First Quarter 2016 Volunteer Support Call Notes Supplement

First Quarter 2016 Volunteer Support Call Notes Supplement January to March 2016 Volunteer Support Calls 1

Table of Contents January 18 & 19 | Tax Preparation Assistance for Veterans Guest Speaker: Sierra Sharpe

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January 26 | Operation Injured Soldiers Guest Speaker: Pamela Bijansky

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February 15 | Financial Resources for Veterans and Service Members

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Guest Speaker: Stephanie Zarb

March 1 | Vocational Rehab & Education Benefits

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Guest Speaker: Michael Poyma

March 29 | Veterans Treatment Courts Guest Speaker: Dr. Eric Fretz

*Please note that resources can change quickly. While we try to keep this guide updated, some of the information listed may be out-of-date. Our volunteers are trained to call each resource first before a referral is made.

Copyright Š 2016 by the Regents of the University of Michigan.

All rights reserved. This publication may be distributed only in full, with appropriate credit given to the Buddy-to-Buddy Volunteer Veteran Program and the Regents of the University of Michigan.

To request an addition to this guide or to report an error, e-mail buddytobuddyvvp@umich.edu or write to the authors: Buddy-to-Buddy Volunteer Veteran Program 2025 Traverwood Dr., Suite C Ann Arbor, MI 48105

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BUDDY-TO-BUDDY VOLUNTEER SUPPORT CALL January 18-19, 2016 Buddy-to-Buddy is a peer-to-peer outreach program that trains veterans to provide peer support and linkage to needed resources for Michigan Post-9/11 service members and veterans. Visit us at www.buddytobuddy.org or reach us at buddytobuddyvvp@umich.edu or 1-888-82-BUDDY. Every week, Buddy-to-Buddy holds Support Calls for its 120+ volunteers, sharing resources and bringing guest speakers to provide information on topics of interest and available services.

Guest Speaker Presentation

Tax Preparation Assistance for Veterans Guest Speaker Sierra Sharpe Project Coordinator, Buddy-to-Buddy Volunteer Veteran Program 734-998-5825 sierracs@med.umich.edu Guest Speaker Summary  Services available to both civilians and military o IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)  For individuals with income less than $54,000 annually, or who are disabled, elderly, or have limited English.  IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax preparation with electronic filing.  Volunteers have varying levels of certification. One of the highest levels is a military certification. These volunteers are equipped with the knowledge to properly prepare a potentially-complicated military return. Service members should self-identify as such in order to be paired with a volunteer at that level.  To locate a site near you, visit the website or call 800-906-9887. Sites are usually held in local libraries, community centers, or other public areas.  At select sites, individuals will also have the ability to self-prepare their taxes for free using web-based software with a volunteer present to guide you through the process if needed.  https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-byVolunteers

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o IRS FreeFile  This program makes name-brand electronic tax preparation and filing free for individuals who make $62,000 or less annually.  Individuals can use the online tool to select the program that best meets their needs.  Individuals in some states will also qualify for free preparation and filing of their state return, in addition to the federal return.  For individuals who make more than $62,000 annually, there are free electronic forms available.

Military-specific services o Turbo Tax  Free edition & Deluxe edition are free for E-1 to E-5  Discount available for E-6 and above  Visit www.turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/military-edition.jsp o Military OneSource  Free financial counseling  Free tax consultations  Free tax preparation and filing  Eligibility: Anyone currently serving in any branch, in any component, and anyone who was discharged from service within the last six months.  Call 800-342-9647 or visit www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-andlegal/taxes

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BUDDY-TO-BUDDY VOLUNTEER SUPPORT CALL January 26, 2016 Buddy-to-Buddy is a peer-to-peer outreach program that trains veterans to provide peer support and linkage to needed resources for Michigan Post-9/11 service members and veterans. Visit us at www.buddytobuddy.org or reach us at buddytobuddyvvp@umich.edu or 1-888-82-BUDDY. Every week, Buddy-to-Buddy holds Support Calls for its 120+ volunteers, sharing resources and bringing guest speakers to provide information on topics of interest and available services.

