National Night Out
 On Tuesday, August 1, 2017, King Greenleaf Recreation Center,
Mayor Bowser hosted the citywide kickoff of National Night Out, an annual
community-building campaign to promote police-community partnerships and
neighborhood camaraderie. Each year, on the first Tuesday in August, the Mayor
and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) host community events throughout
the city that bring together law enforcement and community members and
highlight public safety initiatives in Washington, DC. The Mayor was joined at
the kickoff by Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, MPD Chief Peter Newsham, the
DC National Guard, the United States Attorney’s Office, and the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs.
Since 2015, the
Bowser Administration has put in place a range of programs and policies to get
illegal guns off the streets, increase accountability at MPD, improve the
District’s criminal justice system, end cycles of community violence, and
support returning citizens. In just the past year, MPD completed
the full deployment of body-worn cameras to all patrol officers, transitioned
to a sector policing model - a proactive
community policing technique that improves accountability and performance by
creating a single chain of command, and celebrated the Department’s Narcotic’s
Enforcement Unit’s success in getting illegal drugs and unregistered
guns off the streets. Additionally, in June, Mayor Bowser announced that her
Administration was expanding the Private
Security Camera Incentive Program by launching the Private Security Camera
Voucher Program. Since launching the Incentive Program, the Administration has
already funded nearly 6,000 private security cameras. Through the Private
Security Camera Voucher Program, eligible residents are able to have a private
security system installed on their property free of charge.
Operation Bedroll
 On Friday, August 2, 2017, the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs was proud to join with The Washington Center's Veteran Employment Trajectory (VET) Initiative and the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, U.S.VETS, Access Housing, and Friendship Place, for Operation Bedroll -- a donation drive collecting household goods for homeless veterans in Washington, D.C.
The drive was organized by Ron Aderhold and MaryIlene Schiller — participants in TWC’s Veterans Employment Trajectory (VET) Initiative who are interning at NCHV — after witnessing first hand the high demand for basic household items in U.S.VETS transitional housing facilities. Aderhold and Schiller enlisted the help of nearly 360 student interns who reside at TWC’s Residential and Academic Facility to donate bed sheets, comforters, pillows and towels at the culmination of their summer term.
Stand by - because Operation Bedroll will occur again!
D.C. Hired Vets!!
 On Wednesday, July 19, 2017, the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs, DCHR, and the D.C. National Guard hosted the first DC Hires Vets event. The hiring fair was incredibly successful. 515 veterans through the door. 150+ interviews were conducted on the spot. 80+ second interviews were scheduled. Hiring managers are still reporting veteran hires - so stay tuned for more updates.
Stand by - DC Hires Vets 2.0 is already being planned for Spring 2018!
Breaking News!
Tell your friends - our newsletter can now be delivered via SMS text! You can sign up by CLICKING HERE!
LifeCents For Veterans
 MOVA has partnered with LifeCents to provide a simple, intuitive and fun way to learn about and improve your personal financial health.
Transform your mindset about money. Starting with a financial health assessment, you will unlock personalized recommendations and get next steps to achieve your financial goals. LifeCents will help you develop the confidence you need to take control of your financial life. It will also help put you in touch with local veteran specific resources.
CLICK HERE for more information!
Letter
from the Mayor
Dear Washingtonians,
Earlier this month, I released my 30 Month Progress Report. In 2015, my
Administration set out to give more residents a fair shot and to build a
government that all residents can be proud of, and that is what we are
doing.
Today, Washington, DC is a more inclusive
city. We are a safer city. And we are a city that is finding new ways to
support families and connect more residents - in every ward - to good-paying
jobs. When our DC values have been tested, we have - time and time again - stood together as a
community and fought for what we believe.
We also know, though, that there is more
work to do. Residents in every ward and of every background have played a vital
role in building a prosperous DC, and we must work together to ensure that more
Washingtonians are benefiting from that prosperity. Going forward, we will
continue making historic investments in affordable housing, creating new
opportunities for students in our public schools, investing in programs and
policies that support families, and attracting and creating new jobs while
ensuring that DC residents have the skills and knowledge to fill them.
It is an honor to represent and serve the
residents of Washington, DC, and I look forward to the work ahead. Learn more
about the progress we have made together at mayor.dc.gov/facts.
Sincerely,
This week's District Minute features stories about
the new DC Circulator buses and DC's 34th National Night Out.
