April, 2015
4-1-15 HH & PG:
- Attended a breakfast meeting with the Director, an Athletic Director and a member of Wichita Team Red, White and Blue (Team RWB) whose mission is to connect America’s veterans to their community through physical and social activity. They are very interested in getting involved with the VPCSC and Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support program.
- Attended the United Way volunteer manager’s meeting, sharing information about VPCSC and Coalition agencies’ involvement.
- Visited with Team Leader at the Vet Center downtown regarding their information to post on the VPCSC website and the Vet-to-Vet program.
- Met with social worker at VAMC regarding Vet-to-Vet program referrals, in particular women veterans.
- Hutch had a brief meeting with VA physician regarding Vet-to-Vet participant who will be receiving the above mentioned specialized bicycle and working with that veteran with regards to having a physical therapist involved in the process.
- Patty met with HCHV Coordinator, and veteran being referred to the Vet-to-Vet program; scheduled an orientation meeting with veteran.
4-2-15 PG & HH:
- Compeer & VPCSC presentation to MHA staff members about a variety of services.
- Orientation meeting with a VAMC provider and female veteran who is interested in having a Vet-to-Vet Compeer Friend.
- Follow up calls were made to VPCSC community partners and Vet-to-Vet referral sources. Delivered Vet-to-Vet referral packets to VAMC providers.
- Met with disabled Vet-to-Vet participant at the VAMC; discussed process of obtaining a specialized bicycle for him once approved by his care team.
4-3-15 PG met with a Vet-to-Vet female volunteer who is providing tutoring at MHA to adults working on earning their high school diploma through Project Encore.
4-4-15 PG attended a Team RWB social at Sedgwick County Park. Over 20 team members enjoyed a picnic, games, an Easter egg hunt for children and a members’ physical fitness challenge. Two members ran the Youth Horizons Easter Sun Run. Patty spoke to the group about partnering the VPCSC and Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program. A Team RWB leader expressed a concern for a disabled veteran who would benefit from having a customized bicycle, which would afford him an opportunity to improve his health and independence through physical and social activity.
At the request of the Prairie Pilot Club of Wichita, Hutch contacted Frank Chaple with AMBUCS in reference to scheduling a presentation at their next meeting.
4-6-15 HH and PG debriefed U.S. Airmen in the TAPS class at McConnell AFB as they consider or are in the process of transitioning into civilian life. They learned about the Veterans Advocacy Council for Behavioral Health (V.A.C.B.H.), Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program and Veteran Providers’ Coalition of Sedgwick County (VPCSC).
PG & HH met with referral source at VAMC regarding Vet-to-Vet program.
4-7-15:
- Mayor’s Proclamation for Compeer Friendship Week – Patty, Hutch, Compeer staff and Advisory Board Member/Compeer Friend received Mayor’s Proclamation. PG gave a speech about Compeer programs, partnership with the newly formed VPCSC and recognized Hutch for his leadership and involvement in both the VPCSC and Vet-to-Vet program.
- HH & PG visited with Inter-Faith Ministries staff, Roxanne, Sherrill and Sandy, then tried to meet with a veteran who was not home. Met with female Compeer veteran volunteer at the Salvation Army for match update and support.
- PG & HH met with new Vet-to-Vet program referred female, her service provider at VAMC about the program, then met with a female veteran Compeer volunteer who will be matched with her next week.
- HH spent time with one of his Vet-to-Vet Compeer friends in the community.
- HH & PG attended Wichita Mayoral Candidate Watch Parties, congratulating Jeff for his successful campaign. Patty and Amber (WSU practicum student/Vet-to-Vet program participant) met Jim Sullivan, a member of the Wichita Marine Corps League, which recently made a donation to the WSU Military and Veteran Center. Patty and Amber explained the partnerships between the VPCSC, WSU Vet Center and the Vet-to-Vet Program. Patty invited Jim to join her and Hutch to visit the WSU Vet Center soon and meet Sarah Sell, Director of Student Veteran Services on campus. He invited PG & HH to speak at the April Marine Corps League meeting.
