WDVA E-Newsletter January 2023 Issue

WDVA E-news Header image - March 2023

JANUARY 2024

Veteran Mental Health Grants Application Closing on January 25 - Apply Now!

2nd round of mental health grants extended to Jan 25 2024 image

There's still time to apply! The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) is extending the deadline for applications for the three Veteran Mental Health Grants. The new due date is Thursday, January 25, at 4:30 p.m. WDVA encourages all eligible organizations to apply. Please help us share this information with organizations that provide veteran mental health support services.

This round of grants was previously announced in December for the Veterans Mental Health Community-Based Organization Grant, the Emergency Crisis Mental Health Treatment Program Grant, and the Veteran Mental Health Ancillary Treatment Program Grant. Find all the grant details, eligibility requirements, and applications to apply at the WDVA Grants Page.

All questions about the grant application process should be directed to the DVA Grants Unit at vetsbenefitsgrants@dva.wisconsin.gov. For more details, please view the official press release about this second round of grants here.

Send Your 'Valentines for Veterans' by January 31

Valentines_2024

Do you have a special place in your heart for Wisconsin veterans? The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) is asking once again for caring individuals to send Valentine’s Day cards to our veterans living at the Wisconsin Veterans Homes in Chippewa Falls, King, and Union Grove this year.

Please mail your Valentine’s Day cards to our veterans no later than Wednesday, January 31st, so they may arrive in time to be distributed to all our Homes on February 14.

We ask that you do not include candy, food, or snacks with these due to allergies or dietary restrictions.

Please send to:

Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, Attn: Veteran Valentines, PO Box 7843, Madison, WI 53707-7843

The full press release about this effort can be found in our press room page.  

Secretary Bond and Deputy Secretary McElgunn accept the #MilkChugChallenge from DATCP

Milk Chug Challenge Sec Bond and Dep Sec McElgunn January 2024

In recognition of January 11 as #NationalMilkDay, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) gave a #milkchugchallenge to WDVA's Secretary James Bond and Deputy Secretary Christopher McElgunn. They accepted and enjoyed a refreshing glass of Wisconsin milk in support of our state's dairy farmers. WDVA is proud to show support for Wisconsin’s dairy industry and our state's many veteran farmers! 

Learn more about WDVA's partnership with DATCP and their Veteran Farmer Assistance and Outreach Program here.

*Pictured left to right: WDVA Secretary James Bond, and Deputy Secretary Christopher McElgunn.

WDVA Employee Spotlight: Trish O'Reilly

Trish O'Reilly VHRP staff photo

Meet Trish O’Reilly. She is a Contract Specialist for the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) and the Veterans Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP). Her primary role is serving as the liaison between the Department's contracted provider, Lutheran Social Services, for the three locations of VHRP in Chippewa Falls, Green Bay, and Union Grove. VHRP provides temporary housing, training, and supportive services to military veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to help them obtain permanent housing. Services include job training, education, counseling, and rehabilitative services needed to obtain steady employment, affordable housing, and skills to sustain a productive lifestyle.

“My day always looks different, which I think is the best part,” says Trish. “One day I can be in back-to-back meetings with LSS, our VA liaisons, and our Veteran Outreach and Recovery Program team to discuss a Veteran’s treatment plan. Then, other days I am in the background working on policies, financial items, and maintenance projects for the sites.”

Trish finds personal motivation in her role of helping veterans by being an advocate for their needs so they can successfully overcome their challenges. “I enjoy hearing first-hand what our veterans need and then having a seat at the table to advocate for them,” says Trish. “It’s great see how VHRP helps create stability for themselves and succeed.”

While Trish is not a veteran, both of her grandfathers and her great-aunt served in the military.

Trish can be reached at trish.oreilly@dva.wisconsin.gov. Learn more about VHRP services here

Join us for an Open House at our Home in King!

King Open House Flyer January 31 2024

Join our WDVA Team - We Are Hiring!

LPN opening at Union Grove

Are you looking for a new career opportunity? WDVA is looking for great people to help us serve our veterans in Wisconsin. Our featured job this month is for Licensed Practical Nurses at our Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove.

WDVA has many more available job openings across our state which includes various positions at our veteran memorial cemeteries, skilled caregivers at veteran homes, and administrative staff at our offices in Milwaukee and Madison. To view all available openings, and how to apply, please visit www.wisc.jobs today!