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NEWS and CURRENT EVENTS
MACV accepts Grant from Wells Fargo for Jobs Training and Pilot Certification Program.
St Cloud June 8 & 9, 2007 - Eagle Scout Project Bailey: Painting St. Cloud Structured Independent Living House
Twin Cities - May 12 & 13, 2008: Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) held the annual MACV StandDown May 12-13, 2008 at the Ft. Snelling Army Reserve Complex. This two day event drew 496 veterans seeking services from more than 40 agencies/organizations and was supported by over 100 volunteers. Veterans attending the event were able to meet with various agency representatives regarding issues such as Federal and State veterans benefits, housing and employment assistance, legal assistance, tax help and free voicemail. Free meals and haircuts were provided and veterans could meet with Chaplains or attend a number of AA/NA meetings over the two days. Safe overnight shelter was available on site as well. The Welcoming Ceremony was held on May 12th and featured the singing of the National Anthem by El Ewert, a WWII veteran, as well as speakers including: MAJ GEN Robert Pollmann, Commanding General of the US Army Reserve 88th Regional Readiness Command; Mike Pugliese, Deputy Commissioner Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs; Gil Acevado, Deputy Commissioner Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs; Kay Anderson, Service Center Manager VA Regional Office and Jo Weable, Coordinator of the Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Program at the Minneapolis VAMC. The ceremony was closed with a medley of patriotic songs sung by local talent Debra Lee. MACV would like to express its gratitude to everyone who contributed to this event making it a huge success and especially to the US Army Reserve 88th RRC for being such a generous and supportive host. - June 18 - 22, 2008: Canterbury Park Trifecta information is currently on-line. Join us for the reception of the American Veteran's Traveling Tribute - May 17 & 18, 2007: This year’s Stand Down was a GREAT success. For the first time it was held on the base at Fort Snelling. During the two-day Stand Down event more than 240 staff members representing 54 Service Providers along with 90 volunteers served 375 veterans. Veterans were provided a wide range of services from haircuts to clothing to food to camaraderie. Opportunities to connect with the VA, housing, job assistance, and medical care were located all in one place at one time!
Wells Fargo supports MACV’s Stand Down with a donation – Thank you!
- Veterans 4 Veterans (V4V) helps Minnesota veterans integrate into society and lead healthier, independent lives by funding recreational, employment, health, education and social programs for veterans, their families and caregivers.
MACV accepts a check for $30,000 from the Veterans 4 Veterans Foundation.
June 6: Kathy Vitalis and Jimmy Collier accept a check from the Edina Realty Foundation - Maplewood Office to assist with housing for veterans in Ramsey County
- March 2007: MACV delivered a presentation to inform and educate various agencies within the Department of Corrections Association (DOC) leadership hierarchy about our mission, purpose, and the services we provide to veterans in communities throughout the state of Minnesota. There were over 60 service providers in attendance. The agencies in attendance included Governors Pawlenty’s Office of Faith and Community Based Services, represented by Ms. Lee Buckley. Ms. Buckley spoke highly about her partnership with the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs and her desire to continue working with MACV. She commented on the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs “outstanding” work its significance within Minnesota’s communities of color, as well as its impact upon the state.
- March 2007: an Iraqi War veteran participating in the Grant & Per Diem program at Building 47 was profiled in a Minnesota Public Radio piece about returning veterans and homelessness. This story was part of the MPR series by Mark Zdechlik about the impact of the war in Iraq on Minnesota residents. In the story, the veteran gave a heartfelt account of his personal history and problems, and expressed gratitude for the help that he is receiving.
- February 2007: MACV Regional Director Jimmy Collier participated in the Shakopee Women’s Correctional Facility’s first Transition Fair. Over 10 incarcerated veterans met with MACV to discuss transition issues from the correctional system back into the community. For many of the females who are coming home for a second time, connecting with veterans’ services will be instrumental to their reintegration success.
Mankato - November 13: Mankato Stand Down a success! More than 250 veterans received information from over 25 service providers.
- March 24: The St. Peter American Legion Post #37 hosted an all-day fundraiser for MACV. The day included a pancake breakfast; bake sale, silent auction, bingo, and spaghetti supper. A total of $3,000 was raised and donated to MACV. This was truly an example of the veteran community coming together to support the efforts of MACV.
Duluth - November 2007: Duluth recognizes the '624' homeless vets cited in the Wilder Study on homelessness in their own way!
- July 20th, 2007: Ryman's City Auto Glass 5th Annual Cruise-a-Palooza. This is a car show and dance, proceeds going to MACV. - Northeast Minnesota Continuum of Care There has been good success with the families in the six counties covered in Arrow head and Duluth region. We have clients on college honor rolls and families looking toward home ownership as well as other great accomplishments. We are finding that those who reside in rural areas are having greater challenges in addressing their needs. Getting connected to services often depends on transportation and local support networks, which are less prevalent in sparsely populated areas. Rental housing of adequate quality is quite often difficult to find. These challenges result in creative thinking both by MACV and the veteran. Working with local providers as partners is essential. These outcomes have been very good. - 14th Veterans Stand Down North is in August! Last year’s August 25th, Stand Down served 145 veterans of which 74 were new to any Stand Down event. Many new service providers were available for the event as well as VA medical staff, housing and employment advocates. Many contacts between veterans and service providers led to services being provided. This year we had the new CVSO from Fond du Lac Reservation. The event was caped off with Ryman, a local DJ from Clear Channel 101.7 FM, donating $1,000.00 from a fundraiser that he had put together with local talent “Sh-Boom.”
- More about the Northeast Minnesota Continuum of Care: A 26-year-old disabled veteran and his family have been admitted into our assistance program. He is now receiving his disability payments and is able to spend time in treatment without worrying about food and a home for his family. Five of six families served by MACV-Duluth in the last three months are families of returning Afghanistan and Iraq veterans who are only in their twenties and thirties. Two of six veterans are enrolled in vocational rehabilitation programs.
Outreach To utilize our funds wisely, we attempt to coordinate with other sources as much as possible. MACV continues to work with the Alliance Apartments; a sober, permanent housing environment where beds are set-aside for veterans only. We also coordinate partnerships with the help of ongoing outreach work. We work with the Union Gospel Mission, Dorothy Day Center, Mary Hall, The Listening House, Harbor Lights Branch III, and Sharing and Caring Hands.
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