Saturday, October 15, 2016

Veterans Stand Down coverage roundup

DSS is an important participant in the annual Veterans Stand Down. Here is a roundup of the event coverage.

November 16, 2016, Santa Maria Times:
http://santamariatimes.com/news/local/record-number-of-veterans-helped-at-santa-barbara-county-stand/article_83a3500a-8eef-560b-b710-0a4d18a6eaeb.html

October 15, 2016, Noozhawk:
https://www.noozhawk.com/article/stand_down_delivers_services_to_santa_barbara_county_veterans_20161015

October 15, 2016, Santa Maria Times:
http://santamariatimes.com/news/local/features/stand-down-event-serve-those-who-served-us/article_9203db99-5d0c-568a-8acc-0eea5b860b10.html
Note: Click on the lead photo and you'll find a gallery of 18 excellent images.
 
ctober 15 2016, Santa Maria Times:
(behind a pay wall; see full text after the jump)


Stand Down seeking donations
By Nora K. Wallace, News-Press Correspondent
October 9, 2016 12:52
With less than a week until this year's Santa Barbara County Veterans Stand Down,organizers are seeking donations and some help from volunteer hairstylists.
Some 500 veterans will spend four hours at the Santa Maria Fairpark on Saturday, receiving critical supplies and services at no cost — with special aid for homeless veterans and veterans in need.
A number of key items and services are still critically needed, including volunteer hairstylists, tote bags, hangers and cold weather clothing for men, women and children, said Sandy Agalos, who coordinates the effort with a Veterans Stand Down Committee and 5th District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino. Alberto Ugalde, owner of Santa Maria's Landmark Barbers Shaving Parlor and Lounge, will provide hot shaves and haircuts for men, but stylists for female veterans and children are still being sought.
Clothing donations may be made at numerous collection boxes throughout the county or from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the drive-through collection center at the Fairpark's Gate 5, Stowell Road and Depot Street in Santa Maria. A list of collection sites can be found at http://sbcountystanddown.com/sponsors--donationsweekly-updates.html.
Saturday's Stand Down runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Some 90 service organizations, providers and employers will be on hand, including training and education providers. There will be a special children's zone. "Services vary from governmental agencies such as County Behavioral Wellness, the Social Security Administration, and legal assistance from the county Public Defender and Legal Aid of Santa Barbara County as well as many other local groups and agencies," Ms. Agalos said.
During the Stand Down, veterans will have the opportunity to get a haircut, eat a hot meal, talk to a counselor, connect with a support group, get medical and dental attention, create resumes, use notary services, search for jobs, sign up for VA assistance, learn about housing and shelter, get dogs microchipped and groomed, speak with suicide prevention specialists, get clothing mended, and be screened for post-traumatic stress disorder. Pacific Pride and Community Health Center will offer HIV and Hepatitis C testing. The Lions Club of the Santa Maria Valley will provide vision screening. The Santa Maria Library Foundation will provide GED tutoring. Support groups will be held for those dealing with alcohol and narcotic addictions.
While the event is open for all veterans, special services will be specifically available for veterans experiencing homelessness. "The Santa Barbara County Veterans Stand Down can offer hope and resources that are not available on the streets," Mr. Lavagnino said. "The event is an opportunity for veterans to receive services and support with the goal of becoming independent and breaking the cycle of homelessness." The Stand Down qualified for a federal Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program grant, which allowed organizers to purchase several hundred pairs of boots and other supplies specifically for homeless veterans.
The 2015 Veterans Stand Down served 527 veterans, including 121 homeless veterans, 38 female veterans and six homeless female veterans. Some 700 volunteers assisted, including those from the community, service organizations, Vandenberg Air Force Base, the Grizzly Academy and Civil Air Patrol. Last year, 78 services were offered.
The Fairpark is at 937 Thornburg St., and transportation is available from throughout the county for veterans who sign up in advance.
Information on registration for veterans, free transportation services and more is available at http://sbcountystanddown.com/index.html or by calling Ms. Agalos at 346-8402.
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