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OEF/OIF Veterans Resource Guide
WELCOME HOME OEF/OIF VETERANS!
The Medical Center Director, Charleen R. Szabo, FACHE, would like to welcome home Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans:
On behalf of the staff at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center, I deeply thank all of the men and women who have served our country. We are honored to assist you and intend to provide you with the coordinated care that you deserve. We welcome you home and aim to assist you with your transition back into civilian life.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Child/Family Services
Claims and Benefits
Education
Emergency Services
Employment
Housing Assistance
Information and Referral
Legal Assistance
Medical Care
Mental Health
Military Resources
Transitional Issues
CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES
Catholic Charities:
www.diocesepb.org/charities
Provides counseling for individuals, couples and families on a sliding scale. Also run after school programs and provide emergency assistance with past due bills and grocery certificates. Offices are located throughout south Florida:
1040 South Federal Highway, Suite 101, Delray Beach 33483………561-274-7056
290 W.W. Prima Vista Blvd, Port St. Lucie 34983……………………………772-878-1215
1111 S. Federal Highway, Suite 119, Stuart 34994………………………772-283-0541
2025 20th Avenue, Vero Beach 34960……………………………………………772-562-5957
900 54th Street, West Palm Beach 33407………………………………………561-842-2406
Center for Family Services:
www.ctrfam.org
Provides counseling to children, couples, families and groups on a sliding scale.
400 E. Linton Boulevard, Suite G5, Delray Beach 33483…………………561-330-2266
12773 West Forest Hill Boulevard, Suite 219, Wellington 33414……561-793-1698
471 Spencer Drive, West Palm Beach 33409……………………………………561-616-1222
Family Central:
www.familycentral.org
Provide referrals for child care, supportive family services and counseling on a sliding scale.
3111 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 222, West Palm Beach 33405…………800-683-3327
Florida Atlantic University Wellness Center:
Primary care, well visits, school physicals, mammograms, women’s health, men’s health and counseling. Services age four and up. These centers are located in local schools. For further information contact Charlotte Barry at 561-297-2670.
Delray Full Service School, 101 Barwick Rd, Delray Beach 33445…561-243-1584
Glade View Elementary, 1100 S.W. Avenue G, Belle Glade 33430…561-993-4035
West Gate, 1545 Loxahatchee Dr., West Palm Beach 33409…………561-640-5081
Inlet Grove High School, 7071 Garden Road, Riviera Beach 33404…561-841-4419
Florida Kid Care:
www.floridakidcare.org
Affordable, low-cost health care for children under the age of 19 whose parents meet the income threshold and do not have private insurance. Call 888-540-5437 for an application; your seamless transition case manager also has applications.
Jewish Family and Children’s Services:
www.jfcspb.org
Provide counseling to individuals, couples, children and families on a sliding scale. Offers a wide range of skills classes for parents and children.
8500 Jog Road, Boynton Beach 33437………………………………………561-684-1991
1030 Royal Palm Beach Boulevard, Suite 221, Royal 33411…………561-684-1991
4605 Community Drive, West Palm Beach 33417………………………561-684-1991
Oakwood Center of the Palm Beaches:
www.oakwoodcenter.org
Offers school-based counseling and outpatient therapy, family solutions and brief strategic family therapy on a sliding scale. Also offers community based, 24-hour family service team.
1041 45th Street, West Palm Beach 33407…………………………………561-383-8000
Women, Infants and Children (WIC):
Nutritional education and supplemental foods for eligible pregnant and breast-feeding women, infants and children under that age of five with health problems that can be helped by an improved diet.
38754 State Road 80, Belle Glade 33430……………………………………561-996-1632
8645 W Boynton Beach Boulevard, Boynton Beach 33437……………561-738-9477
225 S Congress Ave, Delray Beach 33445……………………………………561-274-3112
714 Avenue C, Fort Pierce 34954……………………………………………772-462-3900
16401 SW Farms Road, Indiantown 33456…………………………………772-597-2257
6405 Indiantown Road, Jupiter 33458………………………………………561-746-0782
1250 Southwinds Drive, Lantana 33462………………………………………561-840-0171
5150 NW Milner Drive, Port St. Lucie 34983………………………………772-785-6123
1030 Royal Palm Beach Boulevard, Royal Palm 33411…………………561-333-9379
3441 SW Willoughby Boulevard, Stuart 34994……………………………772-221-4986
1156 45th Street, West Palm Beach 33407…………………………………561-514-5350
CLAIMS AND BENEFITS
Claims for service connection and non-service connected disability can be filed with any county service officer. Benefits can also be applied for on the county level.
