6.4. SR 01-21-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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We want to make a few observations. 1. Because of our Yellow Ribbon spirit and organization, we know Elk River is a more welcoming community to its returning veterans and their families. 2. We are impressed with the community's response. No one has turned us down and we must have at least 50 volunteers. 3. We have an anonymous donor who is giving $8,000 to help military veterans. Recently, we gave a veteran, who had just suffered a heart attack, $300 to help pay his rent. 4. We are organized to help families at home to give the soldier peace of mind so they can concentrate on their mission. For example, your own Justin Femrite fixed the water heater for a military family in Otsego whose husband was deployed. 5. Our Faith-Based Committee, chaired by Donita Grell and Carole Greier, has been instrumental in developing military ministries in some of our churches where we think needs of families will surface. One of their members, Henry Griner, father of a son who was deployed, even composed a prayer, which is in your packet. This committee is following the Military Ministry model of Central Lutheran church. 6. I would be remiss if I failed to single out Kayla Stai of the Minnesota School of Business who kept us organized and informed during our early stages. 7. Eugene Graff, Sherburne County Veterans Service Officer, is a member of our Steering Committee and has developed an intake form for any veteran requesting financial assistance. We are organized in the following committees and I'll mention a highlight or two of each. Steering Committee: First chaired by Don Heinzman, now chaired by Henry Griner. Members include Donita Grell, Bruce Tyler, Jim Holt, Cory Franson, Capt. Ron Nierenhausen, Eugene Graff, John Dietz, MaryJo Cobb, and Jim Boyle • Meet monthly at American Legion; • Developed the Action Plan that led to state certification • Planned and carried out the certification ceremony, • Monitors action plan and timeline • With Gene Graff developed the intake form completed by veterans asking for financial help Business and Employers: Chair • North Star SHRM of 40, human resources professionals will hold a workshop on how to research a company, career readiness and transferring their military skills to business skills. • A financial planning workshop is planned for veterans that will go over budgeting, investing, retirement savings options. • An initiative to educate employers on the benefits of hiring and supporting veterans will be carried out through the Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary Lunch and Learn sessions. Elk River City Leadership: John Dietz, chair • Yellow Ribbon banners put up on light poles • Yellow ribbon signs placed at the Welcome to Elk River Signs • Crisis intervention and wellness plan with representative from local public safety and behavioral health by adding military and support processes to existing crisis plans • Trained city staff on where to direct veterans with whom they come in contact??