Terry Westhoff

This end-of-year report details the progress and achievements of the WSMTC Strategic Plan for the 2017-2018 period. The plan is structured around three core strategies: developing an American Job Center/WorkSource affiliate site at JBLM, conducting outreach with military leadership and career counselors, and fostering resources for veteran entrepreneurs. Key accomplishments include the establishment and approval of WorkSource JBLM, the creation of partner service catalogs, and the marketing of WIOA support services. It also highlights successful outreach efforts, including briefings for military personnel and promotion of higher education resources, alongside re-establishing support for veteran-owned business startups through educational and networking initiatives.

The community conversation focused on providing comprehensive resources and support services for veterans. Topics included healthcare enrollment and eligibility through the Spokane VA Medical Center, in-home care programs, hospice care, and home health services. Discussion also covered veteran housing, suicide prevention initiatives, legal and financial aid, and reintegration programs for transitioning service members. Several local and state organizations described their specific roles in connecting veterans to disability claims processing, employment services, and mental health counseling.

The meeting featured a comprehensive overview of the Department of Veterans Affairs strategic goals and services, including state veteran homes, transitional housing, claims assistance, and various counseling and wellness programs. Discussion points included the PACT Act, community care platform updates, health initiatives specifically for women veterans, and the Veterans Benefits Administration's use of AI in the rating system. Additionally, the committee reviewed suicide prevention efforts, including safe firearm storage and training programs, as well as local veterans' resources and support programs available in King County, such as legal aid, housing stability, and re-entry services for incarcerated veterans.

The committee held a forum for women veterans followed by community conversations to identify barriers to veteran services and enhance partnerships. Key discussion topics included challenges related to veteran identification and eligibility, the digital divide, transportation issues in rural areas, and the ineffectiveness of phone-based support systems. Participants shared strategies for improving outreach, including direct peer-to-peer engagement, updating resource directories, and better collaboration between the Department of Defense and state agencies to facilitate the transition process for veterans.

The Suicide Prevention Program's strategic plan is dedicated to preventing suicide among Service Members, Veterans, and their families by fostering hope and promoting open dialogue. Key initiatives include providing community-based services, managing a dedicated suicide prevention account, and developing a military and veteran resource database. The program also emphasizes educational materials for providers, lethal means safety, and support for the 988 Lifeline. Strategic priorities, including the Governor's Challenge, focus on identifying at-risk individuals, promoting connectedness through improved care transitions, and implementing lethal means safety and effective safety planning through trainings and distribution of safety devices. The program offers no-cost community workshops, trainings, and resource referrals.