CVSO Office Updates
Hello and HAPPY SEPTEMBER! I wanted to take a moment and introduce myself, as I haven’t had a chance to do this yet. My name is Tiffany Canfield, the new CVSO and Veteran Services Manager. I served with the Army Reserves as a Military Police Officer with the 79th MP Company and got out in 2014. During that time, I deployed to Kyrgyzstan from 2011-2012. I started in this role mid-July, and finally feel like I’ve got my feet back under me after a fast and furious onboarding process. Prior to accepting this role as manager, I worked for Olmsted County as a probation agent since 2018. I have a background and licensing in Social Work and Alcohol and Drug Counseling. I’m truly grateful and honored to be working with the veterans of Olmsted County and their family members. I’m looking forward to getting to know you all!
I have been learning A LOT and have a strong team showing me the work, to which I am grateful. Our website is updated to include my contact information so please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, comments, or concerns. I will do my very best to respond to all questions in a timely manner, some may take longer than others as I continue to learn the work!
This month, the CVSOs will be out of office to attend our fall training conference from Monday September 11 through Friday September 15th. We recognize this is a long time to be away from you all, so we thank you for your grace and patience. This conference is important for us to stay up to date on our accreditation and training so we can provide the best possible services to you.
While service officers are in training, please note that you may contact the VA directly for questions and claim status update at 1-800-827-1000. If you are in crisis, please call 988 and press 1 for the veteran’s crisis line. All phone calls and emails will be returned as soon as possible upon our return.
 Tiffany Canfield
Veteran Services Manager
Veteran Services Office Snapshot
July 2023:
Total claims submitted to VA:
- Compensation: 99
- VA Healthcare: 18
- DIC: 0
- Burial: 24
- Survivor’s Pension: 1
- CHAMPVA: 4
- Records Request:4
- Special Monthly Pension: 1
Points of contact with veterans (office visits, incoming mail, phone calls returned, emails returned, etc.): 263
Veterans in office: 99
Outreach visits: 6
Total phone calls: 355
Average number of calls per day: 11
Average call length: 2:36
Veteran's Appreciation Event
DAV Mayo SE Chapter 28 and Auxiliary Unit 28 is sponsoring the 2nd free Veteran's Appreciation Event:
When: Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 11 - 2 pm
Where: Dodge County Fairgrounds
Hwy MN 57
Kasson, MN
* Enjoy a FREE BBQ lunch with all the sides
* Informational vendors and booths
* Free activities for children
* Help make cards for veterans in local nursing homes and
Veterans Homes
RSVP: Call or text 507-271-8399
Email mndavaux28@gmail.com
MACV Events for September
The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans invites you to THREE incredible events designed to raise funds and awareness to help end veteran homelessness.
Get ready for an outdoor experience like no other! The MACV TNT Cast-N-Blast Event is back, and we're inviting you to be a part of this memorable journey. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Prairie Pothole area in South Dakota, this event combines fishing, camaraderie, and a chance to give back to our veterans. Whether you're a seasoned angler or simply love the great outdoors, there's something for everyone. Join us for three days of fun, or consider the one-day Walleye Tournament or Clay Shooting Competition. Click here to learn more and secure your spot!
Chaska Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (BTYR) & MACV Golf Tournament 2023 September 11, 2023
Southern Minnesota’s veterans need our support, and you can make a difference by participating in the Chaska BTYR & MACV Golf Tournament. With over 4500 veterans in our Carver county alone, we're committed to aiding their transition back into the community. The funds raised will help secure a facility to support homeless veterans in becoming self-sustaining citizens. Join us at Deer Run Golf Club on September 11th from 11 am to 7 pm. Click here to be a part of this impactful event!
Tee It Up for the Troops Military Charity Golf Tournament
September 11, 2023
Supporting our American heroes has never been more enjoyable. The Tee It Up for the Troops charity golf tournament is here, and we're aiming to make a significant impact. While the Golden Valley Country Club undergoes renovation, we're hosting the event at Edina Country Club. Your participation helps veterans experiencing homelessness by addressing critical needs. Be a part of the cause on September 11th. Click here to tee off for a brighter future!
Can You Hear Me Now?
