From: SSVF

Sent: Friday, June 21, 2024 8:27 AM

Subject: SSVF Program Update Friday June 21, 2024

This weekly update is targeted towards the SSVF Grantees and shared with valuable partners for awareness. 

June 21, 2024         

REGISTER: SSVF National Webinar – Highlighting VA Special Programs: July 11, 2024 at 2:00 pm EST

REMINDER: SSVF Program Change Request Available June 10, 2024 to July 1, 2024 

RESOURCES: VA Celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride Month and Resource Links

RESOURCES: Center for Women Veterans Resources

RESOURCES: SSVF Website – Research and Education

Register: SSVF National Webinar – Highlighting VA Special Programs: July 11, 2024 at 2:00 pm EST

The SSVF Program Office will be highlighting VA special programs/populations during the month of July.  This webinar is intended to improve grantee knowledge about specialized resources available to Veterans we serve.  Additionally, we would like to assist grantees in continuing to build relationships with these local resources in an effort to support effective engagement with special populations and improve equitable service delivery.  Each presentation will provide information about the special programs and how Veterans may access these programs and provide an avenue for grantees to continue to build relationships with their VA partners. 

Grantees should ensure the appropriate staff are notified including Program Managers, Healthcare Navigators, and other relevant staff.

Register in advance for this webinar:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_E8m5r9aSSCG4t9AHoXc9xQ

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

REMINDER: SSVF Program Change Request Available June 10, 2024 to July 1, 2024

The SSVF Program Office has published a Program Change Request activity.  This activity will be available from June 10, 2024, to July 1, 2024.  Grantees may request new changes to geography, subcontractor changes, or FY24 Budget Modifications during this change period. All pre-approved changes by your Regional Coordinator must still be submitted formally at this time.

All requests for program changes must be submitted to the SSVF Program Office by the Grantee via the UDPAAS grants management system. The Program Change request can be found in UDPaaS under the Request Activity Tab of your FY24 grant award record. Grantees will complete the standardized form and provide supportive documentation (if required). This Companion Guide provides an overview of the process, submission deadlines, program change options, and instructions for completing the form. The guide can be found on the SSVF Website under the Grant Management section.     

RESOURCES: VA Celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride Month and Resource Links

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month with the theme, Pride Counts at VA. This Pride Month, we shine a spotlight on our LGBTQ+ Veterans, and highlight the resources and services that make VA the best place for Veterans to receive their care. 

Pride Counts at VA is more than just a theme; it’s a declaration that sexual orientation and gender identity matter. It’s an invitation to stand together, recognizing the value and contributions of LGBTQ+ Veterans, staff, caregivers, and allies. This year, we aim to highlight the importance of visibility and belonging.

LGBTQ+ Veterans have served our country in every war since the Revolution, but they have not always gotten the care and benefits that they so rightly deserve. With that in mind, here at the VA, we have worked to show that we are committed to providing LGBTQ+ Veterans – and ALL Veterans – world-class care in a safe, welcoming, and discrimination-free environment. Every Veteran and VA employee should feel respected and treated with dignity at VA.

We want Veterans to take pride in your health. We know that like all our Veterans, LGBTQ+ Veterans have unique healthcare goals and needs, which is why every VHA facility has a LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator (VCC) to help navigate their healthcare. Find yours here: Directory of LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinators (va.gov)

This month, and every day, we are proud to serve all who have served. We will continue to uplift and celebrate every Veteran and serve them the best way we know how, through world-class healthcare. 

For additional information about VHA LGBTQ+ Health Program and Patient Care Services please visit. VHA LGBTQ+ Health Program - Special Observances - Patient Care Services.

RESOURCES: Center for Women Veterans Resources

The SSVF Program Office would like to highlight the Center for Women Veterans to enhance grantee knowledge about special programs available to the Veterans you serve.  The Center for Women Veterans has a myriad of resources and information about health and wellness in addition to links to other helpful programs.  Please visit the Center for Women Veterans website linked below and share this information with the Veteran’s you serve.

Link to: Center for Women Veterans (CWV) (va.gov)

RESOURCES: SSVF Website – Research and Education

The SSVF Program Office would like to remind grantees, that recordings of our month SSVF National Call are posted on our website within the Research and Education section.  In addition to previously held webinars, you can find other educational materials and updates to reference and utilize for new program staff.  The recorded webinars can be found by following this link: Webinar Library (va.gov)