Symposium to Empower Montana Communities to Better Serve the State's Military
(PRWEB) July 15, 2015 -- As the national landscape evolves, communities across the country are preparing for an unusually large number of Service members to transition from the Military within the next decade. Combined with the National Guard and Reserve personnel, there is a clear need to serve all these men and women as they reintegrate into civilian life. While many may successfully navigate readjustment in their communities, some may face considerable challenges – renewing family relationships, pursuing education and new employment, finding a home and establishing a social network in their new community.
Presently, key organizations in Montana are working to ensure the state's Military have access to culturally competent and readily available support. In fact, Army OneSource, Carroll College, VA Montana Health Care System and Montana Joining Community Forces are partnering together to present their second service provider symposium designed with interactive presentations, breakout sessions, a resource fair and opportunities to network and share ideas with the state’s civilian and Military community members. The FREE one-day symposium is scheduled for Friday, August 7, 9AM-3:45PM at Carroll College and open to all service providers who support Service members and Veterans. Registration is required.
“The Helena area has many agencies, organizations and businesses providing support to our Veterans, but sometimes they aren’t aware of what others are doing. Our second annual symposium is an effort to introduce all to each other, to give the community leaders an opportunity to talk and to help coordinate efforts as completely as possible,” said Steve Garrison, Retired Montana Attorney, Veteran and 2015 Planning Committee Member.
For those who serve the state’s Military population, this is a unique opportunity to learn more about the Montana VA Medical System and the greatest needs of Montana’s Military population. Additionally, attendees will receive an overview of Military culture, gain awareness of readjustment challenges faced after a deployment and most importantly, obtain resources that may assist in working and referring Service members and Veterans. Continuing education credits will be offered at no cost to those professionals who attend the behavioral health and legal breakout sessions.
“The goal of the symposium is to bring community leaders together to educate, share ideas and provide tools to combat the challenges of our Service members and Veterans. We hope that attendees take advantage of all the new materials and build a “Resource Toolkit” so that they may continue to network and connect with existing Military programs and services throughout the year,” said Sheila Warner, State Community Support Coordinator of Army OneSource.
For more information or to register for the symposium, visit https://mtjcf.eventbrite.com.
Media Contact:
Brandy Keely, Veteran Service Coordinator, Carroll College, (406) 447-4550, [email protected]
Sheila Warner, State Community Support Coordinator, Army OneSource, (208) 660-5607, [email protected].
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Sheila Warner, Army OneSource, +1 (208) 660-5607, [email protected]
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