County Service Offices:
Glades County………………………………………………………………………… 863-227-5020
Hendry County -Labelle………………………………………………………… 863-675-5250
-Clewiston……………………………………………………863-983-1491
Highlands County……………………………………………………………………863-402-6623
Martin County…………………………………………………………………………772-288-5488
Okeechobee County…………………………………………………………………863-763-8124
Palm Beach County…………………………………………………………………561-355-4761
St Lucie County -Fort Pierce……………………………………………………772-462-1726
-Port St. Lucie…………………………………………………772-871-5416
Department of Veteran’s Affairs:
VA Medical Center
7305 N Military Trail
West Palm Beach, FL 33410
561-422-8302
POC: Jimmie Faison
VA Regional Office
www.floridavets.org
800-827-1000
EFT Hotline:
To change status of electronic funds transfers or direct deposit for disability comensation. 877-838-2778
VA Insurance Center:
Insurance information, forms and account information. 800-669-8477 (Life insurance only) or 800-827-1000. http://insurance.va.gov
EDUCATION/TRAINING
Comptec Computer Career Center:
This computer training facility accepts MGIB benefits. They also have a (limited) grant program that covers the remaining 40% of educational costs. The school is located in West Palm Beach. Contact is James VanDerwoude at 561-840-8080 or james@comptec.com.
FAU Veteran’s Affairs Office:
This office is designed to act as a liason between the student and the VA. They can assist with completion of paperwork, certification of attendance, and educational benefits. The Boca campus contact is Jason Morgenthal at 561-297-1250 or jmorgent@fau.edu. The Broward campus contact is Wilton Brown at 954-236-1229 or wbrown@fau.edu. The Jupiter campus contact is Susan Snowhite at 561-799-8633 or snowhite@fau.edu.
GI Bill:
Information and forms. 888-442-4551 or www.gibill.va.gov. For information on Chapter 30 self-verifications call 877-823-2378.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
American Red Cross:
Emergency communication links for members of the armed forces and their families. Address personal problems and emergent needs of active duty personnel, veterans and their families.
5820 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton 33487…………………………561-994-2060
9121 N Military Trail, Suite106, Palm Beach Gardens 33410…………561-622-8003
2750 S Kanner Highway, Stuart 34994………………………………………772-287-2002
825 Fern Street, West Palm Beach 33401……………………………………772-833-7711
Catholic Charities:
Emergency assistance including food pantry. See information on locations under child and family services section.
Center for Information and Crisis Services:
Hotline with specially trained paid and volunteer staff to assist callers with information and referral services, crisis counseling, and suicide intervention, 24 hours a day. 211 OR 866-822-2991 or http://211palmbeach.org
Consumer Credit Counseling:
Provides budget counseling, educational programs, debt management assistance and housing counseling. www.cccsintl.org or 800-873-2227
County Social Service Agencies:
Assist with emergency assistance with utilities, rent, etc.
Glades County-Moore Haven……………………………………………………863-946-0411
Hendry County-Clewiston…………………………………………………………863-983-1590
-Labelle………………………………………………………………863-675-5356
Indian River County-Vero……………………………………………………772-567-8000x422
Martin County-Stuart………………………………………………………………772-288-5642
Palm Beach County-Belle Glade…………………………………………………561-996-1630
-Delray Beach………………………………………………561-274-3130
-Jupiter………………………………………………………561-747-2007
-Lantana………………………………………………………561-547-6834
-Riviera Beach………………………………………………561-845-4644
-West Palm Beach…………………………………………561-653-2315
Saint Lucie County……………………………………………………………………772-462-1777
Department of Children and Families:
Apply for food stamps, Medicaid and/or cash assistance.