Learn How to Improve Mobile Devices for Those With Hearing Loss
Many Veterans have some level of hearing loss related to their service. That can make using a cell phone or other mobile devices a challenge.
Hearing accessibility on cell phones has come a long way in recent years, with many companies now offering a range of features to help those with hearing loss better use their devices. Following are some of the most common and useful hearing accessibility features found on cell phones today.
- One feature is the ability to adjust the volume of incoming calls, messages, and alerts. This can be especially important for those who have difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds or who are in noisy environments.
- In addition to audio ring tones, most cell phones have a vibrate function and a light that flashes, which can be turned on in accessibility settings. These features alert users to incoming calls or messages.
- Many cell phones come with built speech-to-text capabilities, which can be incredibly useful for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. This feature allows users to have verbal information provided in a written format, making it much easier to stay connected and informed.
- Another useful feature for those with hearing loss is the ability to use closed captions or subtitles when watching videos or TV shows. Many cell phones now have the option to turn on closed captions or subtitles for any video content, which can make it much easier for users to follow along and understand what is being said.
- In addition to these features, there are a number of third-party apps and accessories that can help improve hearing accessibility on cell phones. For example, there are apps that can transcribe phone conversations or speech in real-time, allowing users to read along as words are being spoken. Options available for apps that provide speech-to-text capabilities include Live Transcribe+, Ava: Transcribe Voice to Text, and CaptionCall Mobile. While these apps cannot be endorsed by the Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing, they are worth a closer look and are free to try. There are also a range of Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids and other assistive devices that can be used with cell phones to improve sound quality and clarity.
In conclusion, there are now several hearing accessibility features available on cell phones that can help those with hearing loss better use their devices and stay connected to the world around them. From adjustable volume and vibrate functions to speech-to-text and closed captions, there are many options.
Permalink: http://mn.gov/mdva/blog/index.jsp?id=1066-587324
State Soldiers Assistance Program
The State Soldiers Assistance Program (SSAP) has provided a variety of benefits for Minnesota Veterans and their families for the past 100 years.
Talk to your County Veterans Service Officer today to learn more about these benefits and others that you may be eligible for!
Dental: Provides $1,500 in annual dental assistance and $6,500 in lifetime assistance for extractions and dentures to Veterans, spouses, and dependents.
Optical: Provides $600 in annual optical assistance to Veterans, spouses, and dependents for exams, prescription eyewear and contact lenses.
Disaster Relief Grants: Provides financial assistance, upon activation by the Governor, for individuals impacted by a natural disaster.
Veteran Relief Grants: Provides broad financial assistance to a Veteran or surviving spouse.
Subsistence: Provides a form of short-term disability to Veterans and surviving spouses who cannot work at their normal occupation for at least 30 days or to surviving spouses within a year of the passing of the Veteran. Assistance includes rent/mortgage, utilities, health care premiums, and cash assistance.
Surviving Spouse and Dependent Education: Provides a tuition waiver and an annual $750 stipend to surviving spouses or dependents of certain veterans at any University or College within the M-State or University of Minnesota systems. Benefits are available until a bachelor’s degree is attained, regardless of age.
Housing/Voucher Deposit Assistance Program (VDAP): Covers the security deposit for any Veteran or surviving spouse who is moving into subsidized housing and in receipt of a housing choice voucher.
More details online at: MinnesotaVeteran.org/Benefits
Dear GI Bill Student
In case you missed it, the Department of Education has announced that payments on federal student loans, which had been paused since the COVID-19 emergency, will resume in October 2023. Interest on those student loans will resume beginning September 1, 2023. If you have no federal student loans, this will not apply to you.
The Department of Education is also notifying borrowers before their payments restart, but we wanted to make sure you had plenty of time to prepare. VA cannot answer questions about your student loans.
If you have questions about how the restart will work, what steps you need to take to resume your payments or change account information, or how to switch to a different repayment plan, you can find the following resources on the Department of Education website:
Respectfully,
VA Education Service
Medical Equipment Available
Are you in need of medical equipment, such as a wheelchair (both manual and electric), walker, electric hospital bed, crutches, etc? Do you have medical equipment that you want to donate to other people in need?
The Kasson American Legion has medical equipment for use by anyone in the area (veterans, cancer patients, accident victims). The equipment is free to use and all they ask is that you return it when you are done so someone else can use it.
