VOL. 5 ISSUE 1 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
Veterans from all eras are reacting to the events in Afghanistan, such as the U.S withdrawal and the takeover by the Taliban, and may question the meaning of their service or whether it was worth their sacrifice. As you are aware, thirteen Service Members were killed at the Kabul airport. This is an important mental health issue for veterans as well as being on the minds of many citizens. Please review and share the attached resources of veterans.
Please do what you can to support veterans in your community.
by Karen Bosch Cobb
VA Support (Live sessions) range from 1% to over 17%. This type of live engagement is most likely very effective.
What you can do:
Monthly statistics link for the new fiscal year: https://bit.ly/vetconnect2021-22
Please bookmark this link. September 2021 statistics are due October 7th.
Did you know that CalVet has wildfire information just for veterans?
When a Local Assistance Center (LAC) is set up that means there are resources and advice just to veterans. LAC’s aren’t set up for every fire. Here's the link for more info: https://www.calvet.ca.gov/Pages/cawil dfires.aspx
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
The up-to-date calendar year is here: https://calibrariesforveterans.org/librarians/programming.html
Sept 29 - Outside The Wire: Suicide Prevention Through Early Intervention. 10:00 am MST
Join the California Department of Veteran Affairs (CalVet), California Transition Program (CalTAP) in a discussion regarding suicide prevention through early interventions. A special guest from U.S.VETS - Outside The Wire will be present to talk about the risk factors that contribute to suicidal ideations and how to recognize and asses them. You will also be provided with resources and information on current early interventions and support services available for veterans who are seeking help. Available to service members, veterans, and their families. Register free here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/suicide-prevention-through-early-intervention-tickets-168770662595?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
October - Stand Downs in Butte, Kern, Nevada, and North Valley Counties
Upcoming webinars for veterans here: https://www.calvet.ca.gov/Pages/CalVet-Events.aspx
Archived webinars for veterans here: https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/Pages/California-Transition-Assistance-Program-Webinars.aspx
Project Update
Your library has been actively supported by Veterans Connect @ the Library for the past years, and we are pleased to announce that service to veterans through California public libraries continues to be funded for Fiscal Year 21/22.
The service is funded in whole by the U.S Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian; the Pacific Library Partnership (PLP) serves as the fiscal agent.
As in previous years, we are honored to be working with the California State Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) as our official partner, which provides guidance from their headquarters in Sacramento and direct support from their eight Local Interagency Network Coordinators (LINCS). If you are working with CalVet staff, you personally know their dedication to veterans and have learned about the wealth of resources and links to local agencies they provide to veterans.
Our project has been funded since 2012, and with 63 Veteran Connect @ the Libraries, service to veterans has become a core service which is embedded and supported at the local library by engaged library staff and directors, volunteers, and VA Work-Study. In Fiscal Year 2021-2022, I will continue to be the project advisor and consult with you one-on-one and provide training opportunities. Last year because of Covid-19, we did not add any new branches, and again, this year, we do not have funds for supplies for you or other new support for new or continuing libraries, but that doesn’t mean that we cannot support new libraries who want to be Veterans Connect @ the Library sites.
Your local working relationships with your County Veteran Service Officers, your CalVet LINC, and your local veteran coalitions and collaboratives are still the best resources you have for connecting your veterans to the local, state, and national resources they need.
Here is a list of the resources you will receive as a Veterans Connect @ the Library site:
ACTION ITEMS to maintain your Veteran Resource Center
Measures for success:
Ultimate success is measured by higher numbers of veterans and family members using their benefits. Your work with your CVSO and LINC, and participation in local networks of veteran service providers. The number of volunteers you have and the number of hours they work. Check out Volunteer Reboot: Recruitment and Retention.
Use of the VA Work-Study program which employs a veteran or veteran family, and provides your library with competent, connected individuals to staff your Veteran Resource Center. We encourage you to work with your LINC or CVSO if you need assistance getting this program started.
Brainfuse VetNow usage statistics.
Let’s never lose sight of our goal!
I am very proud of the collaboration between your libraries and CalVet. I know that each of you has made a difference in the lives of veterans in your community. Let’s continue this important work so that even more veterans learn about and receive the benefits they earned. Remember the motto: “You Served, Your Earned,” and don’t forget to ask, “Have you served?”
This publication is supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.