 Are you looking to make an impact on the
lives of young men and boys of color in the District? Join the Bowser
Administration and radio personality EZ Street for the third annual My
Brother’s Keeper-DC Volunteer Recruitment Fair on Thursday, August 17, from
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the National Press Club. Prospective volunteers will
have the opportunity to connect with volunteer organizations, community
leaders, and social innovators. Come out and learn how you can make a
difference as a mentor, tutor, coach, or pro bono consultant.
My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) is a national
initiative created by President Obama to address opportunity gaps faced by
young men and boys of color and ensure that all young people can reach their
full potential. MBK-DC is part of the MBK Community Challenge to implement
evidence-based strategies to create equal opportunities for young men and boys
of color.
Join the movement! Learn more and RSVP
HERE.
Connect with your Mayor!
Mayor Muriel Bowser
John A. Wilson Building | 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW | Washington DC, 20004
(202) 727-2643
muriel.bowser@dc.gov | mayor.dc.gov | @mayorbowser
Mayor's Office of Talent and Appointments (MOTA) is seeking diverse and passionate individuals to work in DC Government. Candidates must submit their resume and any additional eligibility materials. Please click here for more information and how to apply.
Executive Service/Cabinet Positions
Excepted Service Positions
Specialty Positions
Internships
The D.C. Department of Employment Services is here to help veterans who need assistance finding employment. Check out their veterans services page to learn more about the veteran employment services DOES offers. Don't hesitate to reach out to them.
The D.C. government is looking for a few good candidates. Click here to find out more about the opportunities we have to offer.
Veteran Staffing Network of
Easter Seals
Veterans are our mission.
Employment is our business.
Our proprietary eLearning and
coaching prepare veterans, military family members, National Guardsmen, and
Reservists for success in civilian careers. Our career coaches and recruiters
learn about your skills and career aspirations and get you on the right path
toward those goals. Our services include:
- Personalized on-boarding through intake
interviews
- Individual career development planning, including
translation of military skills to the civilian workplace
- Resume writing and interview skills
assistance
- Networking and social media skills support
Job placement in temp-to-perm, contract, and
direct hire depending on your needs and qualifications
To learn how the Veteran
Staffing Network can help you: 1-855-Vets111 or www.vsnusa.org
Immediate Hospitality Positions Available!
Jake's American Grille:
- Servers
- Bartenders
- Line cooks
- Bussers / Barback
Ugly Mug:
- Bar Manger
- Bartenders
- Servers
- Barbacks
Contact Joey Allen, joey@districtrg.com to apply.
Each month the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs compiles a list of vacant positions. If your government agency or
nonprofit organization in DC would like to promote employment, or
internship opportunities for D.C. Veterans please send an email message to
ova@dc.gov.
 Veteran Round Table Discussions
The Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs will be holding two round table discussions every month over the summer. If you are a D.C. Veteran with some ideas about how we can help our community, come out and join us! Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 16, at 12 pm. If you would like to participate, just give us a call at 202-724-5454!
Are you a Veteran in need of vocational rehabilitation assistance?
The District of Columbia Department of Disability Services has partnered with the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs to provide dedicated vocational rehabilitation assistance to our veteran community. This program and separate and apart from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' vocational rehabilitation program. If you have been denied or are currently using the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' program, you may still be eligible for District assistance. Come speak with one of our counselors!
Overview:
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program provides vocational and rehabilitative services to individuals with disabilities to help them prepare for, secure, regain or retain employment. Persons with disabilities face some challenges in today’s modern workplace. We believe that people with disabilities, given the right opportunities can work and be fully integrated into mainstream society and the work place. Vocational rehabilitation services can reduce or remove barriers to employment.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for VR services, a person must have a physical or mental impairment that is a substantial impediment to employment; be able to benefit from VR services in terms of employment; and require VR services to prepare for, enter, engage in, or retain employment. Priority is given to those individuals
who have the most significant disabilities.
Location:
You can meet with a vocational rehabilitation counselor at the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affair office space located at 441 4th Street, NW, Suite 870 North.
Time and Date:
9:00 am - 4:00 pm on Tuesday, August 22, 2017
9:00 am - 4:00 pm on Tuesday, September 19, 2017
9:00 am - 4:00 pm on Tuesday, October 3, 2017
9:00 am - 4:00 pm on Tuesday, October 17, 2017
9:00 am - 4:00 pm on Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Scheduling:
You can schedule an appointment by calling our office at 202-724-5454. You can also walk-in on the days the counselor has office hours. Please note, however, appointments will be seen before walk-ins and space is limited.
