1. Veterans Benefit Applications and The Ohio Benefit Bank
Jessica Sheldon MSW, LISW, Homeless Programs Supervisor, Columbus VA ACC
Heather Smith, Troop & Family Assistance Center Specialist, Ohio National Guard Family Readiness and Warrior Support
Nick Sunday, Veteran Specialist, CRR/VCAP

2. Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Program
We established the Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Program (OBB / VCAP) with the Homeless Programs Supervisor and Outreach Coordinator at the Columbus VA ACC located on James Road in Columbus in 2014. 
By hosting a table in the lobby at least two 8-hour days a week, VCAP has been able to reach hundreds of veterans
Signed up over 350 veterans for emergency services such as SNAP, utility assistance, Medicaid, etc., and referred them to various stakeholders 
One number we are most proud of is finding jobs for 48 veterans  

3. Nick Sunday - VCAP OBB counselor
Nick’s advocacy was successfully rewarded in having Progressive Insurance donate two brand new cars Veterans Day 2014 to a female and male veteran who needed transportation. On the selection committee he also advocated to cover 6 months of car insurance and a $500 gas card. A hope is they will continue to do this each Veterans Day.  
Another deliverable was the referral of 52 veterans to various support groups for behavioral health issues.
As the retired chief of the Office of Community Services with the State, Nick helps influence policy. Through his unrelenting advocacy he ushered through a NEW program for  Veterans. Their Disability Income will no longer be counted as income for utility assistance starting Sept. 1, 2015.
A proud veteran, Nick is continuing his passion in helping others, serving less fortunate veterans in need.

4. VCAP Project Timeframe and Strategies
Completed training October 2014
Identify strategies for outreach
National Church Residences - VA housing “sign up day”
Columbus VA ACC - HUD VASH, Homeless Programs
Create identity - JFS form with phone,
Offer service to pick up form and process client within 8 hour period - introduce OBB presentation to staff to explain to clients
Prove service benefits to client
Offer expanded services - table in the lobby - one day every week to start - being consistent day / period ( Example: Tuesday 8 am to 4 pm )
“Competitive” space - the lobby use is scheduled days in advance - giving out Girl Scout Cookies will get your table moved to the least traffic area
Increase Service - as demand / value is identified by VA Homeless programs - two days a week in lobby

6. Identify Stakeholders
OBB counselors who complement
Identify intake criteria of stakeholder
Create personal relationship with service provider
Match client needs to criteria stakeholder identification
Example:
Emergency HEAP - OBB partner (Breathing Association / Columbus -
Unique CAA Veterans projects (IMPACT/Columbus) -

7. Problem Resolution County Disability Income Program
SNAP process failures
Veterans Service Commission

8. Resources to download

9. A Quick Overview of Veterans’ Benefits
Jessica Sheldon
September 2015

10. Divider Page VHA: Veterans Health Administration (medical)
VBA: Veterans Benefits Administration (financial)
County Level Veteran Service Commissions
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11. VHA – Medical Benefits Medical care Mental Health Treatment
Addictions Treatment
Dental
Vision
Social Work Services
Homeless Services
Specialty Services (services for the blind, spinal cord injury services, etc)
Care Giver Support
Group homes
Employment services

12. How to access VHA Benefits
Apply Online
In Person
By Phone
By Mail
Complete the EZ Form
Find locations:

13. VBA Benefits Financial Benefits:
Service-Connected Pension: Disability payments for veterans with an injury related to their service; based on percentages
Non-Service Connected Pension: Disability payments for low income, disabled wartime era veterans
Aid and Attendance: Additional compensation for disabled wartime ear veterans who require the assistance of another person (funds homecare services or nursing homes/assisted living)

14. VBA Benefits
Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation
Home Loans
Burials and Memorials

15. How to Acess VBA Benefits
Call to locate a local office or obtain assistance by phone

16. Veteran Service Commissions
County funded organizations
Financial Assistance
Assistance filing for benefits
Find a local office: Dvs.ohio.gov/home/County_Veterans_Services_Offices

17. 24/7 Suicide Prevention Hotline for Veterans:
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18. 24/7 Helpline for Homeless Veterans:
Divider Page

19. Ohio National Guard Family Readiness and Warrior Support
Heather Smith

20. FAMILY READINESS and WARRIOR SUPPORT TEAM
Who’s who on the TEAM!
FAMILY READINESS and WARRIOR SUPPORT TEAM
Troop & Family Assistance Center Specialists
Family Readiness Support Assistants
State Youth Program Team
Military One Source Consultant
Transitional Assistance Advisors
Survivor Outreach Services Coordinators
Ohio Cares Team
Yellow Ribbon Team

22. So what do we really do? Call your TFAC! Concerned about college?
Need Emergency
Funds?
Struggling to pay bills?
Homework questions?
Need help creating a budget?
Call
your
TFAC!
So, what do we face every day?
(Tell story about case or cases to show what we do and how we can help.)
issues will float into slide in the following order:
Soldier with papers
Need emergency funds
Concerned about college
Struggling to pay bills
homework questions
Need help creating a budget
Are your kids struggling
Looking for a job
Call your Troop and Family Assistance Center
Looking for a job?
Are your kids struggling?

23. - our Community Partners
Why we can help?
- our Community Partners
We are successful in helping you find support because of our community partners.
(Tell specifically about ways your regions partners have helped in recent years.)
Explain the Regional Inter Service Family Assistance Committee Meeting - held quarterly, chance to connect with community partners that want to help support the military members and families in the community. This forum allows the units to build relationship with partners that might help with holiday parties, family days, could even yield employment assistance, etc.

24. If you only remember one thing…
Call your TFACS…
Engage the audience:
What have we missed….
If you have deployed before –
- what issues did you observe and how would you change it this time
- what would you tell the first time deploying families
Ask for questions…
Final thoughts – if you only remember one thing – Call your TFAC!

25. Questions?
Please note you can always contact the Ohio Benefit Bank Helpdesk if you or call