2990 N Main Street, Belle Glade 33430………………………………………561-992-1900
215 South Fransisco Street, Clewiston 33440………………………………863-902-3800
1845 S Federal Highway, Delray Beach 33483……………………………561-279-1600
337 North 4th Street, Fort Pierce 34950………………………………………772-467-4164
16550 SW Farm Road, Indiantown 34956…………………………………772-223-7979
485 Cowboy Way, Labelle 33975………………………………………………863-674-4157
4220 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth 33461…………………………………561-963-3000
1948 NW 9th Avenue, Okeechobee 34974…………………………………863-462-5753
2051 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Riviera Beach 33404………561-841-2000
821 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Stuart 34994…………………………772-223-2500
900 Central Parkway, Stuart 34994……………………………………………772-223-2649
4100 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach 33430…………………561-616-1500
1408 Old Dixie Highway, Vero Beach 32960………………………………772-770-6973
Florida Impact Food Stamp Program:
Pre-screens applicants to determine eligibility to receive food stamps. Call 1-800-224-3470.
United Veteran’s Council:
This is a local organization that provides one-time assistance for emergencies. Checks are written to the agency to which the sum is owed (utility company, landlord) and will not be issued directly to the veteran. Assistance is not guaranteed as funds are limited. You must have a referral from your social worker for this service.
Unmet Needs:
One time assistance program sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars. This is available to Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Reserves and National Guard. Assistance (typically less than $1500) is in the form of a grant, so it does not have to be payed back.
EMPLOYMENT
Central Career Center:
Provides job search consultation and placement including counseling, information, aptitude and proficiency testing, resume writing assistance, basic computer skills upgrade and workshops
1951-D N Military Trail, West Palm Beach 33409 ………………………561-340-1060
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves(ESGR)/Ombudsman:
Provides information, counseling, and informal mediation of issues relating to compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). The Ombudsmen Services Program provides information, informal mediation, and referral service to resolve employer conflicts. ESGR is not an enforcement agency and does not offer legal counsel or advice
1555 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 200, Arlington, VA 22209……………800-336-4592
Helmets to Hardhats:
This program is for active military, National Guard and Reserves and veterans. Interested individuals can register online at www.helmetstohardhats.org to learn and apply for job/training opportunities in different trades. The local contact is Phillip Ganley at 866-741-6210 x1022 or phillip@helmetstohardhats.org.
Hire a Hero:
This is a program that assists National Guardsmen and their families in finding employment with Florida employers who are committed to supporting the Florida National Guard. Complete registration form on www.hireahero.com or call 888-889-8054.
One Stop Career Centers:
www.floridajobs.org
Links people with jobs and the supportive services they may need to keep a job. The Centers provide labor market information, career counseling, education and training opportunities, and employment services that assist all customers to prepare for new careers, upgrade existing job skills, and find work. Special programs for the unemployed, veterans, the economically disadvantaged, dislocated workers, and Welfare Transition participants are available at the Centers.
2415 S 29th Street, Fort Pierce 34981………………………………………772-462-6100
16491 SW Farm Road, Indiantown 34956…………………………………772-597-2686
209 SW Park Street, Okeechobee 34974……………………………………863-462-5350
9326 S U.S. Highway 1, Port St. Lucie 34952……………………………772-398-2800
900 Central Parkway, Stuart 34994……………………………………………772-223-2653
1404 Old Dixie Highway, Vero Beach 32960………………………………772-569-0355
Troops to Teachers:
This is a cooperative program of the Department of Education and Department of Defense, which provides referral and placement to military personnel interested in teaching as a second career in the K-12 public school system. Those who are eligible are active duty personnel who separate with six or more years of service on or after October 1, 1990, OR current members of the selected reserve with six or more years of credible service towards retirement, OR military personnel who have retired. Educational requirement is Bachelor’s degree or higher OR one year of college with six years of work experience in a vocational or technical field. Contact is Ron Burton at 888-358-7667, troopstoteachers@fldoe.org.
