DoD Develops Compensation and Benefits Handbook

The U.S. Department of Defense has developed a comprehensive handbook describing compensation and other benefits service members and their families would be entitled to upon separation or retirement as a result of serious injury or illness. 

"The Compensation and Benefits Handbook is the one source of information that covers everything a seriously ill and injured service member will need during his or her recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration," said Ronald A. Winter, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs.

The handbook was compiled in cooperation with the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and the Social Security Administration. Additionally, there are references to assistance provided by other governmental and non-governmental agencies and organizations.

"The handbook describes the disability eligibility process, various program qualifications, application procedures, and numerous resources with associated contact information," said Sharon Gunselman, policy and resource analyst for the Department of Defense. 

Web sites and toll-free numbers are provided, and the electronic version includes hyperlinks. The electronic version of the handbook will be updated frequently and the hard copy of the compensation and benefits handbook will be updated annually. The handbook is available here.

AbilityOne Program Finds Jobs for Veterans

The AbilityOne Program, formerly Javits-Wagner-O'Day, helps thousands of people who are blind or have other severe disabilities find employment. The program coordinates its activities with nonprofit organizations across the country to employ these individuals and provide goods and services to the Federal Government at a fair price. The largest source of employment for blind or disabled individuals in the nation, AbilityOne operates at nearly 1,000 locations across the country. For more information and to find employment opportunities, click here.

Employment Audio Lecture Series

The HUD Homelessness Resource Exchange offers this audio lecture series designed to help CoCs, homeless assistance providers, and employment assistance agencies develop effective strategies and practices in addressing the employment needs of homeless persons. This series will include nine audio lectures as well as accompanying materials which will be posted as they become available. These materials target specific audiences and build upon one another creating a full curriculum on how to improve employment outcomes for homeless persons. To access this content, click here.

VA Chaplain Service Veterans Community Outreach Initiatives 

The purpose of this initiative is to provide training to local clergy engaged in serving veterans or interested in doing so. The VA Chaplain Service enlists faith-based and other community organizations to provide outreach and other services to returning veterans. Local VA chaplains will conduct half-day training events throughout the country to provide education and resources for clergy members and others regarding physical, mental, and spiritual health issues experienced by some returning warriors and their families. For more information, contact: James.Burnett@va.gov.

Upcoming trainings are scheduled for: October 22-23 in Chicago/Hines, IL; November 12 in Fort Harrison, TX; and November 20 in Syracuse, NY

NCHV Upcoming Conference Call Schedule

Over the next four weeks, NCHV will host conference calls on GPD and HVRP replicable models featuring representatives from innovative veteran service providers. For more information about speakers and registration, please visit the links below.

Wednesday October 15 at 2 p.m. ET
GPD Replicable Models: Part One Conference Call

Tuesday October 21 at 2 p.m. ET
HVRP Replicable Models: Part One Conference Call

Tuesday October 28 at 2 p.m. ET
GPD Replicable Models: Part Two Conference Call

Wednesday November 5 at 2 p.m. ET
HVRP Replicable Models: Part Two Conference Call

For more information about upcoming conference calls and to view post-teleconference notes, click here.

Funding Opportunities

The Peoples Bancorp Foundation's primary goal is to provide contributions and grants to organizations that assist low to moderate-income families in markets where Peoples Bank currently has office locations. Foundation contributions focus charitable giving in four major areas: community investment and economic development, youth and education, human services programs that improve the social needs of low-moderate income communities and individuals, and the arts and cultures. Peoples Bank has operations in KY, OH and WV. The deadline for applications is the 10^th of each quarter. For more information, click here.