Operation Sisterhood

Resource Manual January 2016

This Resource Directory was made possible through a grant from the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey.

Introduction Operation Sisterhood, part of Cornerstone Family Programs, was inspired by female veterans who are looking for comradery and the opportunity to meet other female soldiers with similar experiences. We focus on community, not crisis, and we are the only non-government, community-based program providing peer support and holistic options by women for military women in New Jersey. Together, we learn to advocate for ourselves by identifying key issues (e.g., lack of appropriate transitional services, women's health, homelessness, unemployment, education, childcare, PTSD, military sexual trauma), and developing access to services. Through peer support, mentoring, education and counseling, we develop practical help to navigate the VA system. This support network offer connectedness and community among NJ female veterans.

How to Use this Manual This manual lists resources given in real life circumstances. It represents useful resources for everyday situations for female veterans. The manual is divided by categories representing commonly expressed concerns. The best used in conjunction with case management services offered by Operation Sisterhood as some of the eligibility criteria and follow up with services can require additional support. Operation Sisterhood is a northern New Jersey program located in Morristown, NJ. You will find that the resources listed in this manual are a mix of national and local service and are probably most helpful for the female veteran living in proximity to Morris County in New Jersey.

2

Table of Contents HEALTH CARE SERVICES ......................................................................................................... 6 VA Health Care Health Services ................................................................................................. 6 Zufall Health Clinic ..................................................................................................................... 7 Veteran’s Total Health Care Initiative ........................................................................................ 7 VETERANS BENEFITS ................................................................................................................ 8 The My eBenefits ........................................................................................................................ 8 NJ Vet2Vet .................................................................................................................................. 8 Your local VFW, American Legion, NAACP Chapter or Elks Lodge ....................................... 8 WOMAN VETERAN SERVICES ................................................................................................. 9 MENTAL HEALTH ..................................................................................................................... 10 Cornerstone Family Programs Military Families ...................................................................... 10 Solider On Resilience Training ................................................................................................. 10 VA Healthcare System .............................................................................................................. 10 Hotlines ..................................................................................................................................... 10 Family and Children’s Services: Transforming Trauma ........................................................... 11 FAMILY PROGRAMS ................................................................................................................ 12 New Jersey Prevention Network Military Support Programs ................................................... 12 National Guard Family Assistance Centers .............................................................................. 12 HOUSING..................................................................................................................................... 13 Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) ................................................................... 13 Operation Red Shield The Salvation Army............................................................................... 13 Hope for Veterans ..................................................................................................................... 13 Easter Seals Dickson Center ..................................................................................................... 14 Homes for Veterans ................................................................................................................... 14 Habitat for Humanity ................................................................................................................ 14 HUD/VASH Lyons Campus ..................................................................................................... 14 CHILDREN’S SERVICES ........................................................................................................... 15 Parents as Teachers (PAT) ........................................................................................................ 15 Neighborhood House................................................................................................................. 15 3

HOME GOODS ............................................................................................................................ 16 CLOTHING .................................................................................................................................. 17 Veteran’s Clothing Boutique ..................................................................................................... 17 Madison Dress 4 Success .......................................................................................................... 17 Jewish Women’s Foundation in West Orange .......................................................................... 17 VETERANS SOCIAL GROUPS ................................................................................................. 18 American Legion ....................................................................................................................... 18 Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) ............................................................................................. 18 Iraq Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) ........................................................................ 18 Women Veterans of America .................................................................................................... 18 Team Red, White, and Blue ...................................................................................................... 18 Vet’s Chat and Chew................................................................................................................. 18 Central New Jersey Wounded Warriors .................................................................................... 18 Vietnam Vets of America .......................................................................................................... 18 Disabled American Veterans (DAV) ........................................................................................ 18 FITNESS ....................................................................................................................................... 19 Team Red, White and Blue ....................................................................................................... 19 LEGAL ......................................................................................................................................... 20 Volunteer Lawyers for Justice................................................................................................... 20 Welcome Home Vets ................................................................................................................ 20 Legal Service of New Jersey ..................................................................................................... 20 EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE .......................................................... 21 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Voc Rehab) ........................................................ 21 Work First ................................................................................................................................. 21 JWF Resume Writing Workshop .............................................................................................. 21 United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America ...................................................... 21 Hero 2 Hired .............................................................................................................................. 21 Jobs 4 Jersey .............................................................................................................................. 21 ENTREPRENEURSHIP ............................................................................................................... 22 V-WISE ..................................................................................................................................... 22 4

Veterans Launching Ventures ................................................................................................... 22 VSO SERVICES ........................................................................................................................... 23 American Legion ....................................................................................................................... 23 New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) ........................................ 23 Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) ............................................................................................. 23 County Veteran Service Offices ................................................................................................ 23 Newark Veteran Service Office ................................................................................................ 23

