Maryland Veterans Trust Fund Grants to Veterans are Increasing

The Maryland Veterans Trust Fund is a 501c3 organization and was established to assist veterans in Maryland with non-emergency, temporary financial assistance.  For the first time since the program began, an amount of more than $230,000 in individual grants were awarded to Maryland Veterans in the last Fiscal Year. During the current Fiscal Year, which began on July 1, 2021 grants totaling $185,000 have already been awarded to Veterans in need in Maryland. This puts the program on track to exceed the record set last year for grants provided to Maryland Veterans.   Mark Hendricks, the Program Administrator has worked to streamline and expedite the program over the last year as more veterans were applying.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the program was also transitioned to an online application and review process.  MDVA Secretary George Owings and members of the Board of Trustees congratulated Mark on adapting to the changing work environment while assisting even more veterans in need across Maryland. For more information and to request an application for the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund please write to the dedicated email address: mdveteranstrust.mdva@maryland.gov    Maryland Veterans Trust Fund

MDVA Website

Maryland Veterans Commissioner, Dr. Cynthia Macri was recently interviewed by Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin for the Veterans Day edition of "Hometown Heroes". Congratulations to Dr. Macri for this well-deserved recognition.

Watch the interview here

Colonel Edna Cummings, USA (Ret), LTC Bryon Hartzog, USA (Ret), MDVA Deputy Secretary Robert Finn, (COL, USA Ret) and Maryland Delegate Mike Rogers (COL, USA Ret), attended the Military Officers Association of America, Meade Chapter luncheon.  Deputy Secretary Finn provided an update on MDVA programs to the members of the organization.

More community photos from Veterans Day and other events were shared with MDVA since the last newsletter.  Please view them in the Community Partner News section below.

Maryland Secretary Rona Kramer, Department of Aging, Secretary George Owings III, MDVA and Secretary Ellington Churchill, Jr., Department of General Services visit the warehouse which holds donations of Durable Medical Equipment.  Secretary Kramer is describing the program in this photo and has asked MDVA to help spread the word about this benefit available at no cost to Marylanders. Read more below:

The Maryland Department of Aging is providing durable medical equipment (DME) to Marylanders with any illness, injury, or disability, regardless of age, at no cost. All equipment is collected via donation and is sanitized, repaired, and redistributed to Marylanders in need. This service will improve the quality of life for many Maryland residents and provides the opportunity to avoid costlier levels of care. For more information on how you can donate or receive equipment, please visit: https://aging.maryland.gov/pages/DME.aspx

Equipment Available:

Many residents of Maryland require the use of durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, and other assistive devices, in order to maintain their safety and mobility. Often the cost of this equipment is a financial burden, not only to uninsured residents, but also to insured residents whose insurance will not approve the equipment needed or whose approval is delayed. To address this need, the Maryland Department of Aging has developed an innovative program to provide durable medical equipment to Maryland residents. All donated equipment will be sanitized, refurbished, and redistributed. This service will greatly improve the mobility and quality of life of many Maryland residents. For more information on how you can make a donation or receive equipment, please visit: https://aging.maryland.gov/pages/DME.aspx

This photo shows just some of the equipment available to be distributed.

Announcement from the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs

Meet Danielle Davis We are pleased to welcome Danielle N. Davis to the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs. Danielle will serve as Maryland's first Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Compliance Manager. In this role she will collect and analyze performance data, implement best practices, and facilitate training to internal and external stakeholders. She will also enforce regulations in all aspects related to VSBE compliance, recommend strategies for improving overall performance, and lead outreach efforts to engage more veteran entrepreneurs in the VSBE Program. Danielle joined state service in 2010 and has held several positions at Bowie State University, her alma mater, most recently as a financial aid manager. She comes from a military family and currently resides in Anne Arundel County. Upcoming Events 12/07/2021 - Positioning For Success In The New Year - Strategies For Business Development 12/09/2021 - Know Your Customer 12/09/2021 - Permitting: You Don't Have To Do It Alone 12/09/2021 - Small Business Essentials Webinar Series: Creating a Quick Business Plan 12/15/2021 - Small Business Essentials Webinar Series: Developing Your Marketing Plan 12/16/2021 - Small Business Essentials Webinar Series: Promoting Your Business 12/17/2021 - Small Business Essentials Webinar Series: Developing Financial Projections

Secretary of State and Maryland Attorney General Warn Donors To Beware This Giving Tuesday and Holiday Season

While Giving Tuesday is a day that marks the season of helping others, the Maryland Secretary of State’s Office and the Maryland Office of the Attorney General warn that this year’s holiday season comes with an increased urgency to protect against scam artists preying on generous donors. 

