VETERAN SERVICES
Transition support for military personnel and veterans looking to come to Maine to work.
428 Fore St 3rd FL, Portland, ME 04101
207-329-5077
Targeted case management, military and veteran services, clinical outpatient services
13 Atlantic Pl,
South Portland, ME 04106
699-0798
Veteran-specific job training
190 Lancaster St, Portland, ME 04101
207-775-5891
Maine Military Members and Families Hotline
1-888-365-9287
Connection to resources for veterans and their families
My Career Advancement Account Scholarship at Military OneSource
Scholarship opportunity available for military spouses who qualify.
https://mycaa.militaryonesource.mil/mycaa/
2645 Hardee Ct, Sumter, SC 29150
Augusta Bureau of Veterans' Services Office
194 Winthrop St,
Augusta, ME 04330
207-287-7020
Hours
Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
To speak with our VSO, please call to make an appointment.
Survivor Outreach Services
Michael Beane Survivor Outreach Services Support Coordinator SRI, Contractor ARNG Survivor Services
Program Camp Keyes
194 Winthrop Street, Bldg #7 Augusta, ME 04333
207-430-5959 (office) 207-332-6804 (cell) 207-430-4218 (fax) michael.s.beane.ctr@mail.mil
Veterans’ Dependents Educational Benefits Program
Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services
117 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04330
207-287-7020 (ph) 207-626-4471 (fax) mainebvs@maine.gov
Free In-State College Tuition for National Guard
Maine National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion: 1-800-462-3101 https://www.facebook.com/MEARNGRRB
Maine’s Occupational Licensing Initiative
Since 2012, Maine’s Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (DPFR) has taken great strides to accelerate the licensing process for veterans in the state. Individuals who have military experience and training and who wish to obtain an occupational license receive appropriate credit for their military training and experience. The program allows for quicker, easier licensing for veterans who have demonstrable military experience in various professional fields. The Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation has flexibility in evaluating and crediting military experience toward licensure and continuing education requirements, reducing the need for veterans to undergo duplicative and expensive training. The initial focus of the Licensing Initiative allowed for quicker licensing for veterans with demonstrable military experience in the areas of: • Boiler • Electrical • Fuel • Plumbing
6490 Saufley Field Road Pensacola, FL 32509
1-800-231-6242 www.facebook.com/TTT.DANTES
Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses and Coverage
1VA Center
Togus, ME 04330
Janet Orrall
Environmental Health Coordinator 207-623-8411, x5697
OEF/OIF/OND Veterans’ Enhanced Eligibility for Health Care Benefits
1VA Center
Togus, ME 04330
Joleen Lilley, OEF/OIF/OND Program Manager
(207) 623-8411, x3078
1-877-421-8263, x3078
Nathan Platt, OEF/OIF/OND Program Social Work Case Manager
207-623-8411, x5344 1-877-421-8263, x5344
Bobbie Hayden, OEF/OIF/OND Point of Contact
207-623-8411, x4266 1-877-421-8263, x 4266
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Services
1VA Center
Togus, ME 04330
Katherine Russin, LCSW, C-ASWCM Military Sexual Trauma Program Coordinator
207-623-8411, x4296 katherine.russin@va.gov
Wendy Moody, Transition Assistance Advisor
207-430-5778 wendy.j.moody2.ctr@mail.mil Humana Military TRICARE East Region Contractor
1-800-444-5445
Brain Injury Association of America - Maine Chapter 126
Western Ave #261
Augusta, ME 04330
(800) 444-6443 (helpline)
Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA)
VHA Office of Community Care CHAMPVA PO Box 469063 Denver, CO 80246-9063
1-800-733-8387
Avesta Housing – Thomas Heights
Opened in mid-December 2015, Thomas Heights was named in honor of Thomas Ptacek, a veteran and advocate for people experiencing homelessness. Thomas Ptacek, who became homeless for a time after serving in the U.S. Navy, has been a strong advocate for veterans and affordable housing in Portland for years. Thomas Heights features 18 efficiency apartments targeted to veterans whose income is under 50% of the median area income.
MaineHousing - SaluteME Mortgage Program
MaineHousing offers qualified active duty, veterans, and retired military personnel a 0.25% discount on its already low First Home Loan 30year fixed interest rate through the SaluteME and Salute Home Again programs. In appreciation for the commitment and sacrifices made by Maine’s current and former military, MaineHousing wishes to provide the most affordable way for veterans to either buy their first home or return to home ownership.