For more information, please call Dick Denny at (507) 259-2081. Equipment pick up and drop off is by appointment only.
Women Veterans Over 40 Discussion Group
This group will provide an opportunity for women veterans 40 years old and over to come together for support and community while learning creative ways to choose joy, spread joy and receive joy using evidence-based approaches to support stress relief, resilience, productivity and healthy living.
Sessions include:
* Discussion on relevant physical, emotional, spiritual health and wellness
topics
* SMART goal development and accountability
* Aromatherapy education for overall wellness and application for targeted
support
* Education and preparation of aroma stick, rollerball or spray for application
at home
Hosted by: Dr. Letticia N. Callies, DMin, MA, CCA
Where: VFW Post 1215 (back conference room)
2775 - 43rd Street NW
Rochester, MN 55901
When: September 5, October 3, November 7 and December 5
Time: 6 - 8 pm
ID Cards at the Rochester VA Clinic
VA ID Cards may be obtained at the Rochester VA Clinic by appointment only on the following dates:
September 21, 2023
November 16, 2023
Please call the VA at 1-866-414-5058 to make an appointment in Rochester.
*The Minneapolis VA Medical Center issues ID cards daily.
Click HERE for more information on veteran ID cards.
PTSD Support Group
Olmsted County Veteran Services is offering a support group for veterans that have been diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), or those who have signs and symptoms of PTSD, and their family members. Sometimes the most painful injuries aren't physical. Whether it's PTSD, TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), combat stress or any other mental health condition, we're here to help you get through it. The group is facilitated by Jennifer Shumaker, veteran and Olmsted County Veterans Service Officer.
Where: VFW Post 1215
2775 - 43rd Street NW
Rochester, MN 55901
When: August 31, September 28, October 26,
November 30 and December 28
Time: 6:30 to 8 pm
For more information, please contact: jennifer.shumaker@olmstedcounty.gov
Post-9/11 Veteran Service Bonus
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has a long history of awarding service bonuses to Minnesota Veterans who served in America’s wars. Starting in 1919 after World War I, through World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and now the Global War on Terrorism. MDVA recognizes the sacrifices and courage Minnesotans took to defend our country.
The 2022 Legislature passed, and Governor Walz signed, the first-ever Veterans Omnibus Bill that included funding for a service bonus payable to eligible Veterans who served from 9/11/01 to 8/30/21. MDVA is honored to facilitate this program for eligible Veterans, currently serving service members, or Veterans' beneficiaries.
Application Process
Due to the large volume of applications, users may experience some issues with the application portal. Thank you for your patience.
MDVA began processing payments the week of July 25, 2022. Applicants can expect their mailed check approximately 12 weeks after approval.
The application opened July 7, 2022, and will run until June 30, 2024, or until funds have been exhausted.
Visit the application portal, review and answer the initial pre-screening questions to assist in determining your eligibility.
If it is determined that you may be eligible for the bonus, you will be directed to the application.
- If you have previously applied for the Minnesota GI Bill or Veteran Owned Business Certification, you will login with your existing username and password.
- If you have never applied for the Minnesota GI Bill or Veteran Owned Business certification, you will be prompted to create an account.
If it is determined through the pre-screening questions that you may not be eligible for the Post-9/11 Veteran Service Bonus, then you will be directed to your County Veteran Service Office for additional assistance or guidance.
Please see the MDVA website for Frequently Asked Questions.
**UPDATE**
Governor Walz Signs Veterans and Military Affairs Bill into Law
On May 15, 2023, Governor Tim Walz signed into law a comprehensive veterans and military affairs bill that will move the state closer to its goal of becoming the fourth state to end veteran homelessness, expand service bonuses for veterans, fund Veteran’s Homes, and invest in the readiness of the Minnesota National Guard.
Service and Retention Bonuses
The bill includes an additional $15 million for service bonuses for post-9/11 era veterans and Gold Star Families and $3 million for reenlistment bonuses for members of the Minnesota National Guard. The bill also expands eligibility for the 9/11 bonuses to include veterans who currently live in Minnesota but were not Minnesota residents when they entered service.