- PG, HH & Amber McAnulla – WSU Veteran Student Intern/Compeer Volunteer, co-facilitated the weekly Life Skills self-help group at Project Independence, a consumer run organization (CRO), which welcomes Veterans.
4-8-15 PG & HH met with James Gibson, Team Leader of the Wichita Vet Center, and 5 WSU Master’s of Social Work students who chose to focus on the needs and services of veterans in the Wichita community for their semester project. James outlined the mission and services provided by the Vet Center with a Q&A wrap up.
4-9-15 HH & PG met with and introduced Jim Sullivan, member of the Wichita Marines Corps League, to Sarah Sell, Director of Student Veteran Students at WSU, developing a partnership between the VPCSC, Marine Corps League and the Riley Leroy Pitts Military and Veteran Center at WSU.
PG & HH met with a new Vet-to-Vet volunteer at the WSU Veteran Center for him to select a program participant as a Vet-to-Vet Compeer friend.
VPCSC website development.
4-10-15:
- Patty and Howard offered feedback to Amber McAnulla, veteran and WSU student intern, for her semester evaluation in the Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support program at MHA.
- Meeting with VPCSC webmaster.
- HH & PG attended the MSW Student Information Session at VAMC, led by Stephany Schroeder, LCSW, MSW Student Coordinator.
- Met with VAMC provider and received female veteran referral for Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support program.
- Networked with Debbie Wilse and Briann, WSU Master’s Social Work Student Coordinators about the VPCSC and future MSW interns for Compeer.
- Lisa Rome attended the MSW Student Information Session and networked about the VPCSC.
- Exchanged information with a KU Master of Social Work student, Jessica, who is a member of the Jr. League with connections at the Kansas Statehouse.
- Visited with one of HH’s Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support program friends at the VAMC.
- Met with VAMC doctor regarding an update on the need for a physical therapist to be involved in the process of a customized bicycle being made for a disabled veteran in the Vet-to-Vet program. He recommended that HH contact Physical Therapy at VAMC with information about the bicycle company and their requirements.
4-13-15 PG & HH participated in a conference call with Cheri Faunce, Director of Kansas Mentors in Topeka, KS and a member of the Compeer, Inc. National Board of Directors regarding the Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program & the VPCSC.
4-14-15: HH & PG:
- Planning meeting with Neil Fogg, a veteran and Organizational Development Master’s level student at Friends University who will be working on VPCSC initiatives for his senior practicum project.
- Met with the Patient Advocate at VAMC regarding the Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program and VPCSC as a resource for Veterans.
- Met with Bob Emmert (check spelling & add title – VAMC Social work dept. lead), regarding the VPCSC and Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program about the possibility of speaking at a Social Work Department staff meetings.
- Formal introduction to John Orrell, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center.
- Met with Physical Therapist regarding the process of assessing a veteran’s capabilities to qualify for receiving a custom made trike.
- PG, HH & Amber McAnulla – WSU Veteran Student Intern/Compeer Volunteer, co-facilitated the weekly Life Skills self-help group at Project Independence, a consumer run organization (CRO), which welcomes Veterans.
4-15-15 VAMC Medical Care Foster Home Social Worker delivered Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program referral to PG at MHA for a veteran living in a medical care foster home.
4-16-15 HH & PG delivered Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program referral materials for Medical Foster Care Home Providers’ Training at the VAMC.
HH met with John Orrell, Public Affairs Officer at VAMC and discussed and reviewed the VPCSC and VACBH.
4-17-15:
- HH made personal visits to Social Work staff members at the VAMC about the VPCSC.
- HH was at the Training for Medical Foster Care Home Providers at VAMC and visited with providers, including one who cares for a Veteran who has been referred to the Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program.
- PG, HH and Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) from Wichita State University (WSU) staff members attended MHA’s Compeer Program’s 30 year anniversary & volunteer recognition event. Veterans participating in and/or partnering with the Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program were recognized.
- HH & PG met with VAMC social work provider regarding customized trike for a disabled veteran.