VA Home Loans
Cleveland Regional Loan Center U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 1240 East Ninth St. Cleveland, OH 44199 1-800-729-5772
Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant
Visit the VA regional office at Togus:
1 VA Center Veteran Service Center Building 248, 2nd Floor Augusta, ME 04330
SHA grants help veterans with certain service-connected disabilities adapt or purchase a home to accommodate the disability. You can use SHA grants in one of the following ways: • Adapt an existing home the veteran or a family member already owns in which the veteran lives • Adapt a home the veteran or family member intends to purchase in which the veteran will live • Help a veteran purchase a home already adapted in which the veteran will live
Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services- Homeless Veteran Coordination Team
Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services 1 VA Center, Building 248, Room 110 Togus, ME 04330 207-287-7019
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Free State Park and Museum Access for Maine’s Veterans and Active Duty Personnel Maine
Bureau of Veterans’ Services Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services Augusta, ME 04333-0117 207-287-7020 (ph) 207-626-4471 (fax) mainebvs@maine.gov
Disabled Veterans’ Hunting and Fishing Licenses Complimentary Licenses
Inland Fisheries and Wildlife 41 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333 207-287-8000
(ph) 207-287-8094 (fax)
Maine’s Disabled Veterans’ Controlled Moose Hunt
Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services
117 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0117
207-287-7020 (ph) 207-626-4471 (fax)
Veterans’ Emergency Financial Assistance Program
Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services
194 Winthrop Street
Augusta, ME 04330
207-287-7020 (ph) 207-626-4471 (fax)
Veterans’ Property Tax Exemptions
Maine Revenue Services Property Tax Division
PO Box 9106
Augusta, ME 04332-9106
207-624-5600 (ph) 207-287-6396 (fax)
Income Tax Exemption for Military Pensions
Maine Revenue Services Income Tax Division
P.O. Box 1060
Augusta, ME 04332-1060
207-626-8475 (ph) 207-624-9694 (fax)
Military Discharge Requests Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services 117 State House Station Augusta, ME 04330 207-287-7020 (ph) 207-626-4471 (fax) mainebvs@maine.gov
Maine’s Military Service Driver’s License Designation
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
101 Hospital Street, Augusta, ME 207-624-9000 (ph) 207-624-9013 (fax)
Maine Veterans’ License Plates, Decals and Fee Exemptions
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
101 Hospital Street, Augusta, ME 207-624-9000 (ph) 207-624-9013 (fax)
Gold Star Family License Plates
Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services 117 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0117 207-287-7020 (ph) 207-626-4471 (fax)
Health Affiliates Maine - Augusta
Luanne Rhoades, LCPC, LADC, CCS 85 Stone St. Augusta, ME 04330 877-888-4304 info@healthaffiliatemaine.com
Health Affiliates Maine (HAM) is a mental health and substance abuse treatment agency with a network of hundreds of licensed clinicians in private practice offices statewide. We serve veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families. .
Dennis Dix Director,
Access Center 66 Stone St. Augusta, ME 04330
207-873-2136 ddix@kbhmaine.org
Our group meets monthly, on the third Thursday of every month from 1:00 – 2:00 PM - Kennebec Behavioral Health Video Conference Rooms. The Somerset County MMCN’s mission is to network within the community and throughout the state to identify available resources. It will be our focus to actively find ways to connect these resources with service members, veterans, and their families.
Maine Army National Guard Psychological Health Program
Carla Mowatt, LCSW 194 Winthrop St.
Augusta, ME 04333
207-430-5976 carla.j.mowatt.ctr@mail.mil 6:30am - 4:30pm, 24/7 for crisis emergencies
The purpose of the Psychological Health Program (PHP) for the Maine Army National Guard is to provide preventative, remedial, and support services aimed at improving and sustaining the psychological health of the military members and their families. As part of the office of the State Surgeon, the PHP focuses on outreach, education and prevention, needs-based and psychosocial assessment, diagnosis, short-term problem resolution, crisis intervention and management, and provision of or referral to evidenced-based interventions.
Recreation Therapy
Liz Marrone, CTRS, ATRIC
1 VA Dr. Augusta, ME 04333
207-623-8411 Elizabeth.Marrone@va.gov
Recreation Therapy (RT), also known as Therapeutic Recreation, is a health and human service discipline that delivers treatment services designed to restore, remediate and/or rehabilitate functional capabilities for individuals with injuries, chronic illnesses and all types of disabling conditions. Recreational Therapy is extremely individualized, incorporating a veterans past, present and future interests and lifestyle. By incorporating the veteran’s needs, interests, family and/or community, the therapy process becomes meaningful and relevant. Weaving the concept of healthy living into treatment will ensure improved functioning, enhanced independence and successful involvement in all aspects of life. Recreation Therapy (RT) Services at VA Maine Healthcare offers a variety of adaptive sports, senior sports, aquatics, horticulture, and creative arts interventions, in addition to intensive 1:1 and small group programs for our Veteran population.