Guiding Partners to Solutions
New outreach program connects social workers with residents in need in various community locations
Olmsted County, in partnership with Family Service Rochester, is pleased to bring its Guiding Partners to Solutions (GPS) program to residents in need at various community locations.
GPS is a team of social workers that serves county residents struggling to connect with resources or services they may need. GPS works to reduce barriers and connect individuals and families with housing, cash, food, and insurance assistance and provides help in applying for these benefits.
Guiding Partners to Solutions (GPS) social workers will be available at the following locations:
- Tuesdays, 8 – 10 am
Riverside Central Elementary School
506 - 5th Avenue SE, Rochester NOTE: This is only open to families
with children at Riverside Central. This is NOT open to the public.
- Tuesdays, 3 – 5 pm
The Hylands apartment community
2800 Charles Ct. NW, Rochester
- Thursdays, 11:30 am – 1 pm
The Salvation Army Social Services Center
115 - 1st Avenue NE, Rochester
- Thursdays, 1:30 – 5 pm
Rochester Public Library
101 - 2nd Street SE, Rochester
Saturday Meal Programs
Christ United Methodist Church
400 – 5th Avenue SW, Rochester, MN
Saturday Noon Meal Program
* 11 am: coffee, hot chocolate and light snacks
* Noon: Hot meal served
Please enter the church via the west door on 5th Avenue and join us in the lower level of the church in Wesley Hall
****************************************
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Ruby's Pop-Up Pantry
2703 - 9th Avenue NW, Rochester, MN
Ruby’s Pantry is for ANYONE that eats! There is no income or residency requirement and Ruby’s Pantry is for anyone looking to extend their monthly grocery budget. Each guest donates a $25 donation and receives an abundance of grocery items. Please bring two totes or baskets. Drive thru distribution. Ruby’s Pantry is not government funded and is a 501 C3. Each donation is used to cover operational costs like trucking, gas, and warehouse staff. All of the food is donated by corporate food donors making it possible to reach more families each month at locations across Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Next Pop-Up Pantry is Saturday, September 9, 2023
DAYS AND HOURS: 2nd Saturday of the Month. Registration begins at 9 am. Food bundles available 9 -10:30 am
Seasons Hospice Ongoing & Special Programs
All grief group participants of Seasons Hospice must be registered 24 hours in advance. To register or for more information, click on the blue button and you will be directed to their website.
Mayo Clinic Hospice
Hospice adult grief support groups – available for either in-person or online Zoom attendance.
If a significant person in your life has died within the past three years, please consider being a part of an upcoming six week in-person or online Zoom grief group. These groups provide a safe way to connect with other people who are grieving, to be understood and to share needs, concerns and feelings. Grief Group participants should be at least three months into their journey with grief after the death of their loved one.
Fall 2023: Week of October 9 - Week of November 13
ROCHESTER
Mondays, 5:30 – 7 pm Tuesdays, 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Location: Mayo Clinic Hospice Office
41st Street Professional Building 4111 W Frontage Rd
ALBERT LEA
Mondays, 5:30 – 7 pm
Location: Mayo Clinic Hospice Office
1705 SE Broadway Ave
CANNON FALLS
Wednesdays, 10:30 am – Noon
Location: Mayo Clinic Health System in Cannon Falls
32021 County Road 24 Blvd
PLAINVIEW
Thursdays, 5:30 – 7 pm
Location: Plainview Community Center
346 W. Broadway
ONLINE ZOOM*
Mondays, 5:30 – 7 pm
*To attend via Zoom you will need: Access to a computer with internet access, microphone and camera
*A private place without other people present because the conversations during grief groups are to be kept confidential
*An email address for receiving materials and the Zoom link
To register for a group, please contact:
(507) 284-4002 / (800) 679-9084 (toll-free)
Email: rsthospicebereavement@mayo.edu
Registration closes September 11
COVID-19: For the health and safety of yourself and others during in-person attendance, we ask that you follow current Mayo recommendations
Broadband's Digital Opportunity Plan
What tools and services do people in your community need to better access online education, healthcare, and other digital resources? With new grant funding from the federal government Minnesota’s Office of Broadband Development has developed a Digital Opportunity plan to expand digital inclusion for all Minnesotans through access to the internet, access to devices, and digital skills training.
We will hold listening sessions at various locations across the state during August and September. Feedback from these sessions will inform the final plan that is due in November and digital opportunity programs that are offered in the future.
You are invited to be part of the planning process! Minnesotans can help shape the state's digital opportunity plan by reviewing the plan, participating in a listening session, or commenting online. First, starting August 21st, review the draft Digital Opportunity Plan online or check out a copy from your local library. Then, provide feedback on the plan at any of the Digital Opportunity Listening Sessions listed (16 in-person and two virtual gatherings).
- Tuesday, Aug. 29 from 1 - 3 pm at the Willmar Public Library
- Wednesday, Aug. 30 from 1 - 3 pm at the Marshall Lyon County Public Library
- Thursday, Aug. 31 from 12 - 2 pm at the Field House in Worthington
- Tuesday, Sept. 5 from 1 - 3 pm at Wentworth Library in St. Paul
- Wednesday, Sept. 6 from 12 - 2 pm at the Witoka Tavern in Winona
- Wednesday, Sept. 6 from 3:30 - 5:30 pm at the Family Service Rochester
- Thursday, Sept. 7 from 9:30 - 11:30 am at the Rice County Government Building in Faribault
- Thursday, Sept. 7 from 1:30 - 3:30 pm at the Bridge Plaza Building in Mankato
- Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 2 - 4 pm at the UMN-Crookston Student Center
- Wednesday, Sept. 13 from 2:00 - 4:00 at the Fergus Falls Public Library
- Thursday, Sept. 14 from 12 - 1:30 pm Virtual Meeting
- Monday, Sept. 18 from 2:30 - 4:30 pm at the City of Hinckley Community Center
- Thursday, Sept. 19 from 2 - 4 pm at the Two Harbors Public Library
- Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 6 - 8 pm at the Community Tech Hub in Deer River
- Thursday, Sept. 21 from 1 - 3 pm at North Regional Library in Minneapolis
- Tuesday, Sept. 26 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at MN North - Rainy River Campus in International Falls
- Wednesday, Sept. 27 from 10 am - 12 pm at the Northwest MN Foundation in Bemidji
- Thursday, Sept. 27 from 2 - 3:30 pm Virtual Meeting
You may attend any of the meetings, regardless of where you live or work in Minnesota. Registration is encouraged but not required for attendance. Please complete this form to register.
If you are unable to attend one of the listening sessions, you may also submit comments online during the Public Comment Period from Aug. 21, 2023 - Sept. 29, 2023.
Farm Loan Analyst Position
Position Available at USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Fillmore County
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Fillmore County has a
permanent, full-time, farm loan analyst position available. Annual salary
ranges from $37,696.00 to $74,250.00, depending on the qualifications of
the applicant.
Interested applicants can apply at USAjobs.gov and search for the posting
FSA-23-12106210-DE-MN-GBN. The posting is open from August 28 to
September 11, 2023.
Position Location
Fillmore County Farm Service Agency
413 Farmers Street NW #B
Preston, MN 55965
Where to Apply
www.USAjobs.gov
Announcement number:
FSA-23-12106210-DE-MN-GBN
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
Questions about the position should be directed to Adam Gritz, Farm Loan
Manager, at (507) 765-2123 EXT 113 or adam.gritz@usda.gov.
Jobs at the MN Department of Veterans Affairs
Interested in serving Veterans? Looking to make a difference in your community? Consider a career with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)! Roles in healthcare, nursing, facilities management and program management are featured below. MDVA proudly offers competitive pay, generous benefits as a State of MN employee, welcoming and supportive teams, and most importantly, meaningful careers.
To see full job posting and apply:
1. Go to https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/ and select your applicant type:
External Applicants or Current Employees or Accessible Applicant Portal.
2. On the Careers landing page, enter the Job ID in the Search Jobs field.
Click on the posting.
3. Select “Apply for Job” button. New users will need to create an applicant
account to apply.
JOBS
Local Service Organization Meetings
For a full list of local organizations and meetings, please click on the blue button.
"To promote the interests and welfare of veterans, their dependents and survivors and to enhance their quality of life through counseling, claims assistance, education, advocacy and special projects."
2100 Campus Dr. SE, Suite 200
Rochester, MN 55904
507-328-6355
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