4-20-15 HH and PG debriefed U.S. Airmen in the TAPS class at McConnell AFB as they consider or are in the process of transitioning into civilian life. They learned about the Veterans Advocacy Council for Behavioral Health (V.A.C.B.H.), Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program and Veteran Providers’ Coalition of Sedgwick County (VPCSC).
PG & HH met with veteran referred to the Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program.
4-21-15 PG, HH & Amber, Veteran from WSU attended monthly volunteer recognition at Project Independence in lieu of leading the Life Skills group due to being on same evening.
4-22-15 Hutch met with Neil Fogg, Friends University Master’s Level student to develop a Veteran Providers’ Coalition Resource Chart to be posted on VPCSC website, VACBH blogsite.
4-23-15: PG & HH:
- Held Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support initial meeting between two female veterans. They are looking forward to spending time together, especially in the community. PG then met with participant’s VAMC provider who referred her to the program and was very pleased that this veteran was matched so quickly with a veteran friend.
- Met with two Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support participants who were going to appointments at the VAMC and received their feedback about their friendship matches, VAMC services and emergency housing.
- Assembled marketing materials for VPCSC and VACBH for distribution to key stakeholders in the community, including Mayor Jeff Longwell, City Council Members, County Commissioners, Judge Timothy Lahey – 18th Judicial District Court.
- Made calls to Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support participants and volunteer mentors to offer support, encouragement and ask what resources participants may need. One veteran expressed the need for basic household items such as toilet paper, laundry detergent and personal hygiene products. PG will work on either supplying available items and/or connecting this veteran to resources for assistance.
4-27-15 PG made calls to additional Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support participants and mentors to listen and support their friendships.
HH worked on VPCSC and VACBH strategic planning and website development.
4-28-15 HH & PG:
- Visited with female Veteran about Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program.
- Delivered Vet-to-Vet Program Volunteer card to lady Veteran.
- United Methodist Open Door (UMOD): Homeless Veterans Outreach.
- Inter-Faith Ministries: Met with Roxanne Moren, Property Manager and Sandy Swank, Director of Case Management about VPCSC bio for website, then visited with Veteran resident interested in the Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program.
- Breakthrough Club (BTC): Delivered VPCSC information and Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program to Dave Kapten, Program Director.
- Wichita Veteran Center: Delivered VPCSC information to Angela Johnson, Counselor. Left message for Tim Hamilton regarding Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program referral.
- Salvation Army: Delivered VPCSC and Vet-to-Vet Program information to Vickie McDaniel, SSVF KS Case Manager and Aaron Lovelady, Veteran Mentor.
- Site visit / tour of First United Methodist Church; reserved room 101-B for upcoming May VPCSC meeting.
- PG, HH & Amber McAnulla – WSU Veteran Student Intern/Compeer Volunteer, co-facilitated the weekly Life Skills self-help group at Project Independence, a consumer run organization (CRO), which welcomes Veterans.
- Hutchison (HH) was elected to the Board of Director’s at Project Independence, Inc. (P.I.) It is an honor to be a part of a consumer run organization (CRO) and resinate a stronger voice for Veterans in need and of the vital role P.I. plays in the community…
4-29-15 PG, HH & Char Powell — Hosted a women’s Veteran event to recognize a Compeer veteran who is graduating from WSU with her undergraduate degree in May and soon beginning her Master’s of Social Work studies at WSU.
4-30-15 HH & PG met with Neil Fogg, Friends University student and Veteran to work on development of VACBH, Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program and VPCSC community Veteran providers’ resource flow chart.
PG attended planning meeting for 3rd Annual Veteran’s Appreciation Event on June 20 at Alef’s Motorcycles.
HH posted new veteran service providers’ flow chart, which is a work in progress, on behavioralhealthwest.blogspot.com which will be posted on the VPCSC website once finalized.
May, 2015
5-4-15 HH and PG debriefed U.S. Airmen in the TAPS class at McConnell AFB regarding the Veterans Advocacy Council for Behavioral Health (V.A.C.B.H.), Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program and Veteran Providers’ Coalition of Sedgwick County (VPCSC) as they consider or are in the process of transitioning into civilian life.