5

HEALTH CARE SERVICES VA Health Care Health Services  New Jersey Veterans Affairs System Main Campuses – In New Jersey the VA Healthcare System has two main campuses where a wide array of services are offered. The East Orange Campus has a fully operating hospital and emergency room services. Both sites have various mental health services. The East Orange Campus has an In-person eligibility which is the perfect place to get started when first getting service at the AV Healthcare system. In addition the East Orange campus has the Women’s Wellness center specifically to address women’s health care issues and concerns. o East Orange Campus  (973) 676-1000 o Lyons Campus  (908) 647-0180  VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (C.B.O.C) for Northern New Jersey Communities - These locations provide health services for veterans who do not live in easy commuting distance to East Orange VA Healthcare or Lyons VA Healthcare. They do offer women’s health services but you need to call and verify the days on which a women’s’ health professional may be available. o Hackensack, NJ  (201) 342-4536 o Jersey City  (201) 435-3055 o Morristown  (973) 539-9791 or (973) 539-9794 o Elizabeth  (908) 994-0120 o Patterson  (973) 247-1666  Online Services o My HealtheVet - THE VA offers ways to keep up with your appointments and health care related paperwork online. You can have

6

access to all of your healthcare files online which can be very helpful when applying for VA claim benefits.  https://www.myhealth.va.gov/index.html

Zufall Health Clinic  The clinic, with various locations in Northern and Central NJ, offers a range of health care options at a sliding scale but in particular offers low or no cost dental care for veterans. Many veterans are not eligible for dental coverage under their VA healthcare coverage so Zufall’s dental options can be a helpful complement to VA coverage. o Call 973-328-3344 for more information and appointments

Veteran’s Total Health Care Initiative  This offering is sponsored by Rutgers Medical and is offered in Newark and New Brunswick. The offer Physical exams, preventative health, behavioral Health, vaccinations, women’s healthcare and peer support. o For more information or an appointment call 1-866-838-7654

7

VETERANS BENEFITS Here are many benefits for veterans including home loan assistance, health care, education, pension and vocational rehabilitation and employment. Everyone’s eligibility for benefits is different so it’s important to learn about what is out there and then explore your own eligibility.

The My eBenefits  This is an online clearinghouse for all of the benefits that may be offered to you based on your eligibility. In addition you can request your health and military records through his site. You can also access information from a VA sponsored hotline. o My eBenefits https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage o VA Health Benefits Call Center o (877) 222-8387 o Veterans Benefits Administration  (800) 827-1000

NJ Vet2Vet  Vet2Vet is for NJ residents and offers confidential peer support. They are also a great resource for veteran benefit information and advice. They also have a list of Veteran Service Officers (VSO) they can recommend to help you with a claim o 1-866-838-7654 o www.njveteranshlepline.org

Your local VFW, American Legion, NAACP Chapter or Elks Lodge  These social organizations can a great resource for support for benefit information. Most posts (VFW and American Legion) have a VSO that can help you with benefit information and walk you through your claim paperwork. Elk Lodges and NAACP chapters have access to a veteran’s affairs committee member who also is able to provide information but may not be a certified VSO. 8

WOMAN VETERAN SERVICES  While there are various places for Health care services for veterans, those specific to female veterans are not as plentiful. The VA in NJ has put efforts to boost their outreach for female veterans. This includes the inclusion of female only PTSD units at the Lyons Campus and a Women’s Health and Wellness Center at the East Orange Campus. The CBOCs are required to have staff on hand that can provide women’s’ health services. The Womens Veteran's Program Manager is a great person to start with if you have any questions about what is specifically available. o VA Women Veterans Program Manager o (973) 676-1000 ext. 2716, 3117, 2724  Operations Sisterhood o This program was inspired by female veterans who are looking for comradery and the opportunity to meet other female soldiers with similar experiences. We focus on community, not crisis, and we are the only non-government, community-based program providing peer support and holistic options by women for military women in New Jersey. Together, we learn to advocate for ourselves by identifying key issues (e.g., lack of appropriate transitional services, women's health, homelessness, unemployment, education, childcare, PTSD, military sexual trauma), and developing access to services. Through peer support, mentoring, education and counseling, we develop practical help to navigate the VA system. This support network offer connectedness and community among NJ female veterans. For more information, contact Sylvia Lippe ([email protected]).

