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Annual Report 2015

MICHIGAN VETERANS AFFAIRS AGENCY

2015 Striving to make Michigan the mostveteran-friendly state in the nation.

ANNUAL REPORT

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Annual Report 2015

Who Are Michigan Veterans? 5 Why increasing the GDX matters to Michigan veterans 6 Supporting Veterans Where They Live 7 VCATS provide “no wrong door” for veterans 7 County and coalition partnerships lead to veterans getting benefits faster 8 MVAA county grants expand local services to veterans 8

Aiding At-Risk Veterans 9 800-MICH-VET answers the calls 24/7 9 MVTF and MiVHAP: Responding to emergency needs 10 Helping incarcerated veterans get a fresh start 11 Americorps VRNs assisting veterans in urban areas 11 Ensuring Transitioning Veterans Succeed 12 VA benefits provide education assistance 12 Improving student veteran graduation rates 12 Recognizing Michigan’s best schools for veterans 13 Veteran Education Initiative improves veterans educational experience 14 Employing Veterans Strengthens Michigan’s Economy 15 Recognizing the value of veteran talent in the workforce 15 Recruiting, hiring, retaining veteran talent in Michigan 15 Be a leader: Become an MVAA Veteran-Friendly Employer 16 Veterans can fast track military service to degrees, certificates 17 Military service experience can expedite civilian licensing 17

Improving Quality of Life for All Ages in All Stages 18 New veteran health challenges require long-term options 18 A long history of providing long-term care 18 Educating law enforcement abouts veterans and PTS 19 Protecting veterans’ rights to use service animals 19 Removing barriers to mental health care 20 Connecting veterans to mental health information, providers 20 Ensuring all Michigan veterans are taken care of 21 Providing services and resources in one location 21 Partnering with SOS to support, promote Michigan veterans 22 Working with DNR to help veterans celebrate July Fourth 22 Helping 100 percent disabled veterans 22 Helping justice-involved veterans 23 Ending veteran homelessness 23

Moving Forward In The Quest To Be The Most Veteran-Friendly 24

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency

VALUES• Inclusion–Seekcollaborativesolutionsandresults

• Integrity–Alwaysdotherightthing

• Transparency–Don’tmisleadorconceal

• Innovation–Createandseekopportunitiestodemonstratecontinuousimprovement

• Respect–Treateveryoneasyouwouldliketobetreated

• Service–Provideanexcellentcustomerserviceexperience

LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY• Beaproblemsolver

• Takeownershipandprideinwhatyoudo

• Remembertheserviceandsacrificeofthosewhoserved

MISSIONTo serve as the central coordinating point, connecting those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and their

families,toservicesandbenefitsthroughoutMichigan.

VISIONForMichigantobethemostveteran-friendlystateby:

• providingtheadviceandassistanceveteransneedastheytransitionthroughthechaptersoftheirlives

• creatinga“nowrongdoor”customerserviceculture

• advocatingforandonbehalfofveteransandtheirfamilies

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Annual Report 2015

I am pleased to present the 2015 Annual Report, which chronicles the agency’s efforts to make Michigan the most veteran-friendly state.

SinceMVAAwascreatedin2013,ithasbeenourmissiontoconnectthosewho have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and their families to the services and benefitstheyearnedduringtheirtimeinuniform.MVAAworkstoidentifyandbreakdownbarriersveteransfaceinemployment,education,healthcareandquality of life, making Michigan a great place for veterans and their families to call home.

Westrivetodothisbyprovidingtheadviceandassistanceveteransneedastheytransitionthrougheverychapteroftheirlives,bycreatinga“nowrongdoor”

approachtooutstandingcustomerserviceandbyadvocatingforandonbehalfofveteransandtheirfamilies.

By working hand-in-hand with the federal VA, other state departments and county and community partners, MVAAismakingiteasierforMichigan’sveteransandtheirfamiliestofindthebenefitsandservicesthatbestfittheirneeds.Wehavedonesobyintroducing:

•VeteransCommunityActionTeams,whichbringlocalserviceproviderstogethertocreateacomprehensive,collaborativenetworkofresourcesforveterans.

•MVAA’swebportal,MichiganVeterans.com,whereveteransandtheirfamiliescanfindinformationandresources online.

•TheMichiganVeteranResourceServiceCenter,afirst-of-its-kind,24/7hotlinewhere–bycalling800-MICH-VET(800-642-4838)–veteranscanaccessfederalbenefits,stateservicesandlocalresources.

•TheMichiganVeteranHealthSystem,astrategicapproachtoprovidinglong-termcareforcurrentveteranswhiletransitioningtomeetfutureneedsandservicesattheGrandRapidsHomeforVeteransandtheD.J.JacobettiHomeforVeteransinMarquette.

Althoughwehavemadegreatstrides,thereisstillmuchtobedoneonbehalfofthemenandwomenwhoserved this nation and now call the Great Lake State home.

Whethertheyhunguptheiruniformfivemonthsagoor50yearsago,MVAAwantstomakeMichiganthemostveteran-friendlystateforeachandeveryoneofourstate’s660,000formerservicemembers.Thisannualreport is designed to provide a detailed picture of MVAA’s efforts to accomplish that goal.

JeffS.Barnes Director Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency

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Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency

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Annual Report 2015

Korean Conflict64,513

FromtheCivilWartotheIraqandAfghanistanwars,Michigan veterans have served in every major American conflict.

According to 2013 VA population data, Michigan is home to more than 660,000 veterans — the 11th largest state veteran population in the U.S. On average, Michigan’s veteran population issignificantlyolderthanthe

state’s overall population. In fact, 72 percent of the state’s veterans are 55 or older, compared to only 37 percent of all state citizens.

Michigan also has the 14th largest women veteran population in the nation, with nearly 50,000 women veterans calling the state home. The state’s women veterans tend tobeyoungerthantheirmalecounterparts. While most of Michigan’s male veterans are over 60, the majority of Michigan’s women veterans are under 60.

More than 500,000 Michigan veterans served during the WWII, Korean, Vietnam and the Gulf War eras.

More than 150,000 Michigan veterans served during the Gulf War era, which the VA breaksintotwodistinctcategories—Pre-9/11andPost-9/11.Morethan57percentofGulfWarveteransservedprior to Sept. 11.