HH met with Prairie Pilot Club members and updated them on the donated trike regarding needing to find a different recipient due to physical limitations. They are looking forward to working together with the VPCSC on this initiative.
Personal visits/meetings with VPCSC service providers and community leaders.
5-5-15 PG & HH facilitated the Life Skills Self-Help group at Project Independence, then met with their Executive Director – Howard as a PI Board Member and PG as a community partner leader.
5-6-14 HH & PG met with Mayor Jeff Longwell and discussed VPCSC, VACBH and the Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program. HH also explained the Mission of Project Independence, Inc. (CRO) and their involvement of veterans. They discussed the possible funding cuts PI is facing from the County and the State and the repercussions it would cause, including transportation for PI members to return home in the evening after public transit is not available. Mayor Longwell is in full support of the combined efforts of the VPCSC. He shared that he has a dear family friend, a 98 year old WWII Veteran who may be able to be a guest speaker at an upcoming VPCSC meeting.
5-7-15 HH met with Neil Fogg, Friends Univ. practicum student regarding VPCSC organizational development, flowcharts of service providers & direction for power point presentation material.
Reserved room for next VPCSC meeting at First United Methodist Church (UMC), 330 N. Broadway, for Friday, May 29 from Noon – 2:00 p.m. in Room 101-B.
HH sent email to Coalition members highlighting upcoming Veteran & Armed Forces Day events and next VPCSC meeting details.
5-11-15: HH and PG:
- Debriefed Senior U.S. Airmen at 8 a.m. during their first of five days in TAPS class at McConnell AFB regarding the Veterans Advocacy Council for Behavioral Health (V.A.C.B.H.), Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program and Veteran Providers’ Coalition of Sedgwick County (VPCSC) as they transition into civilian life.
- Robert J. Dole VAMC – Visited with Dr. Hurley and corresponded with Robin Madson, Compensated Work Therapy Program Coordinator, about possible referrals for Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program. Went by all VSO offices (Purple Heart, Paralyzed American Veterans, Wounded Warriors, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War) about VPCSC and V.A.C.B.H.
- Scheduled visit with Pastor Kent at First UMC to share information about VPCSC/meeting, V.A.C.B.H. & Vet-to-Vet Program.
- Visited a Vet-to-Vet participant at Shirkmere Apts.
- Made numerous Vet-to-Vet Compeer calls, making plans to visit with a current participant mid-week and a new volunteer late in the week regarding a possible new referral.
- Spoke to Steve Gonzales VP Marketing & Community Relations from Alpha 1 Drop Zone Military Supply Store about the VPCSC, V.A.C.B.H. & Vet-to-Vet Compeer Program partnering with them to promote supporting Veterans.
5-12-15 HH: United Methodist Open Door (UMOD): Available for homeless Veterans outreach between 9 a.m. – Noon. While there, he/HH met with Andy Mills, Homeless Services Director amills@umopendoor.org and Connie Jarvais, LMSW HCHV Case Manager & Outreach about the VPCSC, V.A.C.B.H. and the upcoming Kansas Statewide Homeless Coalition conference on May 14 – 15 in Wichita, KS.
PG & HH led Life Skills group at Project Independence.
HH, PG & 2 Project Independence members attended a meet and greet with Mayor Jeff Longwell at Mead’s Corner.
Website development.
5-13-15:
- HH met with Steve Gonzales, VP Marketing & Community Relations at Alpha 1 Drop Zone to make final plans to attend their Grand Opening on Saturday, May 16th to promote the VPCSC, V.A.C.B.H. & Vet-to-Vet Compeer Program.
- PG met with female Veteran at the Robert J. Dole VAMC who was recently referred to the Vet-to-Vet Program by the Compensated Work Therapy Program Coordinator.
- PG met with male Veteran at the Robert J. Dole VAMC who is interested in having a Vet-to-Vet Compeer Friend. PG & HH have met with this Veteran on two previous occasions at Inter-Faith Ministries.
5-14-15:
- HH attended the Behavioral Health Staff meeting at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center.
- PG delivered 2 small brochure racks that were donated by the United Way to Alpha 1 Drop Zone to post information about Veteran services.
