1. Veterans Experience August, 2016

2. Understanding the MyVA Community
Understanding the MyVA Community Model
Communities without coordinated, community-based support to Veterans, SMs, and their families
Communities with coordinated, community-based support to Veterans, SMs, and their families – the MyVA Community Model
Key Players
VHA/VBA/NCA
Other Community Resources
Veteran/Military Service Organizations
State/ local government
Veterans, Service members and their families ?
Service is disjointed and confusing
Service is inclusive and integrated VA
Boards members meet regularly amongst themselves and with the public through “Public Forums”
Private Companies/Nonprofits
Veterans, Service members and their families
Inclusive Accessible Community-Driven Flexible Integrated

3. What is a MyVA Community?
MyVA Communities are a collaborative network of Veterans, advocates, resources, and other stakeholders who organize through community Veteran engagement boards (CVEBs) to improve outcomes for Veterans, Service members (SM), and their communities.
Boards have been stood up in all 50 states and US territories.
VA may be the catalyst for community movements, but each community owns and leads the effort.
Inclusive Accessible Community-Driven Flexible Integrated

4. What Does a MyVA Community Do?
The MyVA Communities model is about bringing all service providers and stakeholders in the community together to:
Enhance the Veterans experience
Improve outcomes
Develop local solutions
Enable Veterans, Service members, and their families the opportunity to voice their opinions and provide feedback
Ease access to all the resources available to Veterans
Local VA Leaders
Homelessness Services
VSOs
Medical Treatment Facilities
Non-Profit Organizations
Job Training/ Employment Services
State and Local Government
Colleges and Universities
Inclusive Accessible Community-Driven Flexible Integrated

5. MyVA Community Framework
The MyVA Community Framework delivers an overall structure for how Communities operate and succeed.
Inclusive
A connected, comprehensive network of stakeholders, resources, Veterans, and advocates
MyVA Communities are inclusive of all local Veteran-focused resources
MyVA Communities hold public forums in geographically diverse locations
Accessible
MyVA Communities hold public forums regularly throughout the year
Forums are held in geographically diverse public venues to encourage broader participation
Forums are actively promoted to involve the public on local Veteran issues
Community Driven
Led by community veterans engagement boards that shape the broader community efforts
Chaired by two respected community leaders and includes identified local stakeholders
Local VA leaders serve on the board but do not form a majority of the board’s membership
Flexible
Charters define term appointments for board members to allow for flexibility
Customized to reflect the unique characteristics of the community
Community demographics inform geographic boundaries
Integrated
VHA, VBA, and NCA leaders participate and actively engage in meetings and public forums
MyVA Community promotes and leverages local capabilities and resources for Veterans
Local and District VA leaders network across communities to share best practices
Inclusive Accessible Community-Driven Flexible Integrated

6. Board Membership Local Community
Membership selection and makeup is up to each local community and should reflect community interests and priorities.
Mental health counselors
Housing advocate groups
Employment service providers
Financial Advising
Veterans treatment courts
Homelessness services
Social work organizations
Veteran Service Organizations
Local National Guard or military base
Tribal representatives
Banks or loan providers
Domestic violence shelters
State and local government
Colleges and universities
Student Veteran organizations
Job training services
VA Medical and Benefits Directors
Hospitals and medical treatment facilities
Local Community
Non-profits and foundations
Military Service Organizations
State DVA Office
Faith community
Department of Labor

7. MyVA Communities Status
The MyVA Communities model is about getting the people together who can make difference or impact at the same table….
Two paths have emerged:
In some communities, VA leaders have joined or increased their participation in existing community collaborative groups.
In other communities, the MyVA Communities model provides a supportive framework for community leaders to coordinate locally with VA leaders to develop new community Veterans engagement boards.
Status of Boards as of 8/19/16
76 Boards are fully formed
5 Boards in development (Co-chairs in place)
50 Sites identifying potential Co-chairs
Inclusive Accessible Community-Driven Flexible Integrated

8. BACK UP SLIDES

9. California Department University of California
Communities
Caregiver Support
Universities/Schools
Homeless Providers
SAMPLE
Local Veteran Community
Media
VAMC Director
U.S. Congressional
Delegations &
State Legislators
Service Members
VBA RO Director
NCA Director
Veteran Service Organizations
Veterans
California Department
of Veterans Affairs
Military Service Organizations
Families
University of California
San Diego
Veterans Village
Of San Diego
National
Guard
Congressional Delegations
VECI
Courage To Call
2-1-1 San Diego
State/Federal/Tribal Government
Camp Pendleton
DoD
Health Service Providers
San Diego Vet Center
Non-Profit/ Private Orgs.

10. Local Veteran Community
Communities
Caregiver Support
Universities/Schools
Homeless Providers
SAMPLE
Local Veteran Community
State, Federal, Tribal Governments
Service Members
Veterans
Veteran Service Organizations
Families
Military Service Organizations
Media
Congressional Delegations
National Guard
DoD
Health Service Providers
Non-Profit/ Private Orgs.

11. Tools and Support
MyVA Community Toolkit and map of fully formed boards (external):
Contact Mailbox: