Veteran and Community Resources
Veterans Justice Outreach Program
According to the VA’s Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs, “The aim of the Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) program is to avoid the unnecessary criminalization of mental illness and extended incarceration among Veterans by ensuring that eligible, justice-involved Veterans have timely access to Veterans Health Administration (VHA) services, as clinically indicated. VJO specialists provide direct outreach, assessment and case management for justice-involved Veterans in local courts and jails and liaison with local justice system partners. VA cannot provide legal services.”
Tennessee VJO Specialists (list of current contacts for the facilities listed can be found at: http://www.va.gov/homeless/vjo.asp#contacts
- Memphis, Memphis VA Medical Center
- Mountain Home, Mountain Home VA Medical Center
- Murfreesboro, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System
- Nashville, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System
Military Sexual Trauma Coordinators: Tennessee (Nashville Regional Benefit Office): http://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/mstcoordinators.asp
National Center for State Courts Veterans Courts Resource Guide: http://www.ncsc.org/Topics/Problem-Solving-Courts/Veterans-Court/Resource-Guide.aspx
SAMHSA Faith-Based and Community Initiative: Successful Strategies for Recruiting, Training, and Utilizing Volunteers A Guide for Faith- and Community-Based Service Providers: http://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/volunteer_handbook.pdf
National Drug Court Online Learning System (online training with specific modules related to veterans’ treatment court) free accounts: http://www.drugcourtonline.org/index.php
Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT): http://www.motivationalinterviewing.org/
Veterans’ Service Officer
Tennessee Veterans’ Service Officer Association: http://www.tnvso.com/id16.html
These professionals know how to get veterans connected with the help they need, and can be an important part of your team.
County Sheriff
Tennessee Sheriff’s Association: http://tnsheriffs.com/
The County Sheriff and the local Chief of Police can help by identifying veterans arrested, incarcerated, and coming into the system. Some will want PTSD/TBI/MST training for their officers. Some will even modify their intake documents to ask “have
City Chief of Police
Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police: http://www.tacp.org
Trial Court Judges
TNCourts.gov; http://www.tsc.state.tn.us/courts/circuit-criminal-chancery-courts/judges
These are the folks who work with the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in creating a Veterans’ Treatment Court.
Treatment Court Mentor Coordinators
Check with Liz Ledbetter and Ellen Abbott of the Department of Mental Health for the official list.
These may be volunteers or paid staff. Specific training requirements, specific procedural requirements apply, all governed by the Department of Mental Health in conjunction with the Veterans’ Treatment Court Judge.
Probation Officers
Tennessee Department of Correction: https://www.tn.gov/correction/article/tdoc-community-supervision-field-office-directory
Absolutely essential resource in coordinating and facilitating a justice-involved veteran’s treatment. The list on the website will help you find those in your county.
Case Managers
Associated directly with your Veterans’ Treatment Court. Check with TDMHSAS
Another essential resource-these are the people who often serve in a counseling role, and to whom the veteran is accountable for the recovery process. They must be kept “in the loop” on the whereabouts of a justice involved veteran at all times.
Representative(s) of local substance abuse coordinating agency
Tennessee Association of Drug Court Professionals: https://www.tadcptn.org
Similar to case managers in their role
Tennessee Works
An employment service specializing in helping people with disabilities. Drug-dependency, often a factor in justice-involved vets, is a disability: http://tadcp.org
Studies by Virginia Tech found that the number one factor in preventing returning to incarceration is work-a steady job. Tennessee Works may have a strong presence and program in your area.
Veteran Mentors
Listed by those who are interested; in-training; trained; experienced; available...all at your discretion.
The front line of the mentor program, these are the people that facilitate recovery by helping and encouraging the veteran through the process.
Student Interns
Check with local community colleges, universities with social work or criminal justice programs for the possibility of using student interns.
These eager learners can be a big help, particularly if they come with grant funding to assist your program with some skilled labor. Often very tech and computer-savvy, what they lack in experience can be offset by the help they provide.
Department of Veteran’s Affairs
http://www.va.gov
Key resource providing in-patient and out-patient recovery programs and counseling.
Tennessee Department of Veteran’s Services
https://www.tn.gov/veteran/
Helpful especially in finding jobs, they also provide the political and legislative support needed to make the Veterans’ Treatment Court Programs work.
NATIONAL RESOURCE LIST FOR VETERANS
The list of resources below was created by the Minnesota Judicial Branch, Fourth Judicial District, Hennepin County Veterans Court, in their Mentor Program Training Manual. The manual was developed with the assistance of NAMI Minnesota and the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living. The manual can be located online at: http://jpo.wrlc.org/bitstream/handle/11204/1347/3973.pdf?sequence=1
MyHELPList
Information and Assistance for Military Service Part I and Family Members During Tough Economic Times MILITARY RESOURCES Our Best Online Portals, Call Centers and Locator Services!
Military OneSource
24/7 Call Center
You name it. We can help!
1-800-342-9647
www.MilitaryOneSource.com
MilitaryHOMEFRONT
DoD programs, policies, news and events.
www.MilitaryHOMEFRONT.dod.mil
www.MilitaryINSTALLATIONS.dod.mil
Joint Family Resource Center (JFRC)
On-demand counseling, educational materials and programs provided to support command sponsored deployment, personal finance and transition programs at no cost to commands.
Command leaders should call: 1-888-256-9920
http://jfsap.mhf.dod.mil/request
Joint Family Support Assistance Programs (JFSAP) for Guard and Reserve
For state JFSAP staffs, regional coordinators and other key points of contact, call: 1-800-342-9647
www.GuardFamily.org
www.defenselink/ra
Transition Assistance Advisors (TAAs)
Veterans benefits counseling, information, assistance and community referrals.
See full listing of TAAs in Resource Section of www.TurboTAP.org 40
TurboTAP.org
Personal finance, transition assistance and benefits information for active duty, National Guard and Reserve service and family members.
www.TurboTAP.org
Deployment Health & Family Readiness Library
Online family readiness resources, deployment cycle support articles, and physical, environmental, occupational, and mental health fact sheets for deployers written in "plain English."
http://deploymenthealthlibrary.fhp.osd.mil
Wounded Warrior Resource Center
Specialized support for wounded, ill and injured service members and their families.
1-800-342-9647
www.MilitaryOneSource.com
MyArmyBenefits
Online calculators and comprehensive military benefits information of value to all military servicemembers.
1-888-721-2769
www.myarmybenefits.us.army.mil
Military Chapels and Chaplains
Call Military OneSource:
1-800-342-9647 for referrals or visit DoD's locator service:
www.MilitaryINSTALLATIONS.dod.mil
ADDITIONAL MILITARY RESOURCES
Military Relief Societies
Personal and family financial counseling, emergency loans, consumer advice and basic assistance. Active duty, National Guard and Reserve are eligible to use these programs. For the office nearest you, visit:
www.MilitaryINSTALLATION.dod.mil
or call Military OneSource:
1-800-342-9647 41
Army Emergency Relief (AER)
www.aerhq.org
1-800-769-8951 or 1-866-878-6378
Air Force Aide Society (AFSC)
www.afas.org
Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society
(NMCRS)
www.nmcrs.org
703-696-1481
Military OneSource
1-800-342-9647
For the family support center nearest you: www.MilitaryINSTALLATION.dod.mil
Army Community Services (ACS)
www.MyArmyLifeToo.org
Airman and Family Readiness Flights
www.AFCrossroads.com
Navy Fleet and Family Services (FFSC)
www.nffsp.org www.LIFELines.navy.mil
Marine Corps Community Service (MCCS)
www.usmc-mccs.org/installation
Joint Family Support Assistance Program supporting the National Guard and Reserve National Guard
www.GuardFamily.org
Reserve Components
www.Defenselink/ra
1-888-777-7731
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Support and assistance for military personnel, veterans and their families
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Military Pay, Compensation & Benefits
Information about military pay, compensation, benefits, sources of assistance and easy-to-use online calculators.
Compensation & Benefits Handbook
www.TurboTAP.org
Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)
www.defenselink.mil/militarypay/pay/calc/index.html
DoD Pay and Compensation
www.defenselink.mil/militarypay/index
Military Pay Calculator
www.MyPay.gov
MyArmyBenefits Calculators
http://MyArmyBenefits.army.mil
Retirement Calculator
www.defenselink.mil/militarypay/retirement/calc/index.html
Survivors Benefit Plan
www.defenselink.mil/militarypay/survior
WarriorCare/National Resource Directory
www.WarriorCare.mil
https://www.nationalresourcedirectory.org
GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, Patriot (cont)
Express Loans for military spouses,
Veteran Business Outreach Centers,
Small Business Development Centers.
www.sba.gov
Social Security Administration (SSA)
Military Service and Social Security fact sheets.