Guest Speaker Presentation

Operation Injured Soldiers Guest Speaker Pamela Bijansky Treasurer and Sporting Events Coordinator, Operation Injured Soldiers pbijansky@injuredsoldiers.org

Guest Speaker Summary  Operation Injured Soldiers was founded in 2005 and is based in South Lyon, MI.  OIS sponsors therapeutic recreation activities for veterans. o Basic eligibility: 30%+ disabled OR have deployed to a combat region. o Examples of activities: hunting, fishing, tickets to games like Red Wings, Tigers, MSU, UM, etc.  Brave Hearts Estate o Located in Pellston, MI. Was gifted to the organization under the condition that they use it to help veterans and they don’t charge for these services. o Estate has been established as a free bed & breakfast for veterans. OIS also sponsors many theme weekends for veterans and their families. The theme weekends negate the usual eligibility criteria – they are open to everyone.  While veterans are staying at the property, the organization provides breakfast and dinner. o This year, they already have plans for events of coyote hunting and deer hunting that will take place at the Estates. o 238 acres; 8,400 square feet with 8 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and 3 kitchens. o OIS plans on installing 2-3 camping pads and ADA-compliant cottages within the next year or two. They hope to also add equine therapy to their offerings.  Getting Involved Buddy-to-Buddy Volunteer Veteran Program

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o Veterans can get signed up with OIS by visiting their website: http://www.injuredsoldiers.org. o Once they sign up, they will be added to the email list and then will receive emails about events that are happening, and will have a chance to RSVP. o All services, events, etc. are 100% FREE.

To get more information  https://www.facebook.com/operationinjuredsoldiers/?fref=ts  https://www.facebook.com/BraveHeartsEstate/?fref=ts

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BUDDY-TO-BUDDY VOLUNTEER SUPPORT CALL February 15-16, 2016 Buddy-to-Buddy is a peer-to-peer outreach program that trains veterans to provide peer support and linkage to needed resources for Michigan Post-9/11 service members and veterans. Visit us at www.buddytobuddy.org or reach us at buddytobuddyvvp@umich.edu or 1-888-82-BUDDY. Every week, Buddy-to-Buddy holds Support Calls for its 120+ volunteers, sharing resources and bringing guest speakers to provide information on topics of interest and available services.

Guest Speaker Presentation

Financial Resources for Veterans and Service Members Guest Speaker Ms. Stephanie Zarb Buddy-to-Buddy Program Manager szarb@umich.edu 734-998-5829 Guest Speaker Summary  Michigan Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF) o This program is for use when an unforeseen situation has caused a temporary financial emergency or hardship that a grant would resolve.  The applicant must be able to show that they can meet future financial obligations. o Eligibility:  Honorable discharge  180 days during a period of war  180 days of active duty with award of Armed Forces/Navy Expeditionary Medal  Less than 180 days of wartime, if due to service-connected disability  Dependents can apply if veteran is eligible under certain circumstances o How to apply:  Must apply through County Veteran Counselor in county where you reside (a list of CVCs can be found here: http://bit.ly/1vmEWEV).  Can call and make appointment with CVC to ensure you bring all required documents and information to complete the application. o What is needed:  Military discharge document (DD214 or other) Buddy-to-Buddy Volunteer Veteran Program

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 Proof of residence  Documents for dependents  Proof of income and expenses  Other documents depending on types of assistance o MVTF Contact Information:  P.O. Box 30104 Lansing, MI 48909  517-284-5299 o Key Points:  Will give grants up to $2,000  The MVTF committee typically wants to see that the applicant has attempted to resolve the issue on their own, before applying for the grant.  They will not pay for security deposits for housing.  Will only pay $500 toward medical bills  MVTF does not give money to the soldier or veteran themselves, but to the organization/company to whom the money is owed.  MVTF will not pay for legal expenses. However, it is possible for them to pick up other expenses (such as a utility bill), so the applicant’s own money can be used for the legal expense.

Veterans’ Relief Fund/Soldiers & Sailors Relief o Funded by county taxes; Also accessed through County Veterans Counselors. o Available for chronic problems, such as paying rent or utility bills. o No monetary cap on what can be spent.