Sabrina Coco, Office Administrator/SCO
43 Bridge Street Augusta, ME 04330
207-621-9941
Aveda Institute Maine a Capilo School is located in Central Maine and offers a 1500 hour cosmetology program, 800 hour limited barber program, 600 hour esthetician program and a 200 hour nail technician program. As part of a global network of Aveda schools, our highly trained staff assists veterans and their family members to become successful professionals dedicated to providing the highest quality of hair care and services to their future clientele.
Colleen Ruggelo, Business Development Manager
207-523-9528 cruggelo@purdueglobal.edu
We support our military in the following ways: • Reduced tuition rates and fee waivers for military students • Participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program • Military-friendly change of orders withdrawal policy • Acceptance of military credits earned through DANTES/CLEP exams • Advisors specially trained to assist with military and VA benefits
Maine Criminal Justice Academy
15 Oak Grove Road Vassalboro, ME 04989
207-877-8000
The Maine Criminal Justice Academy is the primary law enforcement and corrections training facility in Maine. The Academy training provides basic and in-service training for all law enforcement and correction officer in the State of Maine which is required training to be licensed to work in those professions. Our training model combines a variety of subject matter experts in our programs that allow individuals enrolled at our facility to have the most current instruction and hands on training available. Several of our programs have been approved through the GI Bill® and the staff at the Academy work to assist our veterans in transitioning to the law enforcement and corrections professions.
Maine State Approving Agency for Veterans Education
194 Winthrop Street
Mailing Address
117 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0117
207-430-6033
The Maine State Approving Agency for Veterans Education Programs ensures the quality and integrity of programs of education and training for the use of GI Bill® benefits. We do this through the approval of education and training programs for the use of GI Bill® benefits. The scope of responsibility runs the gamut from high schools, adult education centers, employers providing on-the-job training and apprenticeship training, license and certification testing, vocational training, as well as all certificate and degree levels of post-secondary education. We are also a resource for individuals needing assistance in accessing or applying for GI Bill® education benefits.
Kelsey Bragdon, Assistant Registrar and School Certifying Official
180 West River Road
Waterville, ME 04901
207-859-1423 regasst@thomas.edu
Thomas College recognizes the motivation of this group to succeed academically and invites veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces to apply for admission within the guidelines stated for non-traditional students. Additionally, the College is a member of ConAP, the Concurrent Admissions Program with the Army Recruiting Command. This program admits eligible Army enlistees to Thomas College concurrent with their enlistment. Matriculation to the College will follow directly after the enlistee leaves active duty. Thomas College generally follows the recommendations of the American Council on Education for the granting of educational credit for such courses. Students wishing evaluation of their learning experiences during military service are encouraged to submit DD Form 295 or an AARTS Transcript to the Office of Admissions. Please contact your branch’s local recruiter for more details.
61 Winthrop Street
Augusta, ME 04333
207-621-1079 mltcop@maineombudsman.org
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday The Ombudsman Program is an advocacy program for long-term care consumers. We serve residents in nursing homes, assisted living and residential care homes, as well as consumers receiving home care services and patients in hospitals experiencing barriers to discharge. The Ombudsman Program was formed as part of the Older Americans Act to address concerns about the care people receive while in nursing homes.
University of Maine at Augusta
46 University Drive Augusta, ME 04330 800-UMA-1234
Since our founding in 1965 when a simple “Welcome Veterans” sign encouraged Vietnam-era veterans to enroll, UMA has continued a rich tradition of supporting military-experienced students. UMA is the third largest public university in Maine. In addition to its main campus in the state’s capital, UMA also serves students at its campus in Bangor (UMA Bangor) and through University College centers around the state. With its multiple locations and long-term expertise in online and distance learning, UMA is generally considered the university of choice for people of all ages who want to attend college without uprooting their lives.
Hire a Vet Campaign Maine Deparment of Labor
54 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333
207-624-5156 MaineHireAVet.DOL@maine.gov www.facebook.com/MaineHireAVet
Our goal is to engage a minimum of 100 employers to hire 100-plus veterans in 100 days. As the Maine economy continues to grow with business expansion, the rebounding real estate market and relatively low unemployment, we still have way too many qualified military veterans and family members’ unemployed or underutilized.