United States Department of Labor:
www.dol.gov
Comprehensive information on employment, job search engines, disability resources, training, etc. 866-487-2365 or
Vickers House:
Every week a different business is at the Vicker's House. Employers bring information about positions, and applications for clients. Every Thursday / 9:30 am-noon.
811 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, West Palm Beach 33401…………561-835-7030
3801 Georgia Avenue, West Palm Beach 33405…………………………561-835-7180
Websites for job searching:
HOUSING ASSISTANCE
Adopt-a-Family:
Assists homeless families with children in moving from homeless or transitional housing to permanent housing. One-time assistance housing-related payments.
1255 10th Street, Lake Park 33403………………………………………………561-842-4338
Clipper Cove Apartments:
Housing for low to moderate-income residents. Handicap accessible.
1500 Southern Cross Lane, Boynton Beach 33436………………………561-734-3402
Habitat for Humanity:
Families must fall within low income guidelines, demonstrate a need for affordable housing, and be willing to participate in building their home. Habitat holds the mortgage and it exists with no interest and no cost. Call for application.
4568 N U.S. Highway 1, Vero Beach 32967………………………………772-562-9860
11900 SE Federal Highway, Suite 210, Hobe Sound 33455……………772-545-9225
1241 Okeechobee Road, Suite A1, West Palm Beach 33401…………561-833-9665
State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP):
www.floridahousing.org
Affordable housing for low to moderate-income households. Home rehab for existing homeowners. Down payment and closing cost assistance for first time home buyers.
437 N 7th Street, Fort Pierce 34950……………………………………………772-462-2375
PO Box 1760, Labelle 33935………………………………………………………863-675-5297
2401 SE Monterey Road, Stuart 34996………………………………………772-288-5495
PO Box 1336, Moore Haven 33471……………………………………………863-946-6004
304 NW 2nd Street, Room 109, Okeechobee 34972………………………863-763-6731
3323 Belvedere Road, Bldg 501, West Palm Beach 33406……………561-233-3660
1840 25th Street, Vero Beach 32960……………………………………………772-226-1250
INFORMATION AND REFERRAL
Military OneSource (Military OS):
Provides referrals for non-medical, short-term, solution focused counseling as well as locates education, child and elder care, and other community resources. This is a 24/7 service via telephone (800-342-9647) or internet (www.militaryonesource.com, User ID: military, Password: onesource). For active duty, Guard and Reserve (regardless of activation status) and their immediate family members. There is no cost for this service.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida:
www.aclufl.org
Advocacy provided for individuals or groups whose civil liberties have been violated including but not limited to cases involving freedom of speech; religion; police misconduct; racial and ethnic profiling. Criminal cases not serviced.
786-363-2700
Lawyer Referral and Information Service:
Puts members of the public in touch with a lawyer who can assist them with their specific problem, or refers them to agency best suited to their needs.
1601 Belvedere Road, Suite 302E, West Palm Beach 33406
-Northern/Central Palm Beach County……………………………561-687-3266
-Southern Palm Beach County…………………………………………561-451-3256
Legal Aid Society:
www.legalaidpbc.org
Free legal assistance in civil matters to those below the poverty line.
423 Fern Street, Suite 200, West Palm Beach 33401……561-655-8944/800-403-9353
Web Sites:
www.floridalawhelp.org
Legal information for people with low incomes. The site will help people to: find a legal aid or pro bono lawyer; learn about their rights and responsibilities; locate courts, government agencies and other social services.
MEDICAL CARE
The West Palm Beach VA Medical Center services seven counties (Glades, Hendry, Indian River, Martin, Palm Beach, Okeechobee, St. Lucie) through its main campus in West Palm Beach and six Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs).
Blast Clinic:
This is an outpatient clinic out of Tampa VA. In order to qualify for admission, an individual must have been involved in an explosion and close enough to see/feel the blast wave or be injured. The goals of this program are to provide post-acute medical assessment to patients injured by blasts, provide medical, rehab and MH intervention and to monitor short and long-term outcomes for these patients. Program coordinator is Jill Massengale, ARNP (813-972-2000 x1732). To be referred to this program you must have a referral from a provider at this facility.