9

MENTAL HEALTH Cornerstone Family Programs Military Families  In office – The agency offers talk therapy with a licensed clinician  Home visits – On case by case basis, women who participate in Operation Sisterhood can receive in home counseling services o Contact Information: 62 Elm Street Morristown, NJ 07960 973-538-5260 https://www.cornerstonefamiliyprograms.org

Solider On Resilience Training  1-866-406-8449 or wesoldieron.org

VA Healthcare System  Tele Mental Health Initiative o (908) 647-0180 ext. 501 o Vet Centers – The Vet Centers provide in office mental health treatment (talk therapy only) for veterans deployed to combat zones and their cohabitating family. The service is also available to veterans who experienced military sexual trauma (MST) during their service regardless of deployment status or reporting of MST. Below is a listing of the available centers in Northern New Jersey.  Bloomfield Vet Center  973-748-0980 Or 877-927-8387  Secaucus Vet Center  201-223-7787 Or 877-927-8387

Hotlines  While these resources don’t take the place of regular therapy with a licensed clinician, they provide a great service that can provide great support in the time of crisis at any time of the day or night. 10

o Mom 2 Mom – This service is specifically for mothers. This can include women who are mothers of veterans or women who are veterans and are mothers.  1-877-914-6662 (1-877-914-MOM2) o Vet to Vet- Vet2Vet is for NJ residents and offers confidential peer support.  1-866-838-7654  www.njveteranshlepline.org o VA Homeless Hotline – This hotline offers connections to services for those who are homeless or nearing homelessness.  (877) 424-3838

Family and Children’s Services: Transforming Trauma  This program provides time limited counseling for children of veterans and service member with no charge. Services are offered in their offices in Elizabeth, NJ or In Home as needed. o Contact Information: 40 North Avenue Elizabeth, NJ 07208 908.352.7474 https://www.facsnj.org Contact person: Natasha Mora

11

FAMILY PROGRAMS New Jersey Prevention Network Military Support Programs  The program was active through 2015 so please call for updates for 2016  Military Family Nights Program o Bergen, Sussex, Ocean o http://www.njpn.org/initiatives/military/ o Lisa Daly, at 732.367.0611, ext.203 or email her at [email protected]

National Guard Family Assistance Centers  http://www.nj.gov/military/familysupport/fac.html

12

HOUSING Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) o This program is federally funded and is designed to help homeless veterans or those eminently in danger of homelessness. Both organizations serve Northern New Jersey so call to see if they can assist with emergency housing situations.  Catholic Charities in Archdiocese of Newark and Patterson  Many locations call to find the nearest to you o (855) SOS-VETS or (855) 767-8387  Community Hope  Many locations call to find the nearest to you o (855) 483-8466  Soldier On  http://www.wesoldieron.org/supportive-services-forveterans-families/  1-866-406-8449

Operation Red Shield The Salvation Army  New Jersey Division o (908) 851-9300 o (888) 302-6100 o (888) 247-0100

Hope for Veterans  This facility is transitional homeless housing on the Lyons Campus for up to two years for veterans who are homeless. The facility is one of several similar housing facilities operated by Community Hope. Call for more information and to schedule an intake appointment.

13

o https://www.communityhope-nj.org/veterans-programs-hope-forveterans-home.php  (908) 647-5717 extension 325

Easter Seals Dickson Center  This organization is able to help with Security deposit and furniture for those in need. o http://dixon.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=dixon_homep age

Homes for Veterans  This organization works to adapt homes of disabled veterans enabling them to live barrier free in their homes o (201) 660-8364 o www.homesforvetsterans.us

Habitat for Humanity  This organization can provide no cost mortgages for qualifying homeowners for decent quality community built houses. Check their website for more information about how you can participate. o http://www.morrishabitat.org/

HUD/VASH Lyons Campus  This is the VA’s case management, housing first model of assisting Veterans to acquire and maintain permanent housing. This program has very specific eligibility criteria so you must call to understand how you may quality. o 908-647-0180, 6654

14

CHILDREN’S SERVICES Parents as Teachers (PAT)  This national program provides mothers (from pregnancy through toddlerhood) with in-home mentoring and assistance from other specially trained parents. Every county has a different agency that provides the PAT support so visit their website to see which agency serves your county. o http://www.parentsasteachers.org/location

Neighborhood House  A Community based agency in Morristown which provides a host of programs for children and families including daycare, after care, youth sports and educational programs. Visit their website or call to find more information. o http://www.cornerstonefamilyprograms.org/Services-andPrograms/Children-Programs/Morristown-Neighborhood-HousePreschool.html o (973) 538-1229

15

HOME GOODS  These organizations may be able to assist with home goods like beds, couches and other furniture. You need to call and verify availability. o Catholic Charities (SSVF)  (855) 767-8387 o Soldier On  1-866-406-8449 o Community Hope (SSVF and Hope For Vets)  (855) 483-8466

