Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Human Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Human services director outlines new veterans outreach, coffee houses and benefits assistance
Summary
Human services staff reported work since December including a veterans roundtable, benefits clinics helping about 16 people, monthly veterans coffee houses starting Aug. 14 and plans for targeted programming and a veteran memorial display.
Jessica, Mansfield’s human services director, told the council on Aug. 10 that since hiring a part-time outreach coordinator the department has hosted a veterans roundtable and benefits clinic, helping roughly 16 people with federal and state benefits applications. She said the town will launch monthly veterans coffee houses beginning Aug. 14 at the senior center (9:00–10:30 a.m.), will invite federal and state benefits experts twice yearly, and is coordinating with the assessor’s and clerk’s offices for outreach during benefit-application periods.
Jessica said staff are considering a Hero Wall or veteran memorial room and exploring a Purple Heart Town designation; they are also developing women-veteran-specific coffee houses for rollout in winter or early spring. Council members thanked staff for progress and encouraged further outreach, and a councilor suggested incorporating a Hall of Honor into future town-hall designs.
The human services office also plans veteran-focused trips and increased presence at resource fairs; staff said implementation depends on training and availability but that some activities are expected to proceed this fall and winter.
