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Fair to offer resources for local veterans

The Herald-Mail - 4/8/2018

The well-being of veterans is a priority to one mental health agency who plans to offer assistance and services to improve the lives of those who served in the military.

The Potomac Case Management Services (PCMS) will host the Veterans Resource Fair from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, at the E.M. Tobias Building in downtown Hagerstown.

The Veterans Resource Fair will feature 16 organizations including PCMS and representatives who will be in attendance to help all veterans learn and apply for education, employment, health and other benefits.

Refreshments provided by Mission BBQ will be available while supplies last to veterans.

Patty Smith, director of program development for PCMS, said the purpose of the event is to ensure veterans are made aware of these benefits and receive guidance on how to apply.

She said PCMS wanted to host an event for veterans where they can come out and learn about resources in their community that would be helpful to them.

"Our goal is to have a one-stop place where they can come and learn about all these resources that may be helpful to them in their daily functioning, things they may be struggling with and they don't know where they can go can go they can come here and learn about the resources," Smith said.

Veterans will gain access to local veterans' organizations such as Maryland's Commitment to Veterans, Team River Runner and Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

The Veteran's Administration will be onsite to help veterans to apply for a Veterans ID card in which individuals will need their DD214 and a photo ID.

Smith said PCMS acknowledges some veterans' need to talk to other veterans who might better relate to their concerns.

"(We have) veterans on staff as case managers at our agency because we've realized that a lot of veterans prefer to work with veterans when they're working through difficult issues," Smith said.

While resources are available, Smith stated, "many are not sure, the process is kind of rapid for them and it's overwhelming."

Teresa Spruill, strategic project coordinator for PCMS, also believes the fair is key to helping veterans utilize benefits.

"The event is important because we believe that there are many veterans in the local area who may not understand or know where to find resources to help them know what they're eligible for," Spruill said.

As veterans inquire about services and eligibility, they'll be directed to appropriate guidance of available resources.

"If we can't help them, we will be able to refer them to agencies that can," Smith said.

Above all, the team of PCMS wants to assure veterans that they are of importance to living a life of quality.

"We just want veterans to know that there are agencies in our community that care about them, they want to support them, they don't want them to feel like they're alone. Just come out, have something to eat and sit down and talk to some people. You never know where the connections might lead them from going, so come out," Smith said.

If you go?

WHAT: Veterans Resource Fair

WHEN: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 10

WHERE: E.M. Tobias Building, 324 E. Antietam St., downtown Hagerstown

COST: Free

CONTACT: Call Teresa Spruill at 443-613-3656 or email tspruillpcmsinc.org