VA Claims, Pensions, and DD-214 Upgrades
On Thursday, August 24, 2017, the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs will be hosting an accredited Veteran Service Officer from the American Legion to provide claims, benefits, pension, and DD-214 upgrade counseling. The claims officer will be on deck from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. If you have questions - trust us - this guy has the answers! Give us a call at 202-724-5454 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome! Please note, scheduled appointments will be seen before walk-ins.
September counseling dates will be announced shortly!
Mayor’s Advisory Board on D.C. Veterans Affairs Monthly Meeting
One Judiciary Square
Tuesday, September 5, 2017, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
441 4th St. NW, Washington DC 20001
1114 South Conference Room
This meeting is open to the public. Please come out and join us!
 A Veteran focused workshop taught by the Dept. of Small and Local Business Development. “Build a Dream” is a nine hour* program for entrepreneurial ideas utilizing the Lean Canvas model. It is adapted from the Business Model canvas and replaces elaborate business plans with a single page business model. Focus is on business content, not presentation, which saves money for product testing.
Additionally, instructors will explain the DC business certification process and possible benefits of micro-loans available for a Veteran owned business
Limited to Veterans, Veteran Family Members and DC residents going into business with Veterans.
This nine hour workshop is conducted over three evenings (Sept 12, 13 and 14) from 5-8pm at 441 4th St NW in the DSLBD Workshop Suite# 805 South.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Are you a member of the military community (active duty, Veteran, National Guard or Reserves) or a military spouse? And are you thinking about starting, or have you recently started, a small business?
If you answered "yes" to both of these questions - then the DC Small Business Boot Camp is for you!
Before you register your business, create a website, go after funding, sign a lease or hire employees, you need to determine if your business idea is feasible. This one day intensive workshop is designed to introduce prospective entrepreneurs to the fundamentals of small business start-up and to help you determine the feasibility of your business idea. We will focus on your business concept, industry and market analysis, smallbusiness economics and financial forecasting - and introduce you to the resources to help you start and grow your business.
This is a non-selling event! Seating is limited to members of the military community who are interested in starting and growing their small business. Members of the service professions (CPAs, attorneys, real estate agents, financial representatives, etc.) who wish to do business with Veterans will not be admitted.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
 The Veterans History Project (VHP) of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is primarily an oral history program that collects and preserves the firsthand interviews of America's wartime veterans. VHP relies on volunteers, both individuals and organizations, throughout the nation to contribute veterans’ stories to VHP. In addition to audio- and video-recorded interviews, VHP accepts memoirs and collections of original photographs, letters, diaries, maps and other historical documents from World War I through current conflicts.
The Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs will be conducting VHP interviews every week. If you are a veteran - we would love to hear your story! Once your interview is complete, we will submit the recording to the Library of Congress for preservation.
Please give us a call at 202-724-5454 to schedule an interview.
The Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs Newsletter is distributed to over 5,000 subscribers every month. If you would like your event to be featured in our calendar, please submit the following details: what, when and where the event will take place. If available, please provide a link to direct readers to more online information. Please send all inquiries and posts to ova@dc.gov.
VA Expands
Emergency Mental Health Care to Former Service Members With
Other-Than-Honorable Discharges
Department of
Veterans Affairs has finalized plans that lay the framework for providing
emergency mental health coverage to former service members with
other-than-honorable (OTH) administrative discharges.
This is the first
time a VA Secretary has implemented an initiative specifically focused on this
group of former service members who are in mental health distress.
“Suicide prevention
is my top clinical priority,” said Secretary Shulkin, also a physician. “We
want these former service members to know there is someplace they can turn if
they are facing a mental health emergency — whether it means urgent care at a
VA emergency department, a Vet Center or through the Veterans Crisis
Line.”
Effective July 5,
2017, all Veterans Health Administration (VHA) medical centers are prepared to
offer emergency stabilization care for former service members who present at
the facility with an emergent mental health need. Under this initiative, former
service members with an OTH administrative discharge may receive care for their
mental health emergency for an initial period of up to 90 days, which can
include inpatient, residential or outpatient care.
In DC, visit the VA
Medical Center at 50 Irving Street, N.W., or call 202-745-8000. Veterans in
crisis, their families or friends can also call or text the Veterans Crisis
Line to chat confidentially.
Call
1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text
message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week, 365 days a year. Support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals is also
available. Visit https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ for more information.
Director Ely S. Ross
202-724-5454
www.ova.dc.gov |