Michigan National Guard Family Fund o Gives smaller grants, $200-$500 o Accessed through Family Programs Staff o All MIARNG soldiers eligible, regardless of deployment Michigan Military Family Relief Program o For deployed service members and their families o Online application: http://1.usa.gov/1zMaEdN Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund o This fund is designed to help bridge the gap between when a service member files for service-connected disability and when a rating decision is made. o For more information, contact Lynn Philips: 734-929-4765 (Office); 734-9046645 (Cell) VFW Unmet Needs Fund o Helps meet unanticipated financial demands on service members’ families that can’t be remedied through existing means. o Service member or veteran must have been honorably discharged within past 36 months or been active duty within past 36 months. Applicant must be the service member or eligible dependent listed under DEERS. o Hardship must be due to: deployment, military pay issue, and/or military illness or injury. o Hardship cannot be cause by: civil, legal, or domestic issues, misconduct, or any issues that are a result of spousal separation or divorce, or financial mismanagement by self or others or due to bankruptcy.

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o Applicants can receive funds only once every 18 months, and only twice total.

Second requests must be caused by a new situation or deployment. o All funds are paid directly to the creditor. o Eligible expenses: Housing expenses (mortgage, rent, repairs, insurance); vehicle expenses (payment, insurance, repairs); utilities and primary phone; food and incidentals; children’s clothing, diapers, formula, necessary school or childcare expenses; medical bills, prescriptions, and eyeglasses (patient’s portion for necessary or emergency medical care only). o Ineligible expenses: Credit cards, military charge cards, or retail store cards; personal, student, and payday loans; negative bank accounts (overdraft fees and charges, etc.); cable, internet, or secondary phone; investigational or cosmetic medical procedures and expenses; taxes; child support, alimony, or legal expenses; military debt, or debt owed to a friend/family members; furniture, electronic equipment, or vehicle rentals; down payments on homes or vehicles; reimbursements for items already paid for; and bills obviously due to excessive use or mismanagement. o For more information, contact Unmet Needs at 1-866-789-6333 or visit http://bit.ly/1vdNwAM. American Legion Patriot Fund o The Patriot Fund is a Michigan-specific program that is specifically intended to help veterans who do not qualify for other existing financial relief programs. o Typically provides grants of $500-$750. o Available to non-wartime veterans. o Available to National Guard Soldiers who have never deployed. o Contact: Gary Tanner, 313-550-4289 Local Service Organizations o Examples include: VFW, DAV, American Legion, AmVets, Ladies Auxiliary. o We recommend finding a local chapter that is very active and getting to know the folks there. These organizations are often able to provide small amounts of financial assistance.

Local Community Action Agencies o Many of these agencies have veteran-specific programs o Find your local agency here: http://bit.ly/1tJ3D8O. Local Food Pantry o Use this database to find food pantries in your area: http://bit.ly/1pOCg1O. Financial Counseling o Military OneSource provides free financial counseling, call 800-342-9647. o Military Family Life Consultants provide financial planning, call 248-246-1580.

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BUDDY-TO-BUDDY VOLUNTEER SUPPORT CALL March 1, 2016 Buddy-to-Buddy is a peer-to-peer outreach program that trains veterans to provide peer support and linkage to needed resources for Michigan Post-9/11 service members and veterans. Visit us at www.buddytobuddy.org or reach us at buddytobuddyvvp@umich.edu or 1-888-82-BUDDY. Every week, Buddy-to-Buddy holds Support Calls for its 120+ volunteers, sharing resources and bringing guest speakers to provide information on topics of interest and available services.

Guest Speaker Presentation

Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation & Education (VR&E) Benefits Guest Speaker Michael Poyma Employment Specialist, Department of Veteran’s Affairs 517-203-0947 Michael.poyma@va.gov Guest Speaker Summary  Intent of VR&E Program o Provide services to assist Veterans and Service members with service-connected disabilities to succeed:  In transition, through services to support transition back to civilian life.  At work, through services resulting in suitable employment.  On campus, through services to support them during education and training.  At home, and in their communities, through services to maximize independence in daily living.  Eligibility Criteria o Veterans:  Honorable or other than dishonorable discharge  A VA service connected disability rating of 10% or more; or memorandum rating of 20%+. o Active Duty Service Members  Expect to receive an honorable discharge  Obtain a VA memorandum rating of 20% or more

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Obtain a Proposed Disability Evaluation Service (DES) rating Service Members awaiting discharge due to a medical condition resulting from a serious injury or illness that occurred in the line of duty may be automatically entitled to VR&E benefits under the National Defense Authorization ACT (NDAA) of 2008.