Comparedtoearlierserviceeras,amuchlargerproportionofwomenveteransservedduringtheGulfWarera(46.6percent).WhileamajorityofMichigan’smaleveteransservedduringtheVietnamWarera(37.4percent),mostof the state’s women veterans are recently transitioned membersoftheArmedForces.

72%Michigan veterans aged 55 and older

11thLargest veteran population – 660,773

Who are Michigan Veterans?

14thLargest women veteran population.

242,562

WWII41,278

Gulf War era153,324

Michigan veterans served during the Vietnam War era

6.7%of the state’s population are veterans

Veteran population (#) by county

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Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency

Thefederalgovernmentprovidesavarietyofbenefitstoeligibleveteransanduniformedservicemembersaswellastheirspouses,childrenandparents.Thesebenefitsincludedisabilitycompensation,pension,educationandtrainingbenefits,healthcare,homeloans,lifeinsuranceandmore.Eachyear,thefederalgovernmentpublishesitsGeographicDistributionofVAExpendituresreport,whichprovidestheestimateddollarexpendituresineverystate.TheGDXreporthelpsMichiganpolicymakersassesswhetherMichigan’seffortsarehelpingtoconnecteligibleveteranstotheirbenefitsandisdividedintothreemaincategories:CompensationandPension,MedicalCareandEducationand Employment.

Whenthe2011GDXfigureswerereleased,Michiganranked 53rd. On average, Michigan veterans received

Why increasing the GDX matters to Michigan veterans$3,950 from the federal VA, prompting the creation of MVAAtobetterconnectveteranswiththeirbenefits.Sincethen,GDXhasincreasedby3percentin2012($4,070)and25percentin2013($5,090).Asof2014,Michiganisranked 48th, and state veterans are receiving $1,750 more from the VA.

ThisismoneyandservicesthatdirectlybenefitMichiganveterans and their families. Many veterans are unaware of or unabletoaccessthebenefitstheyhaveearnedthroughtheirservice. Michigan veterans would have missed out on more than$1billionbetween2012and2014ifthestatehadcontinuedtoranklastinpercapitaGDX.Instead,MVAAanditspartnershaveencouragedveteranstoaccessbenefitsand resources, so they no longer have to forego treatment or ration medications.

$2.16$3.01

$0.352014 GDX broken down

Compensation and pensionEducation and employmentMedical care(in thousands of dollars)

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Annual Report 2015

92%formed alliances with other VCAT participants that strengthen their service capabilities.

80% served more veterans.

85-90%served

veterans more

completely.

Providers reported the following results from VCAT participation:

Supporting Veterans Where They Live

Throughout Michigan, there are anumberofresourcesavailabletoveteransinneed—buttoooften, veterans simply aren’t aware of those services and providers aren’t aware of each other. In order to connect service providers at every level and make it easier forveteranstofindassistance,MVAAhasintroducedVeteransCommunityActionTeamsineachofMichigan’s10ProsperityRegions.TheseVCATsaddresseducation,employment, health care and quality of life issues veterans and their families face.

VCATmembershipiscomprisedoffederal,state,localandfaith-basedorganizationsthatsupportveteransinthecommunitieswheretheyliveandwork.VCATsfocusonidentifying solutions for gaps in veteran services, reducing duplication of efforts and simplifying connections with localresources.Thiscommunity-basedsystemofcarefor veterans and their families allow networks of service providerstoemploybestpractices,shareinformationand

VCATS provide “no wrong door” for veteranstools and connect more quickly with veterans in order to serve them more completely.

Theconceptwasdevelopedin2007byAltarumInstituteafterresearchersobservedthelackoffamiliaritythatfamiliesandcommunityserviceprovidershadaboutservicesandbenefitsavailabletomilitaryfamilies.ThisledtotwopilotprogramsinSanAntonioandSanDiegowhichhave successfully operated for the past four years.

Michiganisthefirststateinthecountrytoimplementaregional,community-based,locally managed network of veteran services statewide. In just 26 months, nearly 1,000 individuals representing hundredsofpublicandprivatesector, federal, state, county and local organizations have joinedthe10VCATs.

ToassisttheVCATswithcoordination, MVAA partnered with the Michigan AssociationofCountiestohire10regionalcoordinators–oneineachregion–toserveasanextensionofMVAAinthefieldand support veterans programs as they link to one another.

These 10 coordinators have made more than 1,150 contacts in their efforts to improve connectivity and coordination of services within communities. They have also participated in more than 250outreacheventsattendedbynearly8,500veteransandfamilymembers.

VCATsrallyallcommunityproviderstoonecause–toimplement the no wrong door philosophy in serving veterans.Theprogramisefficientandsustainableatlowcostbecauseitorganizesandmobilizesthecommunities’providers to do more effectively together than what they already do separately.

VCAT in Action

An abused female veteran needed a place to stay as well as store her belongings. Within 24 hours of being posted on Podio, an online collaboration tool used by the VCATs, one VCAT partner picked up her belongings and put them into storage, while a Salvation Army provider picked her up and provided her a place to stay in their shelter.

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Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency

Veteranbenefitscounselorsarethebootsontheground,providing one-on-one assistance to veterans and their families in all 83 of the state’s counties. They assist veterans –freeofcharge–gatheringinformationnecessarytosupportaclaim,filingandtrackingtheclaimthroughtheVAsystemandfilingappealsfordeniedclaims.

MVAApartnerswiththeMichiganVeteransCoalition–comprisedoftheAmericanLegion,DisabledAmericanVeterans,MarineCorpsLeague,MilitaryOrderofthePurpleHeart,ParalyzedVeteransofAmerica,VeteransofForeignWarsandVietnamVeteransofAmerica–andtheMichiganAssociationofCountyVeteransCounselorsto improve veteran access to assistance in their own communities. These strategic partnerships have increased thenumberoffullydevelopedclaimsandtheamountofbenefitdollarsveteransreceive.

Fully developed claims are processed more quickly and,duringFY2015,camewithanaddedbonusofoneadditionalyearofbenefitsaddedtotheveteran’sfirstcheck.This meant veterans received help going forward as well

County, coalition partnerships getting veterans benefits faster

asretroactiveassistanceforthetimetheirclaimwasbeingconsidered. Five years ago, veterans had to wait up to two yearsfortheirclaimtobeprocessed.Currently,theaveragedayspendingforadisabilityclaimis90daysand70daysfora pension claim.