Rebecca Cornell du Houx, Executive Director
PO Box 5661 Augusta, ME 04330 207-358-8491 director@barhh.org
Established in 2014, the Sisters in Arms is the only transitional home in Maine for homeless or in need female veterans and their children. Our mission: To establish a support system specific to the individual female veteran that creates an atmosphere of community by providing housing for the veteran and her children, access to services, discovering individual opportunities for training, education and employment to achieve independence. We offer a warm home, help with employment, benefits, and child care. Statewide, we have partnerships with numerous agencies to better serve our female veterans by bolstering employment opportunities, getting help with PTSD, MST and other military induced stresses, improving access to education and training, reducing homelessness, aiding with legal issues, and getting our female veterans financially stable.
A non-profit charitable organization designed to develop and establish comradery in the veteran community with the goal of eliminating veteran suicide
Maine Elks Association was instituted in 1928. The Maine Elks Association consists of local lodges of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks of the United States of America. Maine has 22 member lodges and over 10,000 men and women Elk members. Elks Mission: So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them. The Veterans Service Commission promises service to our nation’s veterans and military members with a special focus on service to those in need. Elks Programs: • Adopt a vet • Freedom Grants • VAVS • Veterans Leather • Welcome Home • Stand-Down meals • VA2K • Maine Children’s Cancer Program • Homeless Veterans support
Volunteers of America Northern New England - Cabin in the Woods
Maine VA Medical Center
1 VA Center Augusta, ME 04330 207-623-8411, x2892
Cabin in the Woods is a supportive rural community of 21 cabins providing permanent homes for veterans and their families on the grounds of TOGUS VA Medical Center. It’s the first project of its kind in Maine, and the only program in Maine that will house homeless male and female veterans, as well as their families. Each home is an energy-efficient, ADA accessible residential cabin (16 one-bedrooms and five two-bedrooms), dedicated to maintaining a rustic, wooded aesthetic for each veteran. Cabin in the Woods will work with local and regional agencies to meet the needs of veterans and their families. Sixteen of the cabins are VASH (Veteran Administration Subsidized Housing) funded and five are private pay.
Kennebec County Sheriff’s Incarcerated Veterans’ Initiative
Sheriff Ken Mason and/or Valerie Grant, Programs Coordinator 115 State St. Augusta, ME 04330 207-623-2270 vmgrant@kennebecso.com www.facebook.com/Kennebec-County-Sheriff’s-Office
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Sheriff’s Office’s law enforcement component responds to calls for service and our correctional facility houses and cares for the needs of up to 150 inmates and maintains a pod specifically for justice-affected veterans. The Correctional Facility assists the veteran population by identifying those with service backgrounds and related behavioral and/or medical conditions and work to assist them in addressing those issues with specific programming and housing plans. The Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office is also a partner in the Maine Military and Community Network and works as part of the Community Veteran Engagement Board to promote and support opportunities to benefit veterans in the community.
James Orr or Ziggy Lawrence
9 Green Street, Suite 3A Waterville, ME 04903
207-480-0438 / 207-592-3077 VMM was established in 2015 to assist all veterans in accessing available resources that promote the health, welfare and dignity of veterans in recognition of their service to the nation. Although serving all veterans who need these services, VMM has focused on mentoring vets that have become involved in the Maine criminal justice system. We work as an independent adjunct to the Maine Superior Court Veterans’ Treatment Court program, and provide vets with the necessary guidance, housing, food, transportation, interaction with available medical and therapy providers, and any other need that might arise. If you are a veteran in need, give us a call.
747 Western Ave. Manchester, ME 04351
207-480-3490 give@travismills.org
The Travis Mills Foundation supports recalibrated veterans and their families through long-term programs that help these heroic men and women overcome physical obstacles, strengthen their families, and provide well-deserved rest and relaxation.
American Legion Department of Maine
Paul L. Heureux, Adjutant 5 Verti Drive Winslow, ME 04901 207-873-3229 legionme@mainelegion.org paul@mainelegion.org www.facebook.com/maineamericanlegion
The American Legion Department of Maine was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to helping veterans of every conflict. The Department has over 16,000+ members in 172 posts scattered throughout Maine that support veterans and their families. We have a fully staffed Veterans Service Office on the campus of VA Togus, in Augusta, Maine, providing assistance to veterans, their families and survivors in filing claims for VA compensation and pension as well as other benefits.
PO Box 92 South China, ME 04358-0092
207-672-9200 pinegroveprograms@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/Pine-Grove-Program-133083150230233
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Since 1976, the founder of this licensed non-profit organization has been providing free fishing, hunting, and other outdoor adventures to all military members and veterans. This is provided to all military and veterans with no disability requirement. We do this as a token of appreciation for your service. All activities offered are at no cost to the participants. Members notified of upcoming events primarily by email. Sign up for the program required either in person, by phone, or from the website. All information given to us is confidential and will not be shared with any other person or organization.