News
Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign (September 7-December 15, 2015)
Thursday, August 27, 2015 | Category: Employment - ME
WABI TV 5 covered the fall 2015 employment event focused on hiring Maine veterans. Maine Department of Labor along with their sponsors are kicking off a new program, called "Hire-A-Vet", to encourage more employers to hire more veterans. The 100-day campaign begins September 7, 2015 with a goal of 100 employers hiring 100 veterans in 100 days.
Togus Gives Progress on Caring for Maine Veterans
Monday, August 3, 2015 | Category: Health Care - ME
Maine Department of Veterans Affairs (Maine VA) administrators stated that the needs of Maine veterans continue to be met nearly a year after the national scandal rocked the Department of Veterans Affairs nationwide. Maine VA currently has 50,000 veterans enrolled of which 85% will receive care in 2014. More staff and updated technology are critical to meet patient demand. Medical Center Director Ryan Lilly stated: "Our access is very good here in the state of Maine. It is not perfect."
Maine Veterans Project Ride For a Reason
Wednesday, July 29, 2015 | Category: Suicide - ME
On August 1, 2015, the Maine Veterans Project (MVP) will hold its Second Annual “ATV Ride for a Reason.” They hope to raise funds so the MVP can continue its work of developing long-term solutions for the prevention of veteran suicide in Maine.
Maine Korean War Veterans Honored
Monday, July 27, 2015 | Category: History/Heritage - ME
A ceremony marking the 62nd anniversary of the signing of the Korean armistice that enforced a cease-fire took place at the Mount Hope Cemetery in Bangor, Maine. Veterans paid tribute to the 38 POW/MIA’s and 245 Mainers who died during the war. The Governor signed a proclamation designating July 27th as Maine Korean War Veteran Recognition Day.
Building a House in the Woods to Help Veterans Heal
Saturday, July 4, 2015 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - ME
The "House in the Woods, A Military and Family Retreat" is growing with construction of an 80-by-90 foot lodge which began in fall 2014. Volunteers crews, donated materials and equipment, and monetary donations help the Emery and House families realize a dream in memory of their sons, both of whom lost their lives during the war in Iraq. Veterans, military, and their families retreat to Maine to heal with others from across the nation.
How We're Failing Our Female Veterans
Thursday, May 21, 2015 | Category: Health Care - ME
This article explores some of the challenges all veterans face and the services that may or may not be available to women veterans. Maine women veterans Ruth Moore, Judy Atwood Bell, and LaRhonda Harris (also the Maine VA Women Veterans Program Manager), share their perspectives on the Veterans Administration's readiness to serve women veterans.
Before Maine Aid Workers Can Help Struggling Veterans, They Need to Find Them
Tuesday, May 12, 2015 | Category: Housing/Experiencing Homelessness - ME
The Volunteers of America hosted a forum, "The Wages of Valor: Economic and Employment Issues Facing America’s Veterans,” at UMaine Augusta. The topic was helping homeless veterans, beginning with a national broadcast followed by a panel of veteran advocates. The panel stated the need for more robust transitional services and better communication about the existing services within the state.
Maine Must Better Connect Veterans to Existing Services, Panel Says
Tuesday, May 12, 2015 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - ME
The Volunteers of America hosted a veteran-focused panel forum. There was some consensus that there are many veteran services offered by state, federal, and nonprofit organizations. The challenge seems to be spreading the word on the services. A Bread of Life veteran case manager, shared that veterans often need transportation to job, career, and health appointments and many do not use computers.
Cabins for Homeless Vets Bill Gets Strong Backing From Maine Legislators
Friday, April 24, 2015 | Category: Housing/Experiencing Homelessness - ME
The Labor, Commerce, Research, and Economic Development Committee unanimously approved a bill that would provide $1 million in state funding to build cabins for homeless veterans at the federal veterans’ hospital at Togus. A stalled fundraising effort, the proposal from Rep. Jared Golden, D-Lewiston, could jump-start the Volunteers of America project, a charity trying to raise $4 million for 21 cabins for homeless Maine veterans on 11 acres of the VA Maine Healthcare System’s campus between Augusta and Chelsea.
Cabins for Homeless Veterans Proposed for Maine VA Center
Thursday, April 16, 2015 | Category: Housing/Experiencing Homelessness - ME
Volunteers of America is working with Representative Jared Golden of Lewiston, Maine to secure funding to build 21 cabins, called "Cabin in the Woods," next to the VA’s facilities at Togus. This location would be ideal, giving homeless veterans access to their treatment, training, and rehabilitation all within walking distance.