COST TO PARTICIPANTS.   That's right.
      There is no cost to the families on the retreat.

Veterans At-Ease — Suicide Prevention

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits Summary

There is a booklet available that summarizes benefits program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for which Veterans and their families may be eligible.   Eligibility for most VA benefits is based upon discharge from active military service under other than dishonorable conditions.   Some VA benefits require service during wartime.
Applications for VA benefits can be submitted online at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp.
This document can also be downloaded in PDF format in Spanish.
This information is provided at no charge by Disability.gov.
There is a subscription service available at:   support@govdelivery.com.
      — Information above provided courtesy of Paul Lanzikos, North Shore Elder Services, Inc.

MARTA Region military family Transportation Grant

WASHINGTON 2011 Nov 9 — U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced $34.6 million for 55 projects in 32 states and Guam to enhance access to local, affordable transportation services for military families and spouses, and wounded warriors.   http://fastlane.dot.gov/2011/11/fta-veterans-initiative.html
(This will mostly affect veterans in the Montachusetts Regional Transportation Authority vicinity — Central MA {MARTA] area).
Courtesy Emmett Schmarsow, Program Manager, COAs & Senior Centers, ELD


— Events & Meetings —



Project New Hope Massachusetts

Survivors/Gold Star Families
September 16,17,18 Grotonwood Camp ~ 167 Prescott St ~ Groton, MA
Unlike other retreats, this three-day, two night retreat is for Survivors/Gold Star Families-For those who lost a spouse, parent, sibling, son or daughter that have died while serving in the military.   Whether they were killed in action, died by suicide, or perished in an accident or from illness.   Regardless of how their loved ones died, these families find comfort in gathering with others who share the profound grief that accompanies military loss.
The theme of this weekend is "Remembrance", "Healing" & "Celebration of their lives".   We will have Dan Kenney available @ http://www.gofishdan.com/about-dan to provide fishing and boat rides for our veterans.

Single and Married Veterans
September 16,17,18 Grotonwood Camp ~ 167 Prescott St ~ Groton, MA

Honoring the Path of the Women Warrior, Retreat for Women Veterans
October 21,22,23 Clara Barton ~ 66 Clara Barton Rd ~ N. Oxford, MA
This three-day, two-night retreat explores the experiences of women veterans in a safe and supportive environment with a beautiful and tranquil wilderness setting.   To connect with other women veterans to honor each other and the experiences of being women in the military and to build collaboration with other women veterans.   There is no cost for the retreat and the activities at the retreat are included to include three meals per day and snacks.
Deadline to register for this retreat is October 10th, 2011
Monica Harvey @ http://www.veteransmusicministry.com will be assisting with this retreat

Project New Hope belief is that the experiences of women veterans are often overlooked and/or undervalued.   We wanted women veterans to feel valued and honored as women and as veterans.   We are committed to providing a non-denominational supportive environment for connection, healing, and validating your experiences as a woman who served or is serving in the military.   There will also be time for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful and peaceful surroundings.
http://bartoncenter.org/bcsite/node/70





MCOA Logo   Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging

    116 Pleasant Street, Suite 306, Easthampton MA 01027-2781
    Phone:   413-527-6425       Fax:   413-527-7138

    webmaster — peter@mcoaonline.com