CBOCs (by County):
Glades, Hendry, Highlands and Okeechobee
-1201 N Parrott Ave, Okeechobee, 34972………………………863-824-3232
Indian River
-1485 37th Street, Suite 102, Vero Beach 32961……………772-299-4623
Martin
-618 SE Willoughby Road, Stuart 34994…………………………772-288-0304
Palm Beach
-900 Glades Road, Boca Raton 33461……………………………561-416-8995
-4800 Linton Boulevard, Delray Beach 33445…………………561-495-1973
St. Lucie
-723 North US 1, Fort Pierce 34950…………………………………772-595-5150
CHAMP VA:
www.va.gov/hac/forbeneficiaries/champva/champva.asp
Health care for the spouse or child of a veteran who has been rated permanently and totally disabled for service-connection. 800-733-8387
West Palm Beach VA
7305 N Military Trail, West Palm Beach 33410………561-422-8262/800-972-8262
Web Sites:
www.myhealth.va.gov
Information/education on a variety of health topics
MENTAL HEALTH
Mental health services are available at the main VA Medical Center Campus, including counseling for PTSD, sexual trauma
Florida Atlantic University Community Counseling Center:
Provides low-cost counseling services to the community
777 Glades Road, FAU Education Building, Boca Raton 33431………561-297-1002
Palm Beach Vet Center:
Individual and group readjustment counseling, referrals, marital and family counseling, substance abuse information and referral, sexual trauma counseling.
2311 10th Avenue North, Suite 13, Lake Worth 33461…………………561-585-0441
Web Sites:
www.ncptsd.org
National Center for PTSD website. Has information specific to soldiers deployed to Iraq and surrounding areas.
www.sistersboundbyhonor.org
Information, support and links for women veterans suffering from PTSD and other trauma related issues.
www.brothersboundbyhonor.org
Information, support and links for male veterans suffering from PTSD and other trauma related issues.
www.patiencepress.com
Information and links for PTSD. Patience Mason is the wife of a Vietnam helicopter pilot and author of several books on coping with PTSD.
www.groups.msn.com/AftermathofwarcopingwithPTSDtoo/
Online support and education for spouses/family of a veteran with PTSD
See also Catholic Charities, Center for Family Services and Jewish Family and Child Services under Child and Family section.
MILITARY RESOURCES
Information for Military Branches:
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Marine Corps One Source 1-800-869-0278
www.mconesource.com (userid=marines; password= semperfi)
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Web Sites :
www.iraqwarveterans.org
Information/support for active military personnel and family members related to pre-deployment, deployment and post-deployment issues.
www.military.com
Comprehensive information for all branches of service
TRANSITIONAL ISSUES
Tips to manages stress following a combat experience:
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Consider limiting your exposure to television coverage. Monitor yourself for signs of anger, rage, depression, or anxiety and take a break from the coverage to allow you to recover from these feelings.
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Keep up with your daily schedules and routines.
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Keep up with your physical needs relating to exercise, food and sleep.
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Feel what you feel. It is normal to feel a range of emotions. Having these feelings is to be expected; how you deal with them is most important.
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Remember that people have their own pace for dealing with traumatic incidents, and it is important to listen to and honor your own pace.
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Count on feeling angry, but temper your actions with wisdom. Try to stay calm and avoid reacting with impulsive anger. Consider the long term consequences of these actions for the overall benefit of the country.
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Talk with someone close to you who might understand what you are going through.
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Studies suggest that if you do not feel like talking, writing in a journal may be helpful for dealing with intense feelings.
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Studies show that seeking support along with other veterans can be very helpful when stress is increasing. This can be done through the VA, Vet Center and Veterans Service Organizations.
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Seek assistance from your medical doctor or a mental health professional who is skilled in working with survivors of trauma if:
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You are experiencing any symptoms causing significant distress, changes in relationships, or impairing functioning at work
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You are self medicating with alcohol or drugs
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You are unable to find relief using the strategies listed above
FREQUENTLY USED
America Support 540-547-9011
For financial assistance
www.usacares.us 1800-773-0387
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