Owens Community College in Toledo, Ohio offers a comprehensive range of services through their Veteran’s Services department, designed to support military veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. These services aim to facilitate their transition from military to civilian life, provide educational opportunities, and ensure they receive the benefits and support they deserve.
One of the primary services offered by the Veteran’s Services Department is assistance with educational benefits. Owens Community College helps veterans navigate the complex process of applying for and utilizing benefits provided under the GI Bill. This includes the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and other educational assistance programs. The staff at Veteran’s Services assists with the certification process, ensuring that veterans receive their benefits in a timely manner. They also provide guidance on how to maximize these benefits to cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses.
To understand the important work that the Veteran’s Services Department does is to speak with someone that works in the office first-hand. In sitting down with Mrs. Daphne Kinkade for a brief interview, she was able to provide a good explanation of what her department does.
Daphne Kinkade has worked in Owens Community College for approximately 7 years. A typical day for her begins at 7:00 a.m. This is when she will make her way to the office and try to get an early start.
Once there, she will check all phone messages to assist her in prioritizing her workload for the day. While checking voicemails, she will spend about 20 minutes reviewing emails and arranging them to get back to people in order of urgency.
Kinkade loves her job. She explained to me that throughout her time at Owens, she has gained vast knowledge of Veteran’s protocol and gained new respect for the soldiers that protect us on a daily basis.
She feels that education is extremely needed in this world, and she thrives on helping those who have served in the military, as well as their dependents as much as she can. She is an open book with regard to all the Veteran’s Services Department has to offer.
In addition to educational benefits, Owens Community College offers academic advising specifically tailored for veterans. The academic advisors understand the unique challenges that veterans may face when transitioning to a college environment.
They work closely with veterans to develop personalized academic plans that align with their career goals and previous military experience. This includes evaluating military training and experience for college credit, which can accelerate the path to graduation. They even assist veterans in registering for classes before the other
segments of students at the College. Many do not know, but Veterans and dependents get priority scheduling of classes.
Another crucial service provided is career counseling and job placement assistance. Owens Community College recognizes the importance of helping veterans transition to the civilian workforce.
The Veteran’s Services department offers career counseling to help veterans identify their skills and interests, explore potential career paths, and develop job search strategies. They also provide resume writing workshops, interview preparation, and job placement services. The college has established partnerships with local employers who are committed to hiring veterans, creating a network of job opportunities for veteran students.
Mental health and wellness support is another vital component of the services provided by Owens Community College Veteran’s Services. Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging, and many veterans may experience stress, anxiety, or other mental health issues. The college offers counseling services to support veterans’s mental health and well-being.
These services include individual counseling, group therapy, and workshops on topics such as stress management and coping strategies. The counselors are trained to understand the unique experiences of veterans and provide the support they need.
Owens Community College also offers financial aid and scholarship assistance specifically for veterans. In addition to GI Bill benefits, veterans may be eligible for other forms of financial aid, including federal and state grants, scholarships, and loans.
The Veteran’s Services staff helps veterans identify and apply for these financial aid opportunities, ensuring they have the financial resources needed to pursue their education.
The college also offers emergency financial assistance for veterans facing unexpected financial hardships. Community and peer support are essential elements of the services provided by Owens Community College.
The Veteran’s Services department fosters a sense of community among veteran students through various programs and activities. This includes a veteran student organization that provides opportunities for social interaction, networking, and peer support.
The college also hosts events and workshops specifically for veterans, creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Furthermore, Owens Community College provides resources and referrals to external organizations that offer additional support for veterans. This includes connections to local Veterans Affairs (VA) offices, healthcare providers, housing assistance programs, and other community resources. The Veteran’s Services staff works closely with these organizations to ensure veterans have access to the full range of services and support they need.
Owens Community College in Toledo, Ohio, offers a comprehensive array of services through their Veteran’s Services department to support military veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.
These services include assistance with educational benefits, academic advising, career counseling and job placement, mental health and wellness support, financial aid and scholarship assistance, community and peer support, resources and referrals to external organizations.
By providing these services, Owens Community College helps veterans successfully transition to civilian life, achieve their educational and career goals, and thrive in their post-military endeavors.
