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Veterans Affairs Florida Economic Development Initiatives (EDI)
Nov. 1-2, 2023
Click a button below to learn more or register:
The events offer career training and guidance, information about benefits, mental and physical health care options, spouse and caregiver resources, hands-on help filing benefits claims and much more.
» Presentations and Benefits Fair booths to help you learn about your VA benefits.
» An opportunity to meet with claims processors to check on or to learn to file VA disability claims.
» A place to learn more about current employment opportunities, special hiring authorities and career support resources.
» An opportunity for spouses and caregivers of Veterans and service members to learn about their benefits and resources.
» DOL VETS workshops that will explain self-marketing techniques, networking and interviewing skills.
» A place to learn more about current employment opportunities, special hiring authorities and career support resources.
This event offers career training and guidance, information about benefits, mental and physical health care options, spouse and caregiver resources, hands-on help filing benefits claims and much more.
Wednesday Schedule of Events
9-10:30 a.m. – Town Hall
9 a.m.-3 p.m. – Claims Clinic*
9 a.m.-4 p.m. – MDEO Mobile Medical Unit
11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Career Workshop
1-3 p.m. – Spouse, Caregiver and Elderly Care Clinic
*Requires separate registration
Thursday Schedule of Events
9-9:30 a.m. – Opening Ceremonies
9 a.m.-3 p.m. – Claims Clinic*
9 a.m.-4 p.m. – MDEO Mobile Medical Unit
9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Benefits and Hiring Fair
9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. – Stakeholder Roundtables (by invitation only)
3:30-4:00 p.m. – Closing Remarks
*Requires separate registration
Learn how to maximize the use of your earned VA benefits and services. Attend the Benefits Fair, find out about Veterans initiatives, listen to presentations and connect with a claims processor. Presentations will cover topics such as VA benefits, health care and mental health and wellness.
10 a.m.-
4 p.m.
The Town Hall will showcase progress made on local Veteran initiatives. Presentations are informational sessions that highlight benefits and resources. (More information about individual presentations is below.)
10-
11 a.m.
The Town Hall will showcase Veteran Benefits Administration, Veterans Health Administration and National Cemetery benefits and initiatives.
11-
11:20 a.m.
Frank Wijngaarde, Supervisory Policy Analyst, Outreach, Transition and Economic Development
11:20-
11:35 a.m.
Jonathan Jackson, Executive Officer, Legacy of Care Transport
11:35 a.m.-
12:35 p.m.
VA TAP Benefits Advisor
12:35-
12:50 p.m.
Patricia Smith, LMSW and Michelle Torzewski, MSN
12:50-
1:35 p.m.
1:35-
1:50 p.m.
Judy Sexton, Woman’s Peer Support Specialist
1:50-
2:05 p.m.
Stephanie Anzalone, LCSW, Program