VRC NEWSLETTER
ELAC Veterans Resource Center - Spring 2021, Week 13
SPRING 2021 GRAD PETITION DEADLINE: May 9, 2021
VRC COUNSELOR & SCO WALK-IN SERVICES
This week's VRC Counselor & SCO Walk-In Services:
Thursday, 5/6/2021, 9am-12pm & 1pm-3pm
Zoom Meeting ID: https://laccd.zoom.us/j/93137660522
**All Counselor & SCO walk-ins are routed to private breakout rooms to maintain privacy & confidentiality.
GRADUATION INFORMATION
Last Day to Submit a Grad Petition: May 9, 2021
Last Day to Request a Veterans Graduation Sash: May 10, 2021
Graduation: June 8, 2021(only graduates who RSVP'd by 4/29 are eligible to participate)
To schedule an appointment with the VRC Counselor or Disability Specialist, visit http://bit.ly/VRCappointments and select "Schedule a Counseling Appointment." For additional assistance, the VRC Staff can be reached at 323.415.5052 or via email at veteranservices@elac.edu.
VETERAN GRADUATION SASHES
In keeping with VRC tradition, our staff is honored to offer a sash to every veteran who has or will be graduating from ELAC this 2020-2021 school year. We are proud of your accomplishments and can't wait to pass on the sash to you!
Contactless Veteran Sash Distribution Date: Saturday, May 29th, 9am-12pm
Location: ELAC Parking Structure 3
To let us know that you have petitioned for graduation (either Fall 2020 or Spring 2021),
click HERE
VRC VIRTUAL LOBBY
VRC Virtual Lobby: Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9am-12pm
Also on the VRC Virtual Lobby...
VPAN Battle Buddy Peer, Rudolph Andrade: Available Every T, W, Th 9am-10am
*See the segment on VPAN in this Newsletter for more information
LA COUNTY VETERAN PEER ACCESS NETWORK (VPAN)
ABOUT THE VETERAN PEER ACCESS NETWORK (VPAN)
Led by veterans for veterans, VPAN helps you navigate often complicated systems so that you receive the services you deserve.
The first-ever community-driven support network serving veterans and their families in the U.S., the Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN) connects County departments, non-profits, the VA and LA City programs.
The network embodies the #YouMatter ideal – that veterans deserve hope, well-being and a greater quality of life as valued members of the LA County community.
Resources available include:
- Mental Health – Treatment for trauma from combat exposure, military sexual trauma, relationship and intimacy issues
- Substance Misuse Support – Treatment for substance use disorders, including misuse of alcohol, prescription medication and other drugs
- Housing – Temporary and permanent housing for veterans and their families, help locating housing
- Workforce Development and Employment – Help with developing interview skills, resume creation, job coaching, plus volunteer and job opportunities
- Healthcare – Enrollment into VA healthcare, transportation to appointments, ensuring access to prescription medications
- Education – Support with school enrollment, vocational training, tuition assistance
- Miscellaneous – Food, childcare, transportation, financial assistance and more
- Legal Services – Help with eviction prevention, discharge upgrade, applying for VA benefits, etc.
- Social Connection/Recreation – Opportunities to connect with other veterans in a variety of settings
ELAC's VRC works directly with VPAN Battle Buddy and Peer, Rudolph Andrade. If you need any assistance with any of the areas above, please contact Rudy directly at Rudolph.Andrade@jvs-socal.org.
Rudy will also be available every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am-10am on our ELAC's VRC Virtual Lobby. Join his breakout room for any questions and to seek individualized support for yourself or another veteran.
Here's the VRC Virtual Lobby Link: https://laccd.zoom.us/j/93137660522
NOON FORUM $50 Wal Mart Gift Card Giveaway!
This Week's Topic: VETERAN PEER ACCESS NETWORK (VPAN)
- Get an overview about the LA County Veteran Peer Access Network program for veterans and their families
- Learn about all VPAN services available to all veterans, regardless of discharge status
- Learn how to request VPAN services for you or a fellow veteran
- Quick Link to VPAN: https://dmh.lacounty.gov/veterans/
- ALL Noon Forum attendees who are enrolled ELAC veterans for Spring 2021 will receive a $50 Wal Mart Gift Card!
Date: Wednesday 5/5/21
Time: 12:00PM - 1:00PM
Facilitator: Rudolph Andrade, VPAN Battle Buddy Peer & direct contact link to services for ELAC's student veterans
NOON FORUM LINK: https://laccd.zoom.us/j/93386337792
SUMMER 2021 REGISTRATION
Registration appointments for the upcoming Summer 2021 term are posted on your student portal. To view your registration appointment date, log on to MyCollege.laccd.edu and click on the “Manage Classes” tile followed by the “Enrollment Dates” tab on the left side.
SUMMER 2021 SESSION
At this time, the classes are scheduled to be remote. If public health orders change and we can offer in person classes safely, there may be additional classes added.
SUMMER SCHEDULE: https://www.elac.edu/ELAC/media/ELAC-Assets/Documents/Academics/ScheduleofClasses/Summer-2021/Summer-2021-Schedule.pdf
VA CERTIFICATION
ELAC's VA Certification form: http://bit.ly/VAcertificationform.
You will need to sign in to your LACCD student portal to access the online VA Cert form. You can access the VA Cert form via the VRC Canvas Portal as well.
For additional information regarding the VA Certification process at ELAC, or an explanation of how the courses you select during remote learning affect your BAH rate, please visit http://bit.ly/VRCwebsite
If you have any questions regarding your VA Certification status, students are encouraged to contact the VRC Certification Team at VAcertification@elac.edu. You can also reach us at 323.415.5052.
UPCOMING VETERANS CLUB Meeting, 5/6
Interested in joining the Veterans Club? Fill out a Veterans Club Interest Form and we will get back to you soon: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=GiZxC19JqU6ZEdqES5QC7-V-2qrCXhxEj72m_-b6s-RUNEJOV0NLN1cxTTNHUTFaNzdEMDc1VVA1Ui4u
NEXT MEETING: THURSDAY, 5/6 at 12pm - https://laccd.zoom.us/j/95684855492
VIRTUAL WELLNESS COUNSELING
ONLINE VRC EVENTS CALENDAR
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
- Group 1: Members of the Armed Forces, Veterans, CalWORKS, DSPS, EOPS, Foster and Homeless Youth
- Schedule an appointment through the VRC to develop your Student Educational Plan and know which courses you should take for Fall!
FOLLOW the VRC on INSTAGRAM!
Get daily up-to-date information on various programs & opportunities-- @elacvets1775
**CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**
Veterans Resource Center - East Los Angeles College
Email: peakj@elac.edu
Website: www.veterans.elac.edu
Location: 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, CA, USA
Phone: 323.415.5052
MEET YOUR VRC TEAM!
JESSICA PEAK: VRC Director, Veterans Counselor & Veterans Club Advisor
SAL MURILLO: Disability Specialist
MARK DIAZ: School Certifying Official (VA Certifications A-M & All Ch31 Students)
RAZIEL VELA: School Certifying Official (VA Certifications N-Z & All Sheriff/Fire Academies)
MATTHEW DOWNING: Veteran Transition Specialist & STEM Coach
MIKE GARCIA: Career & Academic Coach & Veterans Club Co-Advisor
CINDY THAI: VA Certification Support
VRC HOURS
M-Th 8am-6:30pm
F 8am-4pm
Contact Us!
phone: 323.415.5052
web: http://www.veterans.elac.edu
email: veteranservices@elac.edu