LVMAC Tidbit: Chess, “the Fairy Tale of 1001 Blunders”, Finds a Purpose

According to some, there is a growing body of empirical evidence that chess can help ease the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) — helping with both cognitive functioning and mental health.  In some parts of the country, chess clubs have actively worked with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and the VFW.  And, chess brings people from all walks of life together more casually through the pleasure of a game — something often missing in our society.  Its benefit can be manifold. (more…)

LVMAC Tidbit: Wilkes-Barre Holds First VA Healthcare Enrollment Fair in Allentown

Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center to Host VA Enrollment Fair in Allentown

 VA Enrollment Fair, Thursday, October 24th from 5:00-8:00 PM at the Allentown Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 3110 Hamilton Blvd. Allentown, PA 18103.

A Veteran’s eligibility for health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center is based on a variety of criteria related to their service.  Although not all Veterans are eligible for VA health care, most Veterans who served on active duty with an other than dishonorable discharge are eligible to receive some level of care through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Just as VA Healthcare eligibility criteria changes over time, so may a Veteran’s eligibility for care.  A Veteran once deemed ineligible for VA health care may become eligible if they experience changes in income level, health, or suffer a catastrophic event. (more…)

LVMAC Tidbit: Victory House Requests A Minute of Your Time!

From the Executive Director of Victory House of Lehigh Valley:

We are excited and honored to be one of ten non-profit organizations chosen by Wind Creek for a chance to win $25,000! Please help us celebrate along with Wind Creek in their grand opening festivities. It does not cost you anything but a minute of your time to watch our video and VOTE for Victory House.  A Vote for Victory House is a Win for Victory House and a Win for Wind Creek Bethlehem.

Please view our video between September 23rd and 30th and then vote.
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LVMAC Tidbit: Have You Considered Our Counties’ Departments of Human Services as a Useful Resource for Veterans?

Regarding veterans benefits and services in this valley,we most often think of those provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD). The smattering of state veterans benefits are hardly given a thought.  Admittedly, for the average veteran they are nonexistent.

However, veterans and their families sometimes forget that county-level human services resources do exist which might be useful to them. After all, Pennsylvania state government depends upon its counties to deliver the majority of its organized, social services.  Unfortunately counties are generally inexpert at marketing or advertising the value of their Department of Human Services services to veterans and their families

Yet, to know of these resources is important, even for those receiving VA or DoD veterans benefits. (more…)