PriortoMVAA’slaunchin2013,only7percentofsubmittedclaimswerefullydeveloped.Michigan’spercentageoffullydevelopedclaimssubmittedtotheVAwas57.1percentinFY2015–upfrom46.9percentinFY2014.

At county veterans service offices, veterans and their familiescanfileforfederalbenefits,learnaboutstateandlocalresourcesandmuchmore.MVAA’sCountyIncentiveGrant and continuing education programs have helped countiesexpandandimproveservicestoveterans.

In FY 2015, MVAA awarded $240,000 in grants to 18 counties,resultingintheestablishmentoffourcountydepartmentsofveteransaffairsinMarquette,Montcalm,OsceolaandCrawfordcounties.Thisreducedthenumberof counties without a local veteran service office to eight. PriortothestartofMVAA’scountygrantprogramin2013,only 55 of Michigan’s 83 counties were providing direct

MVAA county grants expand local service to veterans

services to veterans. That has increased to 75 counties through the program.

Thegrantsalsoincreasedthenumberofavailableaccreditedcounty veteran counselors from 106 to 124. MVAA also provided accreditation training for 15 county veteran counselors and continuing education training to previously accreditedbenefitscounselors.Thisallowedcountycounselors to provide an additional 20,974 hours of service to veterans.

Grant funding has also allowed for technological upgrades. Access to VetraSpec, an online veteran claims management system,hasallowedcountygovernmentstobemoreeffectiveandefficientintheclaimsprocess.Benefitclaimscannowbeconductedelectronically,reducingprocessingandwaittimes.Currently,61ofMichigan’s83countiesandMVAA’sbenefitscounselorsareutilizingVetraSpectofileclaims.

341,754 CLAIMS

HOURS OFSERVICE

40,000 $6.6

MILLION

to Michigan veterans and dependents

submitted to the VA

received by Michigan veterans and their families

MVAA awarded

IN GRANTS$240,00 to 18 counties

NEW COUNTY4 veteran affairs offices

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Annual Report 2015

A call from the veteran liaison at a local hospital emergency room came in to the MVRSC’s 24-hour toll-free hotline after 9:30 p.m. on a weekend. A young Marine, two years out of the service and struggling to keep a job, had decided that he had failed everything and everyone and was openly talking about suicide. He was referred for in-patient mental health treatment. The Marine was ready to accept help but would not sign the consent forms until he knew the challenges his family faced – unpaid rent and utilities and a need for diapers, food and childcare while his wife worked – would be met. The MVRSC answered the call and, using the resources available through a strategic partnership with Michigan 2-1-1, made arrangements within 90 minutes to identify providers to resolve the family’s needs and arranged transportation to appointments the next day. Over the course of three days, MVRSC and community partners including the regional VCAT and the county veteran service office provided relief for the veteran’s family and gave the veteran the peace of mind he needed to accept treatment.

As he returned to health, he connected with the accredited service officer who had personally assisted his wife and children and enrolled in VA benefits. Follow-up calls from the MVRSC ensure that he continues to stay connected with programs and services.

Aiding At-Risk Veterans

Veterans with questions or in crisis don’t look at the clock–theylookforsolutionsandfindthemthroughtheMichiganVeteranResourceServiceCenter.TheMVRSCisthefirststatewideprograminthenationtooffer24/7/365assistancetoveteransandfamilymembersbypartneringwiththeMichigan-2-1-1network,regionalveterans community action teams and accredited veteran service officers. It is a one-stop program connecting veteranstofederalbenefits,stateprogramsandlocalservicesthroughatoll-freephonenumber,800-MICH-VET(800-642-4838),thatisansweredbylivecallcenteragents who are veterans or related to a veteran.

Initsfirstyearofoperation,theMVRSCconnectedwithmorethan65,100veteransandfamilymembers–almost10percentofthestate’sveteranpopulation–whocalled,emailed, walked into the office, enrolled in state veteran programsorwerereferredbyalegislativeorcongressionaloffice. MVAA’s partner, Michigan-2-1-1, assisted more than 1,200 veterans who called after hours.

TheMVRSCisaveterancarecenterthatstickswitha veteran as long as it takes to resolve all the issues the veteran presents and works seamlessly with its partners to provide services and resources.

800-MICH-VET answers the calls 24/7

SER

VIC

E MO

DE

L

+ + + = MichiganVeteran

ResourceServiceCenter

Michigan2-1-1

VCATMembers

AccreditedVeteranServiceOfficers

24/7/365Support forMichiganVeteransand TheirFamilies

MVRSC assists veteran needing financial and medical stability

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Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency

A Gulf War Army veteran requested assistance with reclaiming a home he lost through a fraudulent land contract. After years of on-time payments, the veteran learned the land contract he had signed was invalid through a tax notice. The county auctioned off the foreclosed property for back taxes. The veteran bid on the property, but lost the home to an investment company.

The veteran contacted the company about buying back his home through a new land contract, which was set at $40,000. The veteran requested down payment assistance from MiVHAP, and when staff contacted the company and told them they were calling on behalf of a veteran, the owner dropped the sale price to $20,000. MiVHAP paid $10,000 for the down payment and the veteran paid the remaining balance and was able to reclaim his home.

MiVHAP program keeps veteran in his home Fromutilitybillstohomerepairstomedicalcosts,the

MichiganVeteransTrustFundofferscombat-eraveteransandtheirfamiliesawaytoovercomeunexpectedexpensesandgetbackontheirfeetfinancially.Since1946,theMVTFhasbeenavailabletoveteranswhohaveserved180days of active duty in a wartime era. Emergency grants are awarded when an unforeseen situation creates a temporary financialhardship.Applicantsmustbeabletoshowtheywillbeabletomeetfutureexpensesafterthegrantisapproved.

The MVTF awarded nearly $1.7 million in grants in FY 2015,alleviatingshort-termfinancialemergenciesfor1,489veterans and their families.

MVAA also administers the Michigan Veterans HomeownersAssistanceProgram,whichprovidesfinancialassistancetomilitaryservicemembersandhonorablydischargedveteransaffectedbythehousingcrisis.MiVHAPwascreatedinMay2013whentheMichiganattorneygeneralsetaside$5millioninfundsspecificallyforservicemembersandveterans.

