Mass Vets Advisor

Developed by & for transitioning service members, veterans, & military spouses, Service2CEO is a free, individualized small business training & mentorship program for the military community. Learn more & apply for 8 module virtual program by visiting the link above.

The Veterans at Work Certificate program developed for HR professionals, hiring managers & front-line supervisors is a multifaceted program from the SHRM Foundation. This program is specifically designed to equip you with the actionable knowledge & tools needed to attract, hire, & retain veterans & members of the military community in the workplace. To learn more or contact SHRM please visit the link above for more information or call 800.283.SHRM (7476).

The Social Security Administration's (SSA) disability insurance program pays benefits to disabled veterans & certain members of your family if you are insured. The SSA's Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program also pays benefits based on financial need. Veterans who have a VA compensation rating of 100% permanent & total (P&T) may receive expedited processing of applications for SSA disability benefits. To learn more about these SSA programs & apply visit the link above.

Soldier On is a nonprofit organization committed to ending veteran homelessness, providing homeless vets with transitional housing & supportive services in the Berkshire region. Some of their services include: - permanent housing - case management - women's program - veteran transportation - incarcerated veterans program - & more. To learn more or apply visit the link above. To contact Soldier On: Leeds Phone #: (413) 582-3059 Pittsfield Phone #: (413) 236-5644 Email: info@wesoldieron.org

Meeting Agenda

The Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF) ensures complete post-secondary educational support & additional educational opportunities “cradle to career,” for eligible surviving children of fallen Special Operations Forces & children of all Medal of Honor recipients. Immediate financial assistance is provided to severely wounded, ill, & injured Special Operations personnel. To learn more or apply, visit the link above or: Call: (813) 805-9400 Email: warrior@specialops.org

Springfield Partners for Community Action provides vets & their families throughout Western MA with quality support services & access to financial assistance programs at the community, state, & federal levels. The group partners with other veteran organizations to help clients reach economic stability, helping with: - VA claims - Education benefits - Transportation - Obtaining safe & affordable housing - Financial assistance, & more. Visit the link above to apply or call: (413) 263-6500

Located in Springfield, Square One provides a range of family-friendly education & support services for them to build the foundation for lifelong learning, to make smart choices, & to grow strong cognitively, emotionally, socially, & physically. Some of their programs include: - Early Education & Care - Summer Programs - Childcare - Education & more. To learn more or apply visit the link above. You can also call (413) 732-5183.

The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) provides long-distance medical transportation via its Boston Hospital Shuttle. The shuttle services veterans, seniors, & persons with disabilities. To learn more about which communities & hospitals the shuttle services please visit the link above. To make reservations please contact your local VSO, Council on Aging, or: Call: (508) 997-6767 x3310 or (508) 824-1367 Email: maquino@srtabus.com or aconstantino@srpedd.org

Stand Downs are typically one to three day events during which the VA, state, & community organizations' staff volunteer to provide food, clothing, & health screenings to homeless & at-risk Veterans. In addition, Veterans also receive referrals for health care, housing solutions, employment, substance use treatment, mental health counseling & other essential services. To learn about upcoming Stand Down events near you, visit the link above & select "Massachusetts" on the drop-down menu.