“There are Marylanders across the state who depend on the generosity of donors for basic needs,” said Maryland Secretary of State John Wobensmith. “And while we are grateful to our reputable charities, we urge our citizens to be on alert for scam artists who take advantage of unsuspecting donors.”

Secretary Wobensmith warns donors to avoid common mistakes and red flags such as lack of information for unknown charities. Reputable charities should readily answer your questions. Don’t fall victim to charities that promise to follow up or send information after you give a donation. Verify the charity is authentic before you give.

For those who choose to make a donation this Giving Tuesday and holiday season, Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh and Secretary Wobensmith advise consumers to be vigilant and donate wisely. 

“We are committed to connecting Maryland’s donors with tools and tips on how to give wisely,” said Attorney General Frosh. “Maryland is home to a number of nonprofit organizations worthy of your generous donation. As we approach the holiday season, it is important to be prepared and do your research before donating.”

Here are some tips on how to avoid a charity scam this Giving Tuesday and year-round: 

• Do some research before giving.
• Beware of social media sites that promote charitable organizations.
• If a telemarketer calls asking for a donation by phone, ask questions first and request additional information by email or mail.
• Pay close attention to the name and logo, and make sure that the charity you are donating to is the one you intended to give to. 

The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division offers tips on giving wisely that can be found here. 

Together with the Attorney General’s Office, the Secretary of State’s Office works to ensure that charitable contributions go to qualified charitable organizations and are used for their intended purpose. The Maryland Secretary of State registers and regulates charitable organizations and their professional solicitors who operate in Maryland. Current Maryland law mandates that charities are registered with the Secretary of State and reveal to the public their financial and programmatic activities. Marylanders can search the Maryland Charities Database to see if a charity is registered in the state.

If you think that you have been a victim of a charity fraud or scam, contact the Office of the Secretary of State, Charities and Legal Services Division by email at DLInvestigations_SOS@maryland.gov or by telephone at 410-974-5534.

Maryland: my MDTHINK

Online Gateway to Public Health & Human Services in Maryland

For More Information on Energy Assistance Programs and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

An early preview of Governor Hogan's Pearl Harbor Day Proclamation:

The Small Business Administration helps Small Businesses

If you are an aspiring entrepreneur or an existing business owner in Maryland… the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers FREE individualized consulting, from start up to established businesses. We also offer comprehensive training programs, from those just thinking about starting a business to executive training, with most classes at low to no cost. The Maryland SBDC Network provides Maryland small business owners with access to trusted business advisors who have experience in starting and growing businesses. We offer expertise and keen insights essential to helping you manage your concerns today, and design solid, long-range plans to secure your vision for tomorrow. Read More Here Events Calendar

Federal News

VA statement on GPO printing and mailing delay

Why do Veterans get different disability ratings?

VA Disability Payments Going Up in 2022

Getting records for a VA disability claim

VA and IHS collaborate to serve American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans

G.I. Jobs celebrates 20th anniversary with new tools for veterans

HUD-VASH program provides comprehensive care for aging Veterans facing homelessness

Refinancing fees with a VA Home Loan

Parkinson's disease awareness: Answering 9 most popular Parkinson's questions from Veterans

Help VA spread awareness about lung cancer symptoms and screening

Help VA understand what Veterans need for childcare survey

Free robotic companion pets for Veterans with dementia in the DC area

Share some cheer with a fellow Veteran for the Holidays

Live Whole Health #98: Season of gratitude

Live Whole Health #99: Self care

VA offers free phone-based Yoga Nidra Class

Call center available for Veterans, Afghans in need of assistance due to Afghanistan withdrawal

Veterans stay connected with free communications platform

Veterans, families, caregivers can boost blood supply, get $10 Amazon gift card

Veterans needed to serve as youth mentors

Share some cheer with a fellow Veteran for the Holidays

VA is Hiring - How to apply through USAjobs

Hospice Care

What is Hospice Care?

