The Osceola County Veterans Service Office is hosting a veteran employment resource event on Nov. 6. The event will connect veterans with local resources and opportunities to support veterans in finding employment in Osceola County. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with presentations from employers and Valencia College throughout the event. Location is the Veterans Service office on Vine Street, in the large shopping plaza just east of Oak Street. As aways, dress for success and have paper copies of your resume handy. Registration is required at http://bit.ly/3J9BZpR.
Orlando VA launches new program to support aging veterans
The Orlando VA Healthcare System has expanded support for aging Veterans through the Community Residential Care (CRC) Program—a long-term care solution for Veterans who can no longer live independently but do not require nursing home-level care. The program recently approved its first two participating facilities: Aum Haven ALF in Kissimmee and Excellence ALF in South Orlando. Aum Haven is a 10-bed residential facility with staff trained in mental health. Excellence ALF is a modern 185-bed facility near the airport, with social activities and both private and semi-private rooms.
The CRC program connects eligible Veterans with VA-approved assisted living facilities or adult family care homes. Veterans receive supervision, assistance with daily living, and monthly case management from the VA—all while maintaining as much independence as possible. Veterans pay privately for their care. However, some veterans may be eligible to use HUD-VASH housing vouchers to help offset costs.
Emory University Veterans Program offers precision mental healthcare
The program from the Atlanta-based university provides no-cost, evidence-based mental health care for post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, anxiety, and depression.
Treatment is available to all eligible veterans and service members who were active in the military at least one day after Sept.11, 2001 — regardless of location, discharge status, deployment history, or length of service. For more information, see http://bit. ly/473earw.
Get your drum on
The Orlando VA Healthcare System has partnered with the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to offer vets and their caregivers free creative arts workshops. Classes include weekly drum circles, improv theater, and spoken word poetry. Classes are held at the Lake Nona VA Medical Center, and some classes are also available at the Dr. Phillips Center, with free transportation from the Lake Baldwin Clinic (old Orlando VA hospital) in Winter Park. For more information and to sign up, see http://bit.ly/47joQ6N.
VA disability benefit payment rate increased in October
Each year the rate for veterans’ disability benefit payments is usually increased to account for inflation. This year the increase was 2.5% and is based on the same inflation measure used to calculate Social Security payments. The increase should be reflected in VA payments that will be deposited on Oct. 31.