- HH met with Pastor Kent at First UMC to share information about May 29th VPCSC/meeting, V.A.C.B.H. & Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program. He graciously offered space for the May 29 meeting free of charge.
- HH & PG attended an early evening event at United Methodist Open Door as community partners, representing the VPCSC, V.A.C.B.H. & Vet-to-Vet Compeer Program as part of the Kansas Statewide Homeless Coalition.
- [Kansas Statewide Homeless Coalition will be hosting the 16th Annual Statewide Summit on Homelessness and Housing, Zero 2016: A Call to Actionwhich will take place at Holiday Inn at Kellogg and Rock Road on May 14-15, 2015.]
5-15-15 PG delivered a framed Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program volunteer flyer to Alpha 1 Drop Zone which will be permanently displayed on the wall behind their cash register, reflecting Alpha 1 Drop Zone’s support for Veterans and the program.
Char Powell, Compeer Coordinator, attended Amber McAnulla’s WSU Graduation Celebration. Amber, a veteran, completed two practicum semesters with the Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program at MHA and has participated in VPCSC meetings.
5-16-15 PG, HH & one of his Vet-to-Vet Compeer friends attended the Alpha 1 Drop Zone’s (military supply store) Grand Opening on Armed Forces Day. HH & PG had a display table in the afternoon, visited with guests, customers and various Veteran service providers about the VPCSC and Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program. Partnerships were established with Cloud 9 Therapeutic Equine Foundation, Inc., who proudly serve America’s Veterans and their families and with Passageways, Ltd. Living Center for Veterans transitioning from homelessness. Made connection between Cloud 9 and Team RWB of Wichita, which enriches the lives of America’s Veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity. Team RWB plans to hold a social gathering at Cloud 9 and attend their special event on Saturday, June 13.
5-19-15 Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) Round Table meeting led by Robin Madson, CWT Program Coordinator at Robert J. Dole VAMC held in conference room at Rusty Eck Ford. HH gave a brief explanation of Project Independence and PG highlighted the Vet-to-Vet Compeer Program as community resources for Veterans wanting additional support.
PG & HH facilitated the Life Skills Self Help group at Project Independence with the focus being on PI’s funding, current world/local news and the roles of city/county/state/federal elected officials.
5-20-15 HH attended Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) meeting held at COMCARE.
5-21-15 PG spent time working in the VAMC Peace Garden with female Veteran recently referred to the Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program.
Neil Fogg (Friends University Master’s Practicum Student) submitted updated VPCSC charts and two power-point presentation drafts for VPCSC.
5-26-15 HH & PG met with Neil Fogg (Friends University Master’s Practicum Student) to work on VPCSC power-point presentation slides.
HH (Newly elected Board of Directors member at PI) & PG attended Project Independence (PI) Board Meeting.
5-27-15 PG & HH met with Vet-to-Vet Compeer participant for an update.
5-28-15 PG & HH met with VAMC provider regarding participant in Vet-to-Vet Compeer Program.
5-29-15 VPCSC meeting was held from Noon – 1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church. Guests speakers were Officer Justin Whyte regarding Mental Health First Aid with a Veterans focus and Officer Lisa Berg, sharing information about the H.O.T. (Homeless Outreach Team) from WPD.
Hutch featured a VPCSC slideshow including structure, history, charting of Mission Statement outlay, calendar of events, daily activities and website. In attendance: Jennifer, Alyssa, Becky, Rick, Brandi, Angie, Ben, Stacia, Shondella, Jen, Neil, Justin, Lona, Renee, Lisa, Susan, Matt, Jamie, Aaron, Aaron, David, Brad, Donna, Steve, Sarah, Daniel, James, Timothy, Hutch and Patty. It was suggested in the meeting by a VPCSC member that a website/email link with individuals’ names/agencies be listed in the text of the “Daily Activities” log. Members stayed until 1:45 p.m. networking.
5-31-15 HH – Visited Veteran at TLC who’s in our Vet-to-Vet Compeer Support Program… ROBERT J. DOLE VA MEDICAL CENTER www.wichita.va.gov