How much does Hospice Care cost?

Housing options for Veterans in Hospice Care

Hospice Care options at the VA

Hospice Care: How to start the conversation

For Your Information

The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs does not endorse the organizations sponsoring these events, and we do not endorse the views they express or the products/services they offer.  The views and opinions expressed in any referenced document do not necessarily state or reflect those of MDVA.  The information provided is intended for your general knowledge only, and serves solely as a MDVA community outreach effort.

Community News

Serving Together

ServingTogether offers service members, veterans and their families access to a class-leading continuum of providers that runs the gamut from superior mental health, housing, and emergency service providers to employment, financial capabilities, education, volunteering, recreation and fitness, and more! We are able to track client progress, communicate with providers and ensure the veterans are truly getting what they need all free of charge.  

 Serving Together has been immensely successful in building a dynamic team that is truly devoted to the mission of the organization. This team has tangible, personal connections to our veterans and genuine concern for their best outcomes. ServingTogether provides peer navigation, collaboratives, guides, education, and training. Please visit our Website for more information.  

https://servingtogetherproject.org/

Howard County: Project Opportunity offers free Entrepreneurial Training for Veterans. Register for Spring Class.

The Stephen A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals - Events are free and open to EVERYONE in the Military and Veteran Community:

Virtual Tai Chi for Veterans - Tuesday, Dec 7th at 12pm EST

Register at https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIqc-6hrjgjH9Nrq4wJyAH6VBqUO50OmFT2 

Virtual Gentle Yoga and Mindfulness - Wed, Dec 8th at 5pm EST

Register at http://bit.ly/3o9dnNs 

Virtual Puppy Yoga Yappy Hour with Warrior Canine Connection - Join us on Facebook Live! No registration is needed. Fri, Dec 11th at 12pm EST

Virtual Creative Writing Comedy Workshop - Tues, Dec 14th at 12pm EST Register at http://bit.ly/CohenComedy2021 

Virtual Creative Writing Workshop - Tues, Dec 28th at 12pm EST  Register at http://bit.ly/CohenCreative2021 

Community Calendar

December 9, 2021

MilSpouseFest

Photos from Around the State

St. Casimir Catholic War Veterans & Auxiliary (CWV&A) Post 1764 performed a 50 minute show for hospitalized Veterans at the VA Loch Raven Medical Center.  Colonel Stas Chrzanowski was the Master of Ceremony and lead Performer with assistance from Post 1764 Auxiliary members.

Veterans Day ceremony held at the Roosevelt Center in Greenbelt. American Legion Post 136 Commander Mike Moore, who is also a Maryland Veterans Commissioner presents the Governor's Veterans Day Proclamation to Greenbelt Mayor Emmett Jordan.

St. Casimir Catholic War Veterans Auxiliary held the Student Veterans Day presentation on "Respect for the Military".  SFC Dan Pyle, Ret., and Col. Zimmerman presented to the 7th & 8th grade students from St. Casimir's Catholic School.

Photo Credit: Col Stas Chrzanowski

Ms. Brenda Jamison, Director of Communications for the Women Veterans United Committee, Inc. is shown with just some of the donations collected for the organization's 2021 Bra, Panty and Personal Care Drive.  Donations were distributed to homeless women, those housed in shelters and shared with other Maryland organizations.

Message for New Subscribers:

Is this your first edition of the MDVA newsletter?  If so, welcome!  You are receiving this newsletter because you signed up to receive it from our website or you gave permission to an MDVA program, the MD Motor Vehicle Administration or MD Department of Labor to receive information on VA benefits and resources.  We at MDVA respect your privacy and DO NOT share your email address.  We hope you enjoy receiving our bi-weekly newsletter and find it both educational and engaging.  If you have questions about our Department, our Programs, or your VA benefits, please visit veterans.maryland.gov or call 410-260-3838.