Veterans Connect @ the Library - Santa Cruz Public Libraries

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American Legion Post #121 The Edward H. Lorenson Post #121, Department of California is a service organization which serves all veterans. Sponsors various programs promoting government and the American way of life, which include: "Boys and Girls State Program," athletics, local disaster relief and auxiliary work in Veterans Administration Hospitals.

American Legion Post #64 The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans.

Military Officers Association of America, Santa Cruz Chapter The Mission of the Santa Cruz, CA, Chapter is to provide a cordial, social and supportive environment for our members and their families. We uphold the honorable principles of our military services. We are proactive members of our communities. MOAA administers programs of benefit to its members, responds to their requests for assistance and represents its membership to the White House, Congress, Department of Defense and other government agencies.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1716 Supports our military in uniform and their families. Promotes veterans activities on both the national and local levels. Sponsors fundraisers for generating money for the community. Post is home of the only Veterans Honor Guard in Santa Cruz County. Honor Guard provides military funeral honors with Rifle Salute at the request of family for all veterans.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5888 Veterans organization for service people who have served in foreign wars (primarily Vietnam, Korea, WWII, Iraq and Afghanistan). Offers counseling, assistance in filling out forms, and finding housing, jobs, etc. Also functions as a membership organization offering companionship and a social atmosphere for veterans.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7263 The mission is to foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military, and our community. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.

State

California Department of Veterans Affairs The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) works to serve California veterans and their families. With nearly 2 million veterans living in the State, CalVet strives to ensure that its veterans of every era and their families get the state and federal benefits and services they have earned and deserve as a result of selfless and honorable military service.

California Veterans Resource Book This book assists you with accessing the wide variety of services and benefits available to Veterans and family members.

CalVet Advocacy and Assistance Our staff are qualified benefits specialists trained to help veterans and their family gain benefits they are entitled to. We provide counseling and referral services to individuals and their families and offer a complete referral service to provide veterans with accurate and current information on the entire range of issues associated with veterans’ benefits and entitlements.

CalVet Food Assistance CalFresh (Food Stamps) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Emergency Food and Shelter Program Emergency Food Assistance Program

CalVet Vietnam Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service may be eligible for a variety of VA benefits, including disability compensation for diseases associated with exposure. Your dependents and survivors also may be eligible for benefits.

Federal

Central Coast Region, American Red Cross The Red Cross has served more than 1 million military families since 9/11: Volunteers provide home comforts and critical services on bases and in military hospitals around the world We support military families during deployments and emergencies We continue serving our nation’s veterans after their service ends

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Legal Help for Veterans VA facilities hosting non-VA legal service providers that can assist Veterans free of charge. Santa Cruz County organizations providing Pro Bono Legal Resources for Veterans and other helpful links.

National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass for U.S. Military Free admission for Current US military members (including US Reserves and National Guard) with proper military ID at sites that charge entrance or standard amenity fees for one full year from the month obtained (through last day of that month).

Trustworthy Mobile Apps for Vets Check out the VA App Store! Here you will find access to dozens of apps, including those created specifically for Veterans and their Health Care Professionals.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Returning Service Members (OEF/OIF/OND) See what VA benefits are available today for OEF/OIF/OND combat Veterans.

Veterans History Project The Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.

Other

Dream Foundation Dream Foundation’s Dreams for Veterans program tailors the Dream experience to veterans and their families. Dream recipients are U.S. military veterans who served from World War II to the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, those who served during peacetime or who currently serve on active duty, the Reserve and National Guard. Dreams for Veterans honors our veterans’ service by fulfilling their final Dream, providing them, their families and caregivers inspiration, comfort and closure at the end of life.

EdReady EdReady lets you assess your readiness for college math, see study options, and get a personalized study path to fill in knowledge gaps.

Fake Charities Federal and state authorities take action against groups that cash in off your donations

GI Rights Hotline The GI Rights Hotline (877-447-4487) provides accurate and helpful counseling and information on military discharges, AWOL and UA, and GI Rights and is free and confidential.

Guitars for Vets Thousands of our war Veterans are afflicted with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In fact, more soldiers have committed suicide since the Vietnam War than have died in actual battle. But many are finding hope in an unlikely place: behind the wood and strings of an acoustic guitar. The healing power of music helps soldiers cope.

Monterey Bay Veterans, Inc. Monterey Bay Veterans Inc. (MBV) is a volunteer based, non-profit organization which exists to honor and support those who have served and sacrificed for our nation. Ultimately, integration of the physically challenged community into normal daily activities and recreation is the core of MBV’s mission.

Operation We Are Here Operation We Are Here is a one-stop HUB of resources for the military community and military supporters that offers: A clearinghouse of resources for the military community Practical insights in caring for the military community The ONLY interest-based list for military supporters Free Thank You cards to download, print and share

Project Sanctuary Project Sanctuary supports military families where they are right NOW. After years of working with military families, we have become a recognized leader in bringing health and wellness to our military families. By addressing mental health first, we take our families from battle ready to family ready.

PsychArmor Institute A free online library of courses offered to help bridge the civilian military divide. We offer educational courses to Volunteers, Caregivers, Healthcare Providers, Employers, Educators, and Civilians to help increase military cultural competence.

Scams targeting Vets A 2017 AARP study found that U.S. military veterans are twice as likely as non-veterans to lose money to fraud. Nearly 80 percent of veterans surveyed reported being targeted by scams related to their service, such as fundraising appeals from bogus military charities or misleading offers to refinance Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loans.

Scams that target Vets There are dishonest advisers who promise veterans that they can get additional VA benefits if they invest in certain products, or offer cash now if the veteran turns over future benefits. Don't fall for it!

Swords to Plowshares Founded in 1974 by veterans, Swords to Plowshares is a community-based not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides needs assessment and case management, employment and training, housing, and legal assistance to approximately 3,000 veterans in the San Francisco Bay Area each year.

Team Rubicon Disasters are our business, but veterans are our passion. When not involved with an operational deployment, we’re committed to connecting our veterans and members with the resources to better prepare them for success in disaster relief and on the home front.

The Mission Continues The Mission Continues empowers veterans facing the challenge of adjusting to life at home to find new missions. We redeploy veterans in their communities, so that their shared legacy will be one of action and service.

Veterans Charity Scam Don’t let scammers curb your generosity toward those who serve — but take steps to ensure your donated dollars truly support them.

Veterans Path Veteran’s PATH builds a community of support for veterans, offering mindfulness, wellness and meditation tools. Each veteran’s inner strength is supported, reflected and magnified in the strength of the community.

Veterans Transition Center of Monterey County The mission of the Veterans Transition Center is to provide services for Monterey County's homeless Veterans and their families. By providing Veterans with transitional housing and case management programs, they will once again become employable, productive members of the community. VTC does not simply offer short term solutions to homelessness; it strives to better the lives of homeless Veterans, and aims to give them the tools they need to help themselves.

Wounded Warrior Project Wounded Warrior Project provides free programs and services focused on the physical, mental, and long-term financial well-being of this generation of injured veterans, their families and caregivers.

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Veterans Connect@ the Library