Veterans Experience August, 2016

Understanding the MyVA Community Understanding the MyVA Community Model Communities without coordinated, community-based support to Veterans, SMs, and their families Communities with coordinated, community-based support to Veterans, SMs, and their families – the MyVA Community Model Key Players VHA/VBA/NCA Other Community Resources Veteran/Military Service Organizations State/ local government Veterans, Service members and their families ? Service is disjointed and confusing Service is inclusive and integrated VA Boards members meet regularly amongst themselves and with the public through “Public Forums” Private Companies/Nonprofits Veterans, Service members and their families Inclusive Accessible Community-Driven Flexible Integrated

What is a MyVA Community? MyVA Communities are a collaborative network of Veterans, advocates, resources, and other stakeholders who organize through community Veteran engagement boards (CVEBs) to improve outcomes for Veterans, Service members (SM), and their communities. Boards have been stood up in all 50 states and US territories. VA may be the catalyst for community movements, but each community owns and leads the effort. Inclusive Accessible Community-Driven Flexible Integrated

What Does a MyVA Community Do? The MyVA Communities model is about bringing all service providers and stakeholders in the community together to: Enhance the Veterans experience Improve outcomes Develop local solutions Enable Veterans, Service members, and their families the opportunity to voice their opinions and provide feedback Ease access to all the resources available to Veterans Local VA Leaders Homelessness Services VSOs Medical Treatment Facilities Non-Profit Organizations Job Training/ Employment Services State and Local Government Colleges and Universities Inclusive Accessible Community-Driven Flexible Integrated

MyVA Community Framework The MyVA Community Framework delivers an overall structure for how Communities operate and succeed. Inclusive A connected, comprehensive network of stakeholders, resources, Veterans, and advocates MyVA Communities are inclusive of all local Veteran-focused resources MyVA Communities hold public forums in geographically diverse locations Accessible MyVA Communities hold public forums regularly throughout the year Forums are held in geographically diverse public venues to encourage broader participation Forums are actively promoted to involve the public on local Veteran issues Community Driven Led by community veterans engagement boards that shape the broader community efforts Chaired by two respected community leaders and includes identified local stakeholders Local VA leaders serve on the board but do not form a majority of the board’s membership Flexible Charters define term appointments for board members to allow for flexibility Customized to reflect the unique characteristics of the community Community demographics inform geographic boundaries Integrated VHA, VBA, and NCA leaders participate and actively engage in meetings and public forums MyVA Community promotes and leverages local capabilities and resources for Veterans Local and District VA leaders network across communities to share best practices Inclusive Accessible Community-Driven Flexible Integrated

Board Membership Local Community Membership selection and makeup is up to each local community and should reflect community interests and priorities. Mental health counselors Housing advocate groups Employment service providers Financial Advising Veterans treatment courts Homelessness services Social work organizations Veteran Service Organizations Local National Guard or military base Tribal representatives Banks or loan providers Domestic violence shelters State and local government Colleges and universities Student Veteran organizations Job training services VA Medical and Benefits Directors Hospitals and medical treatment facilities Local Community Non-profits and foundations Military Service Organizations State DVA Office Faith community Department of Labor

MyVA Communities Status The MyVA Communities model is about getting the people together who can make difference or impact at the same table…. Two paths have emerged: In some communities, VA leaders have joined or increased their participation in existing community collaborative groups. In other communities, the MyVA Communities model provides a supportive framework for community leaders to coordinate locally with VA leaders to develop new community Veterans engagement boards. Status of Boards as of 8/19/16 76 Boards are fully formed 5 Boards in development (Co-chairs in place) 50 Sites identifying potential Co-chairs Inclusive Accessible Community-Driven Flexible Integrated

BACK UP SLIDES

California Department University of California Communities Caregiver Support Universities/Schools Homeless Providers SAMPLE Local Veteran Community Media VAMC Director U.S. Congressional Delegations & State Legislators Service Members VBA RO Director NCA Director Veteran Service Organizations Veterans California Department of Veterans Affairs Military Service Organizations Families University of California San Diego Veterans Village Of San Diego National Guard Congressional Delegations VECI Courage To Call 2-1-1 San Diego State/Federal/Tribal Government Camp Pendleton DoD Health Service Providers San Diego Vet Center Non-Profit/ Private Orgs.

Local Veteran Community Communities Caregiver Support Universities/Schools Homeless Providers SAMPLE Local Veteran Community State, Federal, Tribal Governments Service Members Veterans Veteran Service Organizations Families Military Service Organizations Media Congressional Delegations National Guard DoD Health Service Providers Non-Profit/ Private Orgs.

Tools and Support MyVA Community Toolkit and map of fully formed boards (external): http://www.va.gov/nace/myVA/index.asp Contact Mailbox: MyVACommunities@va.gov