16

CLOTHING Veteran’s Clothing Boutique  This clothing closet is operated by Catholic Charities in Patterson. Clothing is available by appointment only. o 973-592-1393

Madison Dress 4 Success  Provides career clothing and employment workshops for women by referral only. Operation Sisterhood at Cornerstone Family Programs (CFP) is a referring agency so contact CFP for a referral. o Maria Cristina Garcia o (973)538-5260 ext. 119

Jewish Women’s Foundation in West Orange  Provides career clothing and employment workshops for women by referral only. Operation Sisterhood at Cornerstone Family Programs (CFP) is a referring agency so contact CFP for a referral. o https://ncjwessex.org/center-for-women/career-closet/ o Maria Cristina Garcia, (973)538-5260 ext. 119

17

VETERANS SOCIAL GROUPS American Legion  http://www.legion.org/

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)  http://www.vfw.org/

Iraq Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)  http://iava.org/

Women Veterans of America  http://wvanational.tripod.com/WVANational

Team Red, White, and Blue  http://www.teamrwb.org/

Vet’s Chat and Chew  http://www.vetschatandchew.com/

Central New Jersey Wounded Warriors  https://www.facebook.com/CJwoundedwarriorprogram/  http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Vietnam Vets of America  http://www.vva.org/

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)  https://www.dav.org/

18

FITNESS Team Red, White and Blue  This is a national organization with local chapters in New Jersey. The focus is to provide social connections for any veteran through fitness. The particular fitness focus is determined by each chapter but usually include group running or races. o http://www.teamrwb.org/

19

LEGAL Volunteer Lawyers for Justice  Based in Newark, this organization provides free legal workshops and in certain circumstances provides free legal advice and representation. Consult their website or call for a full listing of all the services they are able to offer. o http://www.vljnj.org/ o (973) 645-1955. VLJ’s telephones are open Monday-Thursday from 9 am – 12 pm and from 1 pm – 4:30 pm

Welcome Home Vets  This volunteer based organization works to connect those in need with probono representation when possible. Email with any questions about whether they are able to help with your situation. o http://www.welcomehomevetsofnj.org/ o [email protected]

Legal Service of New Jersey  Legal Aid can provide free legal assistance for certain legal issues depending on your family income. o 888-576-5529

20

EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Voc Rehab)  This is a large offering within the overall veteran benefit package. It can encompass veteran education benefits and vocational training, all of which is covered by veteran benefits if you qualify.  http://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/

Work First  http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dfd/programs/workfirstnj/

JWF Resume Writing Workshop  Provides employment workshops for women by referral only. Operation Sisterhood at Cornerstone Family Programs (CFP) is a referring agency so contact CFP for a referral. o https://ncjwessex.org/center-for-women/career-closet/ o MariaCristina Garcia, (973)538-5260 ext. 119 o Troops to Teachers

United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America  This union is looking to actively recruit female candidates and offers preference for consideration for veterans  https://www.local254.org/

Hero 2 Hired  This is a VA sponsored employment program aimed at connecting veterans with employers interested in hiring veterans  http://h2h.jobs/

Jobs 4 Jersey  This is a state website which is a one-stop place to find all the state provided job seeking resources  http://jobs4jersey.com/

21

ENTREPRENEURSHIP V-WISE  A program specifically for female veterans, run by Syracuse University’s school of business and their Institute for Veterans and Military Families. The program is geared towards women are interested in starting a business and providing the tools and mentorship to get started. o To apply see their website http://vets.syr.edu/education/v-wise/

Veterans Launching Ventures  A program for any veteran interested in entrepreneurship. Based at Farleigh Dickenson University, the10-week program is for any veteran or spouse or child of a veteran o Call (973) 443-8887 for more information o visit http://view2.fdu.edu/academics/silberman-college/centers-andinstitutes/rothman-institute-of-entrepreneurship/outreachprograms/veterans-launching-ventures/

22

VSO SERVICES Veteran Service Officers (VSO) is trained certified professional or volunteers who have learned how to assist veterans through the VA benefits and claims process. A fully developed claim gives veterans the best chance when being reviewed by the VA for compensation and a VSO can be integral to helping complete this successful claim. It’s important to choose a VSO with whom you feel comfortable because this person will help compile many personal details for your claim. A VSO is free and should not charge any money. Any of the following organizations can assist you with finding a VSO.

American Legion  http://www.legion.org/

New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA)  http://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)  http://www.vfw.org/

County Veteran Service Offices  Contact your local County Human Service Department to find out the contact information for your county VSO

Newark Veteran Service Office  http://www.benefits.va.gov/newark/

23