Sincetheprogrambegan,MiVHAPhashelped773 veterans stay in their homes, make needed repairs or restore a home ownership opportunity lost to foreclosure. In 2015, more than $1.2 million was distributedto207families.ThiswasthefinalyearforMiVHAPasfundshavenowbeendepleted.

MVTF and MiVHAP: Responding to emergency needs

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Annual Report 2015

Working cooperatively with the Michigan Association ofUnitedWays,MVAAadministerstheAmeriCorpsVeteranResourceNavigatorProgram.ThisprogramplacesVRNswithcountyandnon-profitserviceagencieswhere veterans and their families might seek assistance in southeast Michigan, Grand Rapids and Muskegon. These agenciesincludeRedCross,MIATCollegeofTechnology,EmmanuelHouse,GrandValleyStateUniversity,GrandRapidsWomen’sResourceCenter,TheGreeningofDetroit,GoodwillIndustries,SouthwestHousingSolutionsandVolunteers of America.

VRNmembersconductdailyoutreachtoveteransandassist in making referrals to the appropriate organizations and/oraccreditedveteranserviceofficersintheircommunities. In many cases, the VRNs are veterans themselves.

In just its second year, Michigan’s 20 VRNs provided advice andassistancetomorethan7,200veteransandeligiblefamilymembers.

Americorps VRNs assisting veterans in urban areas

There are an estimated 4,000 veterans incarcerated in Michigan correctional facilities. In cooperation with the MichiganDepartmentofCorrections,theSaginawVAMedicalCenterandtheVARegionalOfficeinDetroit,MVAA met with 118 incarcerated veterans to help them connectwiththebenefitstheyareeligibletoreceiveandsuccessfullyreintegratebackintothecommunityaftertheirrelease.

Twenty-nineveteranswereawardeddisabilitycompensation, four dependent families were assisted throughtheirsponsor’sbenefitsand89wereprovidedfinancialassistancetoremedyadversesituationswiththeVAandtheVADebtManagementCenter.

Helping incarcerated veterans get a fresh start

Jeffrey, a 15-year Army veteran living at Emmanuel House in Detroit, needed help obtaining identification documents that had been stolen from his house. He was homeless for six months because he couldn’t cash his VA benefit checks without ID. He also couldn’t receive medical treatment or pay for his medicine to treat his PTS. He was referred by the VA to Emmanuel House, where he met AmeriCorps volunteer Chris.

Chris worked with Jeffrey for six months to retrieve his identity documents. It was a long and complicated process that involved obtaining a birth certificate from Mississippi. From there, Jeffrey was able to retrieve his Social Security card, which enabled him to get a state ID, his DD-214, VA medical card and cash his VA checks.

Thank to Chris’s help, Jeffrey is now medically and financially stable and shuttling veterans to the VA for appointments for Emmanuel House.

Emmanuel House VRN gets veteran his identity back

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Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency

Ensuring Transitioning Veterans Succeed

VAeducationbenefitsincludeupto48monthsoffinancialassistanceforeducationalpursuitsandcanbeputtowardtuition,fees,booksandsuppliesandamonthlyhousingallowance.Insomecases,thesebenefitscanalsobetransferredtoaneligiblespouseorchild.

Michigan’s student veteran population is growing, and the statehasasteadygrowthinutilizationofGIBillbenefits.In fact, more than 10,500 students are currently using Post-9/11GIBillbenefitsinMichigantoobtaintechnicalcertifications,associateandbachelordegrees,advanceddegrees and more.

VA benefits provide education assistance

Michiganveteransaremorelikelytoattendcollegethantheirnon-veterancounterparts—butlesslikelytograduateduetodifficultiesaccessingtheirGIBillbenefitswhentheschoolyearbeginsorfrustrationwithduplicativecoursesthat overlap with their military training.

In order to ease the transition from the military to college life, MVAA has developed two programs to foster continued growth of the student veteran population and facilitate utilizationoftheGIBill:theVeteran-FriendlySchoolsprogram and the Michigan Veteran Education Initiative.

Improving student veteran graduation rates

MICHIGANFY 2013/14: Annual Average GI Bill Utilization Average MaxTotal 12,865 16,309Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act 8,909 11,487Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty 1,065 1,845Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve 669 892Dependents Educational Assistance Program 1,036 1,374Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment 109 141Reserve Educational Assistance Program 66 100Annual average calculated using enrollment figures September through August

The Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 required all public colleges and universities to offer in-state tuition and fees to all eligible individuals by July 1, 2015. Under the Michigan Constitution, state public institutions of higher learning are autonomously governed and needed to adopt revised Choice Act policies independently to be in compliance.

MVAA worked with the Michigan State Approving Agency, VA Choice Act compliance staff and schools to ensure all 43 public colleges and universities were in full compliance with the Choice Act before the deadline and that student veterans did not have their GI Bill benefits interrupted.

Complying with the federal Choice Act

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Annual Report 2015

MICHIGANFY 2013/14: Annual Average GI Bill Utilization Average MaxTotal 12,865 16,309Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act 8,909 11,487Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty 1,065 1,845Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve 669 892Dependents Educational Assistance Program 1,036 1,374Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment 109 141Reserve Educational Assistance Program 66 100Annual average calculated using enrollment figures September through August

The Michigan Veteran-Friendly Schools program recognizes academic institutions of higher learning committedtosupportingtheneedsofstudentveteransanddependents.Theprogramawardsgold-,silver-andbronze-level status to institutions that offer veteran-centric services andprograms.Anyinstitutionofhigherlearningand/ortrainingfacilityinMichiganeligibletoreceiveveteraneducationbenefitscanapplyfortheprogramregardlessofsize, location or program delivery.

Intheprogram’sfirstyear,57schoolsearnedeitherbronze-,silver- or gold-level status. A full listing of Veteran-Friendly SchoolscanbefoundatMichiganVeterans.com.

