200 likes | 468 Views
Welcome Home. . POST DEPLOYMENT…. WHAT WILL OUR TROOPS NEED?. Connecticut Veterans Consortium. State and Federal Departments of Veteran Affairs Mental Health and Addiction Services Department of Labor Coalition for the Homeless Connecticut National Guard Family Services
E N D
Connecticut Veterans Consortium State and Federal Departments of Veteran Affairs Mental Health and Addiction Services Department of Labor Coalition for the Homeless Connecticut National Guard Family Services Transitional Assistance Advisor VA Connecticut Health Care VET Centers VA Regional Office Vocational Rehabilitation Towns and Cities Non-Profit Organizations Veteran Service Organizations
Connecticut Returning Veterans’ Summit “Cutting to the Chase” Military Pride Outreach Agencies OJT Whatever it Takes! Advocates Discussion Groups
Focus Group Themes Being in combat in Iraq or Afghanistan is profoundly life-altering Importance of camaraderie with fellow military or veterans A sense of isolation from the community and not being understood Communication difficulties with everyone except fellow military
PTSD Scores “Feeling “up tight”, aggressive, on the edge” Fear of being stigmatized or seen as weak 25% Reported Symptoms of PTSD severe enough to warrant treatment TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY “My Head is in the Game” 20% Reported experiences which indicated The need for more specific testing BLAST CONCUSSION
POST 9/11 GI Bill Tuition and Fees Monthly Housing Allowance Yearly Books and Supplies Stipend • 1. 2 Million Service Members Eligible • 2. $19 Billion in last 4 Years • 3. 745,100 Iraq and Afghan Veterans Attend on the GI Bill • National Successful Graduation Rate • 18%
Barriers to Success in School Don’t Fit in with Non-veteran students Civilian Friends Don’t Understand me Do not share interests as other students Conflicts with instructors, Hard concentrating in Class
OASIS PROGRAM Operation Assist Incoming Servicemembers In Studies FOR RETURNING VETERANS IN CONNECTICUT COLLEGES • Create a place on Campus where veterans can study, socialize and find information on resources that will support their efforts in the academic community. • Enlist the support of all State Community Colleges and Universities including University of Connecticut to assist OIF/OEF veterans attending these schools. • Veteran Friendly Environment on Campus
OASIS PROJECT Veteran Friendly Campus Environment
OASIS Center Located in Connecticut Rocky Hill Newington Norwich New Haven Eastern CT CCSU Charter Oak Bridgeport Outreach and Education Benefits and Claims Western CT Southern CT
American Association of University Women Business and Professional Women’s Foundation
Student Veterans And OASIS Center
Today America has deployed over 1.7 million Armed Forces in the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. OUR MISSION IS THEIR FUTURE