May 28th, 2008
On May 27, SWSCVets met with John Harris, the coordinator of the Returning Support for Veterans Program (RSVP) for the NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse. We learned about those activities which the program has completed, as well as, the activities they plan for the future.
The first project, which was acheived was the expansion of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ CARE-LINE (1-800-662-7030, - TDD/TTY 1-877-452-2514) from 8 hrs/day to 24 hrs/day. They have also developed a “Veterans Neighborhood” on the NCcareLink Website.
They plan to develop a statewide initiative to train the staff of the public mental health system, (state, LME, and private provider employees), about the unique needs of veterans and how to better connect veterans in there areas to VA services. Governor Easley has requested $2.2 million from the NC Legislature to support the expansion of this program.
By the end of the meeting, it was clear that we would continue to keep up with this project. And, we plan to have future meetings to address this and other projects, which the NC Department of Health and Human Services may develop for Veterans.
March 30th, 2008
After months of planning, the 2008 Capital Area Homeless Veterans Stand Down finally came. Here are a few highlights:
The Stand Down was kicked off by our own SWSCVets Color Guard.
The Stand Down attendence was estimated at about 160 people.
There were more than 30 organizations represented.
Congressman Brad Miller, and County Commissioners Joe Bryan and Harold Webb came to participate.
February 25th, 2008
On Saturday, February 23rd, Frank Lawrence and Joe Donovan were invited to speak about the upcoming Stand Down and some of the challenges faced by homeless veterans on WSHA-FM’s Traces of Places and Faces program, hosted by Margaret Rose Murray.
February 7th, 2008
The South Wilmington Street Center Veterans Group is pleased to serve as a host for the 2008 Capital Area Homeless Veterans Stand Down.
On Thursday, March 27th, organizations from across Wake County will come together to provide resources to the area’s homeless veterans. Veterans will receive information on, and how to access, services which provide healthcare, VA benefits, mental health, substance abuse, spiritual guidance, social services, employment, housing, etc…
In addition, breakfast and lunch will be served. Showers and Laundry Machines will be available for use. Clothing and hygiene products will also be distributed. The Stand Down will take place on:
Thursday, March 27th
7:30 AM - 3:00 PM
at
Cornerstone, 220 Snow Ave (map)
Additional sponsors include: Wake County Human Services, Wake County Community Services, North Carolina Employment Security Commission, Raleigh Vet Center, Durham VA Medical Center and the US DOL Veterans Employment and Training Service.
November 12th, 2007
On Saturday, 15 members of SWSCVets marched in our first ever Veteran’s Day Parade.