Recognizing Michigan’s best schools for veterans

GOLD28

SILVER20

BRONZE9

2015 Michigan Veteran-Friendly Schools

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Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency

Veteran Education Initiative improves veterans educational experienceApartnershipbetweenMVAA,theMichiganCollegeAccess Network and colleges and universities places veteran resource representatives on college campuses throughout the state to help student veterans succeed as they pursue an education. Through the Michigan Veteran Education Initiative, VRRs provide outreach and assistance during the transition from military to college life. VRRs are assigned to 15 campuses across the state to connect veterans to local, state, federal and campus resources andbenefits,utilizingMVAA’snowrongdoor–philosophy.Theseindividuals are trained to provide support and answer questions from veterans,facultyandstaffaboutadmissions,financialaidandothermany other topics.

VRRsalsoassisteddisabledveteransandformerservicememberssufferingfrompost-traumaticstressbyconnectingthemwithexistingprogramsforstudentswithdisabilitiesat their colleges and universities. These programs improved gradesandstudentretentionbyaccommodatingtheirneedssuchasadditionaltesttakingtimeforexams.

1. Northern Michigan University2. North Central Michigan College3. Mid-Michigan Community College4. Kirtland Community College5. Ferris State University6. Grand Valley State University7. Grand Rapids Community College8. Spring Arbor University9. Michigan State University10. Lansing Community College11. Baker College-Flint12. Oakland Community College13. Eastern Michigan University14. Jackson College15. MIAT College of Technology

Participating VEI Schools:

Back pay of benefits and graduation now possible

A veteran was on her last month of Montgomery GI Bill benefits, but still had three

months of school to complete before graduating in May. The VRR helped the veteran drop her MGIB benefits and apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, providing her with 12 more months of benefits. The veteran also received a check for more than $6,000 to make up the difference between Montgomery and Post-9/11 housing allowances.

89%of student veterans the VRRs connected with were full-time students and 67% were in their first year of enrollment.

STUDENT VETERANS734

with federal benefits

and assisted

1,370 STUDENT VETERANS

VRRs connected with In 2015

1

2

34

5

6 78 9

1112

14 1513

10

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Annual Report 2015

Employing Veterans Strengthens Michigan’s Economy

Hiringveteransistrickyformanybusinesses.Someemployers gloss over the soft skills that military service instills,lookinginsteadforspecificdegreesandskillsetswhichareoftenburiedinmilitarylingothatciviliansdon’t understand. This failure to translate military skills tocivilianneedsistheNo.1barrierveteransfacewhenseeking civilian employment.

MVAA recognized education was needed for employers, andinpartnershipwithGeneralMotors,DisneyandUSAA,hostedtheDisneyVeteranInstituteinJune2015. More than 350 employers heard from veterans on theirtransitionexperiencestocivilianemployment;bestpracticesfromVeteran-FriendlyEmployers;andDisneyonitsVeteransInstitute.Whilemostattendeeswerehumanresourceprofessionals,someemployersbroughtmarketingand leadership to the event to provide a complete picture to staff on what it means to hire veterans.

To support ongoing employer education, MVAA developedaguide:Veteran Employment in Michigan, Where to Begin. Inadditiontoprovidingallattendeeswithacopyoftheguide,itwaspostedtotheMVAAwebsiteandnearly1,000additionalcopiesdistributed.

Recruiting, hiring, retaining veteran talent in Michigan

Hiringveteransissmartbusiness.Thetraining,disciplineandresponsibilitythatveteransreceivefromtheirmilitaryserviceareassetstobusinesseslargeandsmall.Armedwitha sense of duty, purpose and commitment to ‘the mission,’ manyemployersfindthatthesoftskillsveteransbringtothe workplace strengthen their teams. Veterans are also adaptive, easy to train, detail-oriented, precision-focused, resilienttochallengesandunforseenproblems.Addtothattaxcredits,on-the-jobtraining,apprenticeshipprogramsandotherincentiveprogramsavailabletoemployerswhohireveterans,andemployershaveboththetalentandthetoolstoengineerbusinesssuccess.

Hiringaveteranwhoisjusttransitioningfromserviceaddsadditional programs that assist in laying the groundwork for successintheciviliansector.Allcombatveteransareeligible

forfiveyearsofVAhealthcareupontheirreturnandmaynotberequiredtoenrollinadditionalmedicalcoveragepertheAffordableCareAct.Veteransmayalsoreceiveupto36monthsofGIBillbenefits,whichcanbeusedtoobtainacollegedegreeaswellasvocational/technicalandon-the-jobtrainingandlicensingandtestingprograms.

Withalmost75,000Post-9/11veteranscallingMichiganhome and another 50,000 anticipated to make it their homeoverthenextfiveyears,ensuringtherearevaluableemployment opportunities is an MVAA priority. The agency has focused on identifying ways to facilitate the transition from military to civilian life, worked with the statelegislaturetoreducebarrierstoemploymentandimplemented licensing and credentialing reforms that accountforsimilarworkexperiencegainedwhileinuniform.

The Institute culminated with a call to action for employers tobecomecertifiedVeteran-FriendlyEmployersandto participate in hiring fairs in partnership with the U.S. ChamberofCommerceFoundation’sHiringOurHeroes.These fairs conducted at MVAA partnership-connected eventsresultedinmorethan300veteransreceivingjoboffers.

In2011,thePost-9/11veteranunemploymentrateinMichiganwasaround34percent;oneoftheworstinthenation. In 2014, unemployment for this group of veterans had dropped to just under 7 percent.

Recognizing the value of veteran talent in the workforce

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Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency

Be a leader: Become an MVAA Veteran-Friendly EmployerMorethan30employersshowedtheirleadershipbyjoining MVAA’s Veteran-Friendly Employer program. This program recognizes organizations for their commitment to recruiting, training and retaining top veteran talent, and provides companies with a road map to improve veteran hiring efforts. In 2015, MVAA recognized three gold-levelemployers:GeneralMotors,QuickenLoansandWhirlpool.Inaddition,sixemployersachievedthesilver-levelstatusand28employerswerecertifiedatthebronzelevel.Together,MVAA’sveteran-friendlyemployershavecommittedtohiringapproximately1,000veterans.Acompletelistofveteran-friendlyemployerscanbefoundatMichiganVeterans.com. To grow veteran hiring initiatives and support efforts to streamline state veteran hiring processes, MVAA establishedtwocouncilsin2014:thePrivateSectorVeteranEmploymentCouncilandtheInteragencyVeteranEmploymentCouncil.

