TCC and the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) recently joined together in a collaborative effort to help veterans make a smooth transition to college life with a view on both academic and vocational success.
The VetSuccess on Campus Program will host an informational session with a light lunch Wednesday, Sept. 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the South Campus Cafeteria. Veterans and active duty military will learn about various aspects affecting success in the classroom environment, and how to become fully prepared for attending classes.
“There are many veterans who are unaware of the many benefits that may be available to them,” said South Campus VetSuccess Counselor Sarah Ary. “With help from the VetSuccess counselors and featured presenters, we are able to assure that veterans receive appropriate medical referrals and/or treatment as needed.”
The VetSuccess campus counselors offer many services to veterans:
- Vocational exploration and assistance in selecting a suitable career/major
- Accessing, understanding, and applying for VA benefits (i.e. Disability Compensation, Life Insurance, Education, Home Loan Guaranty, and Vocational Rehabilitation)
- Coordinating with school faculty/staff to provide veteran specific services (i.e. VA Certifying Official, Career Center, Student Disabilities Services, Counseling Center)
- Job placement assistance and coordination with Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVER) and Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP)
For referral services to the Veterans Administration, the veteran must have military separation paperwork (DD-214) and apply for care. The VetSuccess counselors can also work with the Texas Veterans Commission to assist veterans with obtaining suitable employment.
Attendees can hear up-to-date information on veteran programs from experts on the front lines. Session speakers include:
- Joel Chaverri – Licensed Counselor from the Pantego Vet Center
- Lynn Fox – Licensed Clinical Social Worker with expedited services for OEF/OIF/OND (Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn) Veterans
- James Frost – Lead Veterans Employment Representative with the Texas Veterans Commission in Fort Worth
- Joyce Sanders-King – Licensed Clinical Social Worker and VA National Suicide Prevention Coordinator for Fort Worth
For more information, contact Sarah at 817-515-4076, or sarah.ary@tccd.edu.
Submitted by Anna Frankie Farrar-Helm,
a summer intern in Public Relations and Marketing,
where she enjoys learning about TCC happenings
and sharing them with others.