Basic Benefits Information o A maximum of 48 months of benefits is allowed o The benefits may be used within 12 years from the date of initial VA disability rating notification. The 12-year period begins on the later of: date of separation from active military duty; date when the veteran was first notified of a serviceconnected disability rating. o Exceptions can be made for veterans with what is a deemed a Serious Employment Handicap. o VR&E Process:  Application: Application received; veteran’s eligibility established; schedule veteran for initial counseling appointment if eligible.  Entitlement Decision: VR&E counselor meets with veteran and conducts VR&E orientation; conduct vocational evaluation to assess skills, abilities, and interests; Determine employment handicap and/or serious employment handicap; determine feasibility for employment.  Evaluation and Planning: Work with veteran to identify track; establish vocational or independent living goal(s); define services needed; develop written plan of services.  Tracks: Re-Employment; Rapid Access to Employment; SelfEmployment; Employment through Long-Term Services; Independent living.  Employment Services: Ongoing case management; employment services such as interview skills, job placement assistance, etc.  Rehabilitated: held suitable employment or improved ability to live independently.

Five Tracks to Employment o Re-Employment: Designed for individuals separating from active duty, National Guard, or Reserves and are returning to their previous employment.  Services may include:  Consultation with your employer  Job accommodations and modifications  Coordinator of services with VA health care  Reemployment rights advice  Case management o Rapid Access to Employment: Designed for individuals expressing interest in seeking employment soon after separation or have the necessary skills to be competitively employed in an appropriate occupation.  Services may include:  Job readiness preparation  Resume development  Job search assistance

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 Post-employment follow-up o Employment through Long-Term Services: Designed for individuals requiring specialized training and/or education to obtain suitable employment  Services may include:  Apprenticeships and internships  On-the-job training  Non-paid work experience training  College, vocational, or technical training  Required tuition/fees/books/supplies  Subsistence allowance  Personalized case management support o Self-Employment Track: Designed for individuals who have the desire and skills to run a business and need a flexible or accommodating work environment because of their disabilities.  Services may include:  Help developing a business plan  Analysis of your business concept  Training in small business operations, marketing, and finances  Guidance in obtaining adequate resources to implement the business plan  VR&E has three self-employment categories. The provision of selfemployment services is dependent on the self-employment category designation.  Category I o Individuals who have been determined to have:  A Serious Employment Handicap  The most service service-connected disabilities  Employability limitations so severe that selfemployment is the only option to achieve the rehabilitation goal (All other reasonable employment goals are unsuitable due to the severity of the Veteran’s service connected disability(ies). o Veterans assigned to Category I may receive:  Training in the vocational goal and in the operation a small business; minimum stocks of materials; expendable items required for day-to-day operations, and items which are consumed on the premises.  Essential equipment  Incidental services (e.g., business license fees)  Category II o Individuals who have been determined to have:  Employment Handicap, OR  Serious Employment Handicap, but the serviceconnected disability(ies) is/are not considered the most severe.

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o Veterans assigned to Category II may receive:  Comprehensive training in the vocational goal  Incidental training in the management of a small business  License, or other fees, required for employment  Personal tools and supplies that are required of all individuals to begin employment in the approved occupational field.  Existing Business Category o Applicable to veterans who have existing businesses o In this case, VR&E may not expand or grow the business, but may be able to assist with reasonable accommodation. o Independent Living: Designed for individuals who may not be currently ready for employment or currently able to pursue a vocational goal.  Services may include:  Acquiring assistive technology  Independent living skills training  Community-based support services  Gaining increased access within the home and community  Help in acquiring a volunteer position VR&E Benefits vs. GI Bill o GI Bill is an educational program o Purpose of the VR&E program is to help Veterans with service-connected disabilities and barriers to employment to become suitably employed.