ThePSVECincludesChambersofCommerceandsilver-and gold-level veteran-friendly employers. It functions as thestrategicadvisorygroupfocusedonbestpracticesandpolicies to increase veteran employment in Michigan. This groupidentifiesbarrierstohiringveteransencounteredbyemployersandsuggestsmethodstoremovethosebarriers.

Additionally,thegrouphostsabestpracticesforum,invitingcertifiedveteran-friendlyemployerstoattend,networkandlearnaboutbestpracticesinrecruitment,hiring, and retention.

BarriersandchallengesinprocessesidentifiedbythePSVECarethefocusoftheIVEC.Thiscouncilbringstogethermorethan15stateagenciesthatcollaborateandshareresourcesandbestpracticestosupportveteranemployment;coordinateoutreachtotheemployercommunity;worktoavoidduplicationofeffortssuchasrepetitivecareerfairs;andstrategizetoincreaseutilizationof tools for veterans seeking employment.

Gov. Rick Snyder and MVAA Director Jeff Barnes congratulate gold-level Veteran-Friendly Employers General Motors, Quicken Loans and Whirlpool Corporation on their commitment to hiring and supporting veteran talent in their workforces. Pictured are (l. to r.) Ben Kunst and John Miller, Whirlpool Corporation; Keith Nattrass and Mark McKeen, General Motors; Gov. Rick Snyder; Justin Mendoza, Quicken Loans; Director Jeff Barnes and Kristina Leonardi, MVAA; and Rebecca McDonald, Quicken Loans.

BRONZE28

2015 Michigan Veteran-Friendly Employers

SILVER6

GOLD3

17

Annual Report 2015

Be a leader: Become an MVAA Veteran-Friendly Employer Veterans can fast track military service to degrees, certificatesMore than 20 Michigan colleges and universities have taken additional steps to create fast-track, or academic degree and/orcertification,programsforveteransthattaketheirmilitaryexperienceintoaccount.Theseprogramscreditstudentveteransfortheirexperienceinhigh-demandfields

Military service experiences can expediate civilian licensingMichigan is also accelerating the path to employment through laws and policies enacted to put veterans on a fast track to credentialing and licensure. Requirements vary depending upon the license. Spouses of active servicemen

suchascomputers,constructionandbuildingtrades,healthcare,manufacturing,publicsafetyandutilities,allowingthemtomorequicklyobtaintheirdegreeorcertification,therebydecreasingtheamountoftimeintheclassroombetweenmilitaryserviceandemployment.

andwomenstationedinMichiganarealsoeligibletoobtainatemporarysix-monthhealthoroccupationallicenseorregistration.Thetemporarylicensemayberenewedforoneadditionalsix-monthterm.

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18

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency

New veteran health challenges require long-term options

Improving Quality of Life for All Ages in All Stages

A long history of providing long-term careForthepast130years,Michiganhasbeencommittedtoquality long-term care for veterans and their spouses. It has offered a state-run veterans home since 1886, when the MichiganSoldiers’HomewasfoundedinresponsetotheneedsofCivilWarveterans.

Today, Michigan veterans homes provide a place for veterans to live out their lives and engage in numerous daily activities under the care of compassionate and highly skilled health care providers. They have provided care for nearly 35,000 veterans throughout their history.

LocatedinGrandRapidsandMarquette,theGrandRapidsHomeforVeteransandtheD.J.JacobettiHomeforVeterans offer modern living facilities, around-the-clock nursing, nutritional meals and a wide range of activities.The two homes also provide domiciliary care and after-care programsforthoserecoveringfromsubstanceabuseaswellasin-housepharmacies,rehabilitationtherapy,pastoralcareand specialty clinics.

As veteran care across the country continues to evolve to matchtheneedsofthosewhoserved,MVAAtookthefirststep to modernize long-term care for Michigan veterans and createdtheMichiganVeteranHealthSystemin2015.Thisis a strategic approach to provide for current veterans while transitioning for future needs and services.

The integrated health system will oversee the state’s two veteranshomesunderoneCEO,ensuringonecoordinatedset of policies and procedures govern the day-to-day operationsatboththeGrandRapidsandJacobettihomes.

Creatinganintegratedhealthsystemensures:• Onevisionformembercareandonesetofpoliciesand

procedures governing operations.• Centralizedsystemsforfinances,procurementand

marketing.• Systemicoversightandstrongerreportingmechanisms

to the state and the VA.

InFebruary2015,theGrandRapidsHomewasrecognizedforitsexcellenceinhospiceandpalliativecareandpresentedthe2014AwardforExcellencefromGreatLakesCaring.Theawardrecognizedthehome’scommitmenttothequalitycareofitsmembersandits“NoMemberDiesAlone”program–aone-of-a-kindprograminwhichvolunteers provide companionship and assistance to memberswhoareenteringthefinalstagesoftheirlives.

Currently,600veteransresideinbothhomes.ThepopulationintheJacobettiHomeiscomprisedprimarilyofWorldWarIIandKoreanConflictveterans,whilethemajorityoftheGrandRapidsHome’smembersarefromthe Vietnam Era.

Both homes underwent several capital improvements in 2015toimprovethequalityoflifeformembers.

19

Annual Report 2015

Post-traumaticstresssignificantlyincreases the risk of depression, suicide and drug- and alcohol-related disorders and deaths, which can also lead to more run-ins with law enforcement for veterans struggling withPTS.Toassistlaw enforcement officers with these encounters, MVAApartneredwiththeMichiganStatePolice,MichiganDepartmentofCorrections,DepartmentofNaturalResources, county and local law enforcement and the MichiganStateUniversitySchoolofCriminalJusticetoproduce a series of training videos titled Invisible Wounds:

Preparing First Responders for Veterans With PTS.

These videos serve as a guide for law enforcement on how to have positive interactions with veterans who are struggling withPTS.Thevideos also feature veterans who are

nowinlawenforcementtalkingabouttheirexperiencesaswellasveteranswhohavestruggledwithPTSandsoughttreatment.ReleasedinJune2015,thevideosarepostedtoMVAA’swebsitewheretheyhavebeenviewedmorethan1,800 times.

