March 2018 Newsletter

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March 2018 Newsletter


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Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs

One Judiciary Square           
441 4th Street, NW
Suite 870 North
Washington, D.C., 20004
202.724-5454

www.ova.dc.gov


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Veteran Crisis Line - phone

Veteran Crisis Line - Chat

Crisis line text

Women Vet Call Center

Women Vet Chat

va homeless 2

CRRC

Click here for more information about the Washington D.C. VA Community Resource and Referral Center. 


DCVAMC

Click here for more information about the Washington D.C. VA Medical Center.


DC Hires Vets 

new dc hires vets

The event is FREE, but registration is required. DCHR encourages advanced registration, but same-day at the door registration will be available.

 

Event Details 

  • Who: All veterans and veterans’ spouse in the surrounding areas are invited to attend. The event is restricted to veterans and veterans’ spouse.
  • What: “DC Hires Vets” will offer veterans the opportunity to apply and interview for positions with the District of Columbia Government, federal agencies and private-sector companies. Veterans and veterans’ spouse can also engage onsite with District and federal agencies which provide services to veterans.
  • Where: DC Armory, 2001 East Capitol Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003
  • When: Wednesday, April 4, 2018; 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
  • Registration: Advanced registration available via Eventbrite but veterans and veterans’ spouse can also register at the event.
  • Learn more: Please continue to follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram for more information.

Participant Requirements

Attendees must bring one of the following documentation to the event (only one is required):

  • DD-214 Discharge Form
  • Military ID
  • VA Card
  • Letter from an assisted veterans' home indicating status as a veteran.

Employers 

If your agency or company would like to participate in the 2018 DC Hires Vets event, please complete the event employer registration form.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION!!


In Case You Missed It

D.C.'s veteran programs provide blueprint for America's cities

c vets 2

On Monday, March 12, 2018, Director Ely S. Ross joined CBS Radio host Eric Dehm and the Connecting Vets team for a discussion on what Washington D.C. and Mayor Bowser are doing to help veterans in the District.  Over the last year, The Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs has rolled out new programs and services.  Other states are starting to take note of what we are doing for veterans in the District. 

Click here to read Eric's story and listen to the full interview. 


2018 Performance Oversight Hearing 

POH

On Friday, March 9, 2018, Director Ely S. Ross testified before Councilmember Brandon Todd, Chair of the Committee on Government Operations.  Director Ross highlighted the performance and success of the office for fiscal year 2017 and 2018 to-date.  Director Ross was joined by over 15 members of the veteran community who stayed well into the evening to make their voices heard for veterans in All 8 Wards.  Thank you all of the veterans who testified on Friday, and also to those who have worked so hard to support the office and their fellow veterans.  

Click here to watch the full oversight testimony. 


DD-214 Upgrade Clinic

dd-214 clinic

On Tuesday, March 13, 2018, the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs and The National Veterans Legal Services Project (NVLSP) held a Know Your Rights Briefing and DD-214 upgrade clinic.  NVLSP was joined by volunteer attorneys from Covington & Burling LLP and Northrop Grumman. Together, we saw over 30 veterans and set them on a path to correcting their service records.  Thank you to all of our volunteers and our veterans!  

We will be hosting quarterly DD-214 Upgrade Clinics.  Standby for more information or just give us a call at 202-724-5454!


Our Largest Veteran Round Table To-Date! 

round table photo

On Thursday, March 8, 2018, we held our largest Veteran Round Table event to-date!  Over 30 veterans and representatives from Veteran Service Organizations attended. We had the opportunity to discuss veteran homelessness, transportation, DD-214 upgrades, and many other topics.  Thank you to everyone who joined.  

If you weren't able to make it - don't worry - we hold Veteran Round Tables every two weeks.  Our next round table will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2018, at 12 pm.  Call 202-724-5454 for more details. 


Veteran Resource of the Month

District’s New Student Loan Ombudsman

student loans

Are you a student veteran or a recent graduate?  Do you have student loans?  Well, we have a new resource for you! 

Get answers to your student loan concerns from the District Student Loan Ombudsman, your advocate that can help with:

  • Identifying strategies for paying for college.
  • Navigating student loan forgiveness and repayment programs.
  • Resolving complaints with student loan servicers.

