Fergus Falls
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The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is proud to share our Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Report (July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022) is now available. Wellbeing is the theme of the Annual Report which highlights our priorities and accomplishments from the last year.
MDVA is here to support and enhance all aspects of Veteran and family wellbeing, from providing safe housing to the homeless to mental health support to those in crisis, from financial aid to those struggling to healthcare to the aging.
To request a hard copy please email [email protected].
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On Thursday night the Minnesota Veterans Home ? Minneapolis hosted the Senate State and Local Government and Veterans committee for a field hearing. This meeting was used as a listening session to hear about issues facing our state?s Veterans. Testifiers included members of Veterans Service Organizations as well as those offering care and services to Veterans. The committee closed out the time at the home with a presentation for Senate confirmation from Commissioner Larry Herke. He described his work over the last four years and goals for the next four. After some questioning from members, he was recommended for confirmation unanimously. He is expected to receive a full vote from the Senate in the next few weeks.
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For over 10 years, the award-winning Minnesota Military Radio (MMR) has been the forum for retelling the stories of Minnesota?s heroes. Vietnam Veteran and volunteer host Tom Lyons shares these stories which are carried on 65 broadcasting stations throughout the state of Minnesota in an effort to preserve the stories of our Veterans and keep listeners up to date on things happening at MDVA and in our Veteran Community here in Minnesota.
Coming up this week we learn about the?My Credit Union?Community Foundation, meet with the President of the?Minnesota Paralyzed Veterans of America?and get an update from the?Minneapolis VA Health Care System.
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The Saint Peter Community Center will be hosting "Military Reflection" - a series of military and Veteran focused events and programs through the Spring of 2023.
This program is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant provided by the Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
All programs held at the Saint Peter Community Center
601 S. Washington, Saint Peter, MN
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On top of academic and social stress, the uncertainty and fears the past couple of years have brought, many of us are dealing with more anxiety than before. Angst helps break this down, explaining what?s going on, and what we can do about it to help both ourselves and others. The film is not only helpful in understanding anxiety but offers hope and meaningful discussion with local experts after the viewing.
This event is free, but registration is required.
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Learn about the critical role faith leaders can play in preventing deaths by suicide, how to support those affected by suicide, and helpful community resources that are available.
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Suicide is preventable. Anyone can make a difference. This two-day suicide intervention workshop in Fergus Falls helps teach and practice a life-saving intervention model that is widely used by professional and the general public.
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'Signs, Ask, Validate, Encourage/Expedite' is an introductory, gatekeeper training where participants learn how to act with care and compassion when encountering someone in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Join via MS Teams Thursdays in January, February, and March:
- 2/16/23 5 - 6:30 p.m.
- 3/16/23 5 - 6:30 p.m.
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This workshop in Little Falls is designed to enhance agricultural opportunities for military Veterans who are interested in learning more about growing and farming.
Spouses, partners, and dependents of military Veterans and active duty personnel are also encouraged to attend these events, which are offered in person and in virtual formats.
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The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.
The PACT Act adds to the list of health conditions the VA assumes (or ?presumes?) are caused by exposure to these substances. This law helps provide generations of Veterans?and their survivors?with the care and benefits they?ve earned and deserve.
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The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has updated their questionnaire on Veteran Employment. Please take a moment to answer the questionnaire so they can better understand how to?to best serve Veterans in finding a rewarding career.
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Questionnaire >>
Our three new Veterans Homes in Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston have started accepting Resident applications.
We?ve worked to make the application process as easy as possible. Following are answers to the questions we?ve heard the most during our community visits.
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The Veterans Crisis Line's new number?988 then Press 1?helps make it easier to remember and share the number to access help in times of need.
Signed into law in 2020, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act authorized 988 as the new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. As part of the law, all telephone service providers in the U.S. had to activate the number no later than July 16, 2022.
Veterans can use this new option by dialing 988 and pressing 1 to contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans may still reach the Veterans Crisis Line with the previous phone number?1-800-273-8255 and Press 1?by text (838255), and through chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
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Minnesota Veterans who served sometime between September 11, 2001, and August 30, 2021 may be eligible for a Post-9/11 Service Bonus. More than 17,000 Minnesota Veterans who served in the Global War on Terrorism have already received bonuses totaling $18.5 million in recognition of their service.
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is distributing nearly $25 million in bonuses. As of late November, $18.5 million has been awarded. Eligible Veterans are paid on a first-come, first-served basis, so Veterans should apply today before the funds are gone. And may enjoy some extra cash this holiday season!
To apply, visit MinnesotaVeteran.org/ServiceBonus.
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If you know of a Veteran-related community event happening in your area you would like to submit to be included in our Friday Digest, please email all event information to [email protected] for consideration.
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