Protecting veterans’ rights to use service animalsMakingthetransitionfromIraqorAfghanistanbacktohomeisnevereasy.Post-9/11veteranshaveincreasinglyseen the use of service dogs help mitigate, or in some cases prevent, post-traumatic stress episodes.

Legislation to protect Michigan veterans who use service dogstobettermanagetheeffectsofpost-traumaticstressandtraumaticbraininjurywassignedintolawonOct. 20, 2015. The legislation provides federal protections undertheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct,aswellasensuringveteranswithserviceanimalswon’tberefusedentrytobusinesses,schools,hospitalsandotherpublicaccommodations in the state.

Amongupdatingoutdateddefinitionsandlanguage,thelegislation also adds veterans with service animals as a protectedpopulationexemptfrompayinglicensingfees

when registering their service animals and allows veterans to register their service animals with the state of Michigan.

Educating law enforcement about veterans and PTS

20

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency

Removing barriers to mental health careThere is currently an unmet need for comprehensive mentalhealthservicesinurbanandruralareasforveteransimpactedbythestressesofdeploymentsandinjuries.In2015,MVAAimplementedapilotprogramthatexemplifiesthenowrongdoorphilosophyandprovidesabridgetomentalhealthaccessforveteransbycollaboratingwithCommunityMentalHealthofficials,U.S.DepartmentofVeterans Affairs personnel and the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund.

EligibleveteransnotcoveredbyHealthyMichigancanaccesstheMVTFinordertoobtainimmediatecarethroughlocalCMHfacilitiesastheytransitiontotheVAfor

theirpermanentcare.MVAApartneredwitheightCMHfacilitiesandtwoVAMedicalCenters(BattleCreekandAnnArbor)forthisprogram.

Inadditiontodevelopingthisbridgeforcare,threeCMHshavepartneredwiththeBattleCreekVAinordertoenhance telehealth access throughout southwest Michigan. Telehealth improves access to care for people who live in remoteareasorwho,duetoillnessormobilityproblems,can’t leave home. The practice also enhances psychological servicesbyallowingpsychologiststosupportclientsbetweenvisits.

DuringthePost-9/11wars, more than 45,000 Michigan residentsservedabroad,returninghomewithinjuriesbothseenandunseen.Inanefforttobroadenthenowrongdoorphilosophy, MVAA worked with Screening for Mental Healthtoprovideamentalhealthonlinescreeningtool.

Thisprogramprovidesveteranswith24/7accesstoanonymousonlinescreeningsfordepression,bipolar,post-traumaticstress,anxiety,alcoholabuseandeatingdisorders.

Additionally, the tool provides veterans with information on how to accessavailableresources and encourages them to seek carebyassistingthem in locating these services.

In conjunction with the online tool, MVAA alsocreatedabusinesscardforveteranserviceofficerstodistributeandcreateawarenessaboutthetool’savailability.Thecardprovidesabriefdescriptionoftheprogramandalinktothewebsitetoparticipate in the anonymous screening.

Connecting veterans to mental health information, providers

21

Annual Report 2015

Providing services and resources in one location

MVAAhostedtwoVeteranExposin2015,exposingmorethan1,000veteransandfamilymemberstostate,localandfederalveteranservicesandjobopportunitiesintheircommunities.Exposserveasone-stopshopswhereveteranscanlearnaboutemploymentandeducationopportunities,take advantage of health care screenings, meet with accreditedbenefitscounselorsandlearnaboutrecreationprogramsandotheravailableresources.

ThefirsteventtookplaceinLansing,Sept.11-12,withmorethan600peopleparticipating.Morethan80DD-214swereissuedand34joboffersweremadeonsite.Asecondevent was scheduled Nov. 6-7 in Flint. After a storm and resulting power outage forced the cancellation of Nov. 6 activities, MVAA served 403 veterans and their families, issuingmorethan140DD-214sandconnecting38veteranswithon-the-spotjoboffersonNov.7.

Anticipating that some veterans might have taken the day off of work and would still come to the Expo looking for assistance with their benefits on Nov. 6, Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center staff set up shop in the breezeway of the event venue for the entire advertised time. MVRSC staff met with more than 100 veterans, processed 50 DD-214s and made more than 30 appointments with benefits counselors.

The next day, with the Expo open, in addition to answering benefit questions and providing information, the MVRSC processed 90 DD-14 requests in three hours – the equivalent to processing one request every two minutes!

MVRSC staff go the extra mile at Flint Expo

Ensuring all Michigan veterans are taken care ofWhen issues that affect Michigan’s veterans fall outside the categories of employment, education or health care, MVAA is there to ensuretheirgeneralwell-being.Sometimes,veteransfacefinancialhardshipsthatrequireimmediateattention.Othertimes,theyareexploringstateperksthatbothdemonstratetheir pride as a veteran and make it easier toaccessthebenefitsthey’veearned.Inbothemergentandongoingcases,MVAAisdedicated to responding to veterans’ needs.

22

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency

Partnering with SOS to support, promote Michigan veteransAttheNovemberVeteranExpo,SecretaryofStateRuthJohnsonandMVAADirectorJeffBarnesunveileda“SupportMichiganVeterans”licenseplate.Proceedsfromthe plate will provide outreach and services to veterans, suchaseducationonthementaleffectsofwar,PTSandotherservice-relateddisabilities.Atleast25percentofthemoneywillgototuitionsupportformembersoftheMichiganNationalGuardortheChildrenofVeteransTuition Grant program.

Another ongoing partnership with SOS is the veteran driver’s license designation. Veterans may have the word “veteran”printedprominentlyontheirMichigandriver’slicenseorstateidentificationcard,whichprovidesaneasyand optional way to prove their veteran status to receive discountsfrombusinesses.Todate,morethan52,000Michigan veterans have signed up for the designation.

Working with DNR to help veterans celebrate July FourthMVAApartneredwiththeDepartmentofNaturalResourcesforFireworks-FreeFourthofJulycelebrationsat12stateparksacrossthestateduringIndependenceDayweekend,July3-5.Locatedawayfromurbanareashostinglargefireworkdisplays,theseparksprovidedalternativecamping locations for veterans and others who preferred a quieterholidaycelebration.

The concept was the result of a conversation with a veteran, whomentionedhowfireworksandotherloudnoisescouldbringupdistressingmemoriesfrommilitaryexperiences.About12percentofveteranssufferfromPTSduetotheirservice.