 Dr. Charles Burt will hold open office hours on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, February 28, 11am - 2pm
    DISB Training Room 
    1050 First Street, NE, First Floor
     
  • Tuesday, March 13, 3pm - 7pm
    DISB Training Room 
    1050 First Street, NE, First Floor
     
  • Wednesday, March 28, 11am - 2pm
    DISB Training Room 
    1050 First Street, NE, First Floor

To schedule an appointment, please call (202) 727-8000 or send an email to DCLoanHelp@dc.gov. Walk-ins are welcome; however you will be taken on first-come, first-served basis.


From The Mayor

MMB

Letter from the Mayor

Dear Washingtonians,

On February 12, the Trump Administration released its 2019 budget proposal. Among the many problematic cuts in the budget is the elimination of funding for the DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) program. 

For nearly two decades, both Democrats and Republicans in Congress have supported this one-of-a-kind program that expands educational opportunities for college-bound Washingtonians by providing grants of up to $10,000 toward tuition. Over the years, more than 26,000 young people have benefited from DCTAG, with the vast majority of those students coming from families with annual incomes of less than $30,000. 

In 2018, when the cost of college is at an all-time high, it is unfathomable that any leader would propose eliminating a program like DCTAG rather than expanding it. To reduce inequality and create more pathways to the middle class for our young people and their families, we must continue to open doors of opportunity. We must continue to fund programs like DCTAG.

Join me in calling on Congress to approve this investment in higher education for DC students by signing our petition at savedctag.dc.gov, and then ask your friends, family, and colleagues to do the same. 

Sincerely, 

signature

March Madness 

March madness

Mayor Bowser and Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Brian Kenner invite you to attend the Fourth Annual March Madness on March 27 for a preview of new and upcoming projects soon to be available to the District’s development community. At the event, attendees will learn about solicitation opportunities and network with public and private sector development partners. 

March Madness will be held at The Anthem (901 Wharf Street, SW) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. RSVP is required.


A District Minute 

d minute

This week’s District Minute features stories about the launch of Crime Cards and the grand opening of the new DC Infrastructure Academy.


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


Featured Jobs, Fellowships, and Interships

SOME Center for Employment Training

some

For all DC Veterans in search of employment.  Transfer your skills and become certified for free at SOME (So Others Might Eat) Center for Employment Training.  SOME CET provides training for careers as Medical Administrative Assistants and Building Maintenance Service Technicians. Students earn occupational credentials and certifications.  Contact SOME to apply: 202-292-4460 or visit www.some.org/cet


MOTA

Executive Service/Cabinet Positions

Excepted Service Positions

 

Specialty Positions


DOES

 

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.


DCHR

The D.C. government is looking for a few good candidates.  Click here to find out more about the opportunities we have to offer.


Upcoming Events

DC Expungement Day

expungment clinic

On April 20, 2018, DC Law Students in Court and the Mayor's Office of Returning Citizens will host an expungement clinic at the Department of Employment Services.  

HOW THE CLINIC WORKS

The clinic provides free eligibility determinations and representation for indigent participants in Washington, D.C. who have a criminal arrest, charge, or conviction that they wish to seal.

Attorneys hold intakes to determine the participant’s record sealing eligibility.  If the case is determined eligible, we will connect participants with an attorney who will represent the client by filing a motion with the court and handling any hearings or opposition motions that may occur as a result.  An attorney will follow the case through resolution.

Clients are encouraged to bring their government-issued I.D. and paperwork to the intake. If they do not have their paperwork, we will give instructions for obtaining their criminal record.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

OR CALL 202-607-2721


Bright Beginnings Race to End Homelessness 

bright

In Washington, DC 3,000 children are in foster care; 1,800 children under the age of five are homeless; and 35,000 children live in homes where the next meal is uncertain. Bright Beginnings, Inc is a non-profit organization founded in 1991 to provide childcare and other vital services to homeless families in DC. Since then, more then 2,500 homeless families have been served by the Bright Beginnings program. Bright Beginnings’ annual 5K Race raises funds that help provide educational, therapeutic, health, and family services free of charge to homeless infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families in Washington, DC. All proceeds directly support our outstanding programs that prepare children for kindergarten and help their parents get back on their feet. Put on your running shoes, grab your friends and register today.


Want Your Event Featured in the Newsletter?

The Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs Newsletter is distributed to over 6,800 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.


Click Here To Sign Up For News From The Mayor's Office Of Veterans Affairs

Director Ely S. Ross

202-724-5454

www.ova.dc.gov