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Kent County Veterans Services reports $4.5 million in awards year-to-date, outlines outreach plans
Summary
Kent County Veterans Services told its advisory committee on May 14 that staff have secured roughly $4.5 million in awarded and retroactive benefits year-to-date, detailed casework successes and listed dozens of outreach events planned for late June and July.
Kent County Veterans Services (KCVS) reported to its advisory committee on May 14 that staff have secured roughly $4.5 million in combined monthly awarded and retroactive benefits for Kent County veterans so far this fiscal year. Director Ryan Grams told members the office has seen increasing demand for services and more rapid VA processing, and that staff have completed hundreds of face-to-face contacts and claims work.
The report, delivered during the committee’s monthly meeting, included monthly totals and year-to-date tables: 115 fully developed claims in May (725 YTD), 184 face-to-face contacts in May (1,143 YTD), monthly awarded dollars of $68,409.72 for May and year-to-date awarded dollars of $3,270,832.54; retroactive awards of $195,074.62 in May and $2,261,510.53 YTD. Grams summarized operational pressure, saying staff are “busier this past month with SSR than we have been in previous months.”
Committee members also heard a success story from staff member Amanda Lake about a veteran who had been chronically homeless and, after meeting with VSO Andrew LaPres, saw a disability rating increase “from 40% to 100% P & T” and received back pay that the veteran used for a vehicle and to cover first month’s rent and a security deposit. Lake said the veteran returned to the office to thank staff, including Jenna Willis and LaPres, for their assistance.
The meeting packet and presentation listed outreach and engagement activities: a planning effort for a Veteran of the Year banquet, artist interviews for ArtPrize, participation in three parades (Sparta Town and Country Days; Memorial Day parades in Grand Rapids and Walker), resource tables at community events, and donations such as water bottles from Gun Lake Casino Resort. Staff provided an events calendar for late June and early July that includes veteran coffee socials, employer resource fairs, and festival booths.
The committee approved the previous month’s minutes (motion by Sheona Nidefski; second by Robin Halsted) without opposition. The meeting packet also reiterated KCVS contact information and the office mission statement.
The advisory committee did not take new formal policy action on benefits or budgets at this meeting; the presentation was informational and focused on casework volume, financial totals, and outreach plans. The meeting adjourned at 15:35.