MVAAandtheDNRareteamingupformoreFireworks-FreeFourthofJulycelebrationsin2016.

Helping 100 percent disabled veteransVeteranswhoqualifyfora100percentdisabilityratingfromtheVAareentitledtoadditionalbenefitsnotaffordedtoother veterans.

At the federal level this includes priority when enrolling for VA health care, grants to purchase or adapt homes to accommodatetheirdisability,vocationalrehabilitationandemploymentprograms,disabilitycompensationandincreased pensions.

InMichigan,100percentdisabledveteranscanreceiveincometaxcredits,reducedvehicleregistrationfees,freehuntingandfishinglicensesandtuitionassistancefortheirchildren.

In2013,PA161of2013createdapropertytaxexemptionfor100percentpermanentlyandtotallydisabledveteransand their surviving spouses.

23

Annual Report 2015

Helping justice-involved veteransMichigan is leading the nation intheestablishmentofVeteranTreatmentCourts,with23VTCsacrossthestatetoservejustice-involved veterans. VTCsarehybridcourtsthatincorporate elements of drug and mental health specialty courts for the purpose of helping justice-involved veterans resolve underlying issues that may have contributedtotheirarrest.Themodelprovidesveteranswith treatment and support services as an alternative to incarceration for some non-violent offenses.

The program provides one-on-one mentorship from a fellow veteran while increasing access to mental health andsubstanceabusetreatmentaswellaslocalservicesandsupports.

It also reduces the cost of housing offenders in jail and reduces the likelihood of recidivism.

Michigan’sVTCshaveshownthefollowingoutcomesOct.1,2013–Sept.30,2015:• Therewere666activeparticipantsamong20VTCs.• 222veteranssuccessfullycompletedaprogram.

TohelpothercourtsinterestedinstartingaVTC,MVAA,WesternMichiganUniversityCooleyLawSchoolandtheStateCourtAdministrativeOfficepublishedVeterans Treatment Courts in Michigan: A Manual for Judges. Themanualprovidesbestpracticesfortheestablishment,developmentandmaintenanceofaVTC.ItwasprovidedtoallMichigandistrictandcircuitcourtsandisalsoavailableontheSCAOwebsite.

Ending veteran homelessnessIn2015,theMichiganVeteranResourceServiceCenteraveraged 15 calls a month requesting housing assistance forhomelessorsoontobehomelessveterans.In2014,Michiganidentified5,627homelessveterans,a13percentincrease from 2013.

Inanefforttoaddressthisgrowingissue,MVAAassembledabroadaudienceofstakeholdersinvestedinaddressingandending veteran homelessness in May 2015. The meeting identifiedcurrentobstaclestoconnectingveteransandtheirfamilies with permanent housing and the group developed a setofactionitemsforcompletionbyMay2016thatwouldimprovetheidentification,referralandsupportofhomelessveterans across Michigan.

Actionitemsinclude:• Educatinglandlordsaboutveterantenants,resources

availableandwhytheyshouldrenttoveterans.• Sharingcontactinformationacrossagenciestoensure

all levels of government know who they can contact for assistance with homeless veterans.

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Michigan VeteranHOMELESSNESS

• Creatingacatalogofsheltersacrossthestatetoidentifylocation and type.

• SharingvacanciesfromHUDprogramstotheVAHomelessDirectorsandSSVFgranteesquarterly.

24

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency was created in 2013 to connect those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and their familiestothebenefitsthey’veearned.During2015,theagencyhasstrivedtodojustthatbybreakingdownthebarrierstheyfaceinfourmainareas–education,employment, health care and quality of life.

Last year, MVAA teamed up with the MichiganCollegeAccessNetworktocreate the Veteran Education Initiative. The partnership places veteran resource representatives on 15 college campuses throughout the state, helping student veterans succeed as they pursue a higher education.

MVAA will also work with colleges and universities to identify in-demand skills and experiencecompanieswillbeseekinginyearstocome.

Since the creation of the Veteran-Friendly Employer program,morethan30organizationshavecommittedto recruiting, hiring and training veteran talent. MVAA supportstheseeffortsbysharingbestpracticesafteraveteranishired–suchasmentorshipandrotationprogramstohelpveteransidentifywheretheywouldbestfitinacompany–andgoingforward,theagencywillalsohelptheseorganizationsdevelopbetterrecruitingstrategiesandhuman resources trainings.

InsupportoftheMentalHealthCommissionReport,amental health screening tool was created to encourage veteranstostartaconversationabouttheirownmentalhealth and how they can seek help. Business cards with screeninginformationwereprovidedtobenefitscounselorsandVeteranTreatmentCourtpersonneltodistributetoveterans and their families. The card lists the screening tool websiteinadditiontotheveterans’crisislinenumber.

Gov.RickSnydercreatedtheInteragencyCouncilonHomelessnesslastyearandtaskeditwithdevelopingathree-yearplan.Bysummer2016,thecouncil–which

includes representatives from MVAA, the Michigan State HousingDevelopmentAuthorityandtheDepartmentofHealthandHumanServices–willdeliverthatplantothegovernor,andeffortswillbegintoendveteranandgeneralhomelessness.

MVAAwillworkalongsideMSHDAandDHHStosecurefederal and state funding and identify other federal, state, localandnon-profitpartnerstohelpreachthisgoal.

Manyveteranswhocall800-MICH-VET(800-642-4838)request housing and homelessness assistance, and MVAA oftenreliesonMSHDAandcommunitypartnersidentifiedthroughtheVCATtoassistthesecallers.Onceveteranshavesecuredstablehousing,VCATscanalsostepintoconnect them with a local network of service providers, employers, educators and health care providers.

Ending veteran homelessness is a task that will require cooperationoneverylevel–butthroughourVCATsand their networks of local service organizations, MVAA willworktohousethoseexperiencingoronthebrinkofhomelessness in 2016.

Moving Forward In The Quest To Be The Most Veteran-Friendly

Employers and state agency representatives kick off the Hiring Our Heroes Job Fair at Comerica Park.

26

Annual Report 2015

P.O. Box 30104Lansing, MI 48909

800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838)

MichiganVeterans.com

Facebook.com/MIVeteransTwitter.com/MIVeteran