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10017.html
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
Retirement savings plan for military personnel offers tax-free investments prior to withdrawal of funds.
www.tsp.gov
1-TSP-YOU-FRST
ORGANIZATIONS BY TYPE OF ASSISTANCE
Banking Association of Military Banks of America (AMBA)
Financial education materials, resources and links.
www.ambahq.org/resources.htm
540-347-3305
Defense Credit Union Council
Directory of Local Credit Union Branches, financial resources, links and financial policy information.
www.dcuc.org
202-638-3950
Charitable Organizations
American Legion
Heroes to Hometowns program, veteran affairs services, family support centers, general assistance, reunions and awards.
www.legion.org/homepage.php
www.legion.org/national
American Supports You (Website)
Connects military service members and families to organizations that provide a wide range of support, assistance, adaptive equipment, scholarships and other helpful resources.
www.americasupportsyou.mil
Angels of Mercy Program
Clothing and supplies for wounded service members.
www.supportourwounded.org
703-938-8930
Children of Fallen Heroes
Housing, college grants and scholarships for children and spouses of fallen heroes.
www.cfsrf.org
301-865-6327
United Services Organizations (USO)
USO Centers, Internet and email access, libraries, reading rooms, recreational activities, regional veterans services, and family services.
www.uso.org
703-908-6400
Yellow Ribbon Program
Food, clothing, shelter, medical assistance and education for veterans.
www.yellowribbonfoundation.com
1-888-99-4VETS
Children and Youth Services
Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA)
Child care, hospital assistance, military spouse support, food services, computer training, health and wellness support and holiday meals.
www.asymca.org
1-800-597-1260
703-313-9600
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Youth centers provide educational, recreational, cultural, and social activities for military youth.
www.bgca.org
Junior Achievement
Financial education and resources that encourage young people on such concepts as work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
www.ja.org
Jump$tart Coalition for Financial Literacy
Financial literacy publications, websites and links to improve the personal financial education of children, teens and young adults.
http://www.jumpstart.org/states.cfm
Consumer Information Consumer Federation of America (CFA)
Support provided through CFA website includes a newsletter, publications, resource center and promotion of special events.
www.consumerfed.gov
202-387-6121
Council of Better Business Bureaus (BBB)
Information that protects service members from unscrupulous businesses, BBB reliability reports, BBB Auto Line, BBB MilitaryLine, and dispute resolution services.
703-276-0100
www.bbb.org
Military Sentinel (FTC)
Identifies and reports on consumer protection issues.
http://www.consumer.gov/military/
Consumer Credit Counseling
Center for Responsible Lending
Credit counselor locator service, home foreclosure and legal assistance, payday loan calculator, policy and technical assistance, coalition building and research
www.responsiblelending.org
202-349-1850
InCharge Institute of America
Military Money Magazine, no-cost/ reduced-fee debt elimination programs and "Military Money Minute" radio broadcasts.
www.inchargefoundation.org
www.militarymoney.com
1-800-565-8953
National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)
Consumer credit counseling services including homeowner, money and credit, bankruptcy education and counseling, debt management planning assistance, and free and low cost general assistance.
www.nfcc.org
1-800-388-2227
Financial Education
American Financial Services Association (AFSA)
Education Foundation
Responsible money management tools, advice for understanding credit, credit management support, free MoneySkill online course.
www.afsaef.org
www.moneyskill.org
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Financial calculators, tips, recommendations and personal finance referrals.
www.feedthepig.org
Financial Planning
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board)
Recommends how to choose a financial planner, set financial goals and get started on a financial plan. CFP maintains a financial planner database.
http://www.cfp.net/learn
http://www.cfp.net/search
Financial Planning Association (FPA)
Helps consumers find a financial planner and financial educational materials.
www.fpaforfinancialplanning.org
www.plannersearch.org
National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA)
Maintains a financial planner search service for "Fee-Only" comprehensive financial advisors nearest you.
http://www.napfa.org/consumer/index.asp
http://www.napfa.org/consumer/planners/ind ex.asp
Employment Assistance Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE)
Offers fellowships for military spouses to attain the Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) certification.
www.afcpe.org
(614) 485-9650
Career One-Stop Centers (Dept of Labor)
Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) counselors provide career and employment support for military service and family members at state employment offices.
www.careeronestop.org
1-877-348-0502 48
MILSpouse (Department of Defense)
Comprehensive resources that provide support, information and referrals for Military spouses seeking portable careers and employment opportunities.
www.MILSpouse.org
REALifelines (Department of Labor)
Offers support for wounded, ill, injured and disabled service members, search engine for civilian careers, an online resume-writer, and a military-to-civilian skills translator.
www.hirevetsfirst.gov/REALifelines
202-693-4700
1-800-USA-JOBS
TurboTAP.org (Department of Defense)
Employment hub, military friendly employers, transition assistance guides, checklists, decision support planning tools and benefit email alerts.
www.TurboTAP.org
Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (CAA) (Department of Defense)
Provides funding for licensing and credentialing training programs that provide portable careers for military spouses.
www.CAA.MILSpouse.org
Warriors to Work Program
Job search assistance for wounded warriors transitioning to civilian jobs.
https://wtow.woundedwarriorproject.org
1-877-TEAM-WWP
Wallstreet Warfighters Foundation
Paid training for Wall Street Careers.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
1-888-439-3935
Healthcare
Army Wounded Warrior Program
Support programs for wounded soldiers who incurred an injury or illness after 10 September 2001 or in support of the Global War on Terror (GWOT)
http://aw2portal.com/Default.aspx
Blinded Veterans Association
Field Service Program, Volunteer Service Program and Scholarship Program.
www.bva.org
1-800-669-7079
Caring Bridge
Free online service that allows military families to remain updated on their service member's medical condition while in a military hospital or major medical center.
www.fisherhouse.org/caring/aboutCaring.shtml
Veterans Affairs Health Care Program
Primary care, specialized care and related medical and social support services.
http://www1.va.gov/HEALTH/index.asp
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP)
WWP Solider Ride Program, TRACK Operation Outreach, Warriors to Work, WWP Outdoors, Patient and Family Support WWP Packs, and WWP Peer Mentoring.
www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Yellow Ribbon Fund
Volunteers of Walter Reed and Bethesda Medical Centers help injured service members enjoy their community through outreach activities and services.
www.yellowribbonfund.com
240-223-1180
Housing Assistance
Fisher Houses and Programs
Temporary housing on the grounds of major military or VA medical centers for families and caregivers of individuals admitted to the hospital, Caring Bridge Program status updates, scholarships for children and spouses, Hero Miles (free airline tickets for family members of an OIF/OEF ill or injured servicemember), and Newman's Own organizational grants.
www.fisherhouses.org
Homes for Our Troops
Builds or adapts homes for handicapped accessibility at no cost to veterans.
www.homesforourtroops.org
508-823-3300
1-866-7 TROOPS
Hope NOW
Hope NOW is an alliance between HUD approved counseling agents, servicers, investors and other mortgage market participants that provide free foreclosure prevention assistance.
www.hopenow.com
1-800-995-HOPE
HUD (Housing and Urban Development) Hope for Homeowners Assistance Program
Provides help for homeowners at risk for foreclosure and housing educational materials.
www.hud.gov
1-800-225-5342
Insurance National Association of Insurance Commissioners
Military Sales Online Reporting System, oversight for state and local insurance companies, and insurance company rankings.
www.naic.org/government_relations.htm
1-866-470-NAIC
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Insurance programs that specifically provide insurance benefits for veterans and service members who may not be able to get insurance from private companies because of the extra risks involved in military service or a service connected disability.
www.insurance.va.gov
Investments
Investor Education Foundation
Information that increases investor literacy and promotes savings and investing.
www.saveandinvest.org
North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA)
Investor Awareness Quiz, NASAA Fraud Center, Investor Bill of Rights, Investing Online Resource Center, and investor alerts and tips.
www.nasaa.org
202-737-0900
Legal Assistance
Services On Military Installations
Trained legal professionals provide wills, powers of attorney, advanced medical directives and legal assistance services to military service members and their families free of charge. For the office nearest you: call Military OneSource
1-800-342-9647 or visit DoD's locator service:
www.MilitaryINSTALLATIONS.dod.mil
Savings
Military Saves & America Saves
A social marketing campaign aimed at persuading, motivating, and encouraging military families to save money every month, and to convince leaders and organizations to be aggressive in promoting automatic savings.
http://www.militarysaves.org
http://www.americasaves.org
Servicemember Organizations
Navy League of the United States
Scholarships, youth mentoring programs, awards, Navy League Hiring Center for veterans, employment opportunities, educational programs, and outreach.
www.navyleague.org
703-528-1775
1-800-356-1560
Marine Corp League
Help for wounded Marines, scholarships, awards, health and comfort items, youth programs, and veterans medical center activities.
www.mcleague.org
703-207-9588
1-800-625-1775
Scholarships
Financial Aid for Military Spouse Education
Scholarships, grants and assistance programs for higher education for spouses of servicemembers.
http://www.dantes.doded.mil/Dantes_web/li brary/docs/counselorsupport/FOSSM.pdf
National Military Family Association (NMFA)
Scholarships, rights and benefits education, deployment and family support, camps, retreats.
www.nmfa.org
Scholarships for Military Children
Scholarships for military children regardless of servicemember's status.
www.militaryscholar.org
Tax Services
Military One Source
Free income tax filing, tax calculators, tax advisors and counseling services, and income tax preparation course.
www.militaryonesource.com
1-800-342-9647
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Tax information for military members and their families.
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=97273,00.html
Travel
Operation Hero Miles
Allows troops and service members stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan to visit their loved ones on leave at no cost; allows family members and spouses to visit their wounded service members in military hospitals across the country at no cost.
www.heromiles.org