VR&E Employment Focus o The VR&E Program provides employment services in four of the five rehabilitation tracks. Personalized employment services may include:  Work readiness preparation  Resume development and job-seeking skills  Employment resources development  Job accommodations  Job placement assistance  Post-employment follow-up  Evaluation of your abilities, aptitudes, and interests  Career counseling and rehabilitation planning  Special Employer Incentives:  Training costs  VA-provided supplies  Workplace accommodations  Minimal paperwork to participate  Referrals to other employment resources  Veterans Employment Center: online tool that connects veterans and employers  Department of Labor: employment assistance; DVOP Specialists; Local Veterans Employment Representatives VR&E for Dependents

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o Chapter 18 Benefits:  VR&E provides services to eligible dependents born with spina bifida and other congenital disabilities.  With the goal of suitable employment, VR&E provides training and other rehabilitative services. o Chapter 35 Benefits:  Dependents Educational Assistance  Educational benefit provided to eligible dependents of veterans who have either died, been involuntarily detained, or determined to have a permanent and total service-connected disability.

To Apply: Complete an application o VA Form 28-1900, Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation o VA Form 28-0588, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment – Getting Ahead After You Get Out

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BUDDY-TO-BUDDY VOLUNTEER SUPPORT CALL March 29, 2016 Buddy-to-Buddy is a peer-to-peer outreach program that trains veterans to provide peer support and linkage to needed resources for Michigan Post-9/11 service members and veterans. Visit us at www.buddytobuddy.org or reach us at buddytobuddyvvp@umich.edu or 1-888-82-BUDDY. Every week, Buddy-to-Buddy holds Support Calls for its 120+ volunteers, sharing resources and bringing guest speakers to provide information on topics of interest and available services.

Guest Speaker Presentation

Veterans Treatment Courts Guest Speaker Dr. Eric Fretz Mentor Program Director, Washtenaw County Veterans Treatment Court ebfretz@umich.edu Guest Speaker Summary  Veterans Treatment Courts, based on the existing treatment court model, first got their start in Buffalo, New York in 2008. The Veterans Treatment Court movement began in Michigan in 2010, and has since expanded tremendously – Michigan has more Veterans Treatment Courts that any other state in the nation.  The treatment court model hinges on several ideas, as follows. The Veterans Treatment Courts have applied this principles to veterans specifically, to produce lower rates of reoffense among justice-involved veterans. o In any given court, there are a number of individuals who are “high users” – high rates of recidivism, individuals who use up a large amount of court & community resources. o These high rates of usage often occur because of a failure to treat the underlying conditions leading to criminality – alcohol/drug abuse, mental illness, etc. o If the court were able to address the underlying conditions and treat them, individuals would be much less likely to re-offend, thereby improving their quality of life and reducing their dependence on court and community resources.  Veterans Treatment Courts vary in the types of offenses and offenders they accept, but do have some blanket rules. o Blanket rules include that serious violent felonies like murder and attempted murder, and criminal sexual conduct offenses are barred from participation in the Veterans Treatment Courts.

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o Some varying rules include:  Whether they allow only misdemeanor offenses, or felonies too.  Whether they require an underlying drug/alcohol problem  Whether they require an underlying mental health problem other than drug/alcohol abuse  The Washtenaw County court, while not a strict requirement, finds it a much better use of funds and resources to work with offenders who have some sort of treatable diagnosis, whether mental health or substance abuse.

The Veterans Treatment Court functions much differently than a traditional court environment. o The great success of the Veterans Court model can be attributed to the mentorship component. There are veteran mentors who volunteer with the court to provide assistance, guidance, and friendship to the veterans involved as offenders. o The general environment is very collegial and there is a real emphasis on building community among the participants.  There are frequent court dates, and the participants all stay to hear each other’s cases. This builds community and promotes accountability. o The court functions by using both punishments and rewards based on behavior – again, promotes accountability and makes it cool/positive to make good decisions.

Other Details o Does it work? YES! The courts, throughout the country, have seen dramatically reduced rates of recidivism among participants. o Not every county has a Veteran’s Treatment Court. Contact your local district or circuit court to inquire if your local court has a VTC. o If a veteran offender does not have a VTC in their county, it happens often that cases are able to be transferred to a participating county. o To become a mentor – a veteran will want to call and speak to the Court Coordinator. Several B2B volunteers are or previously have been mentors in their local VTC and they’ve found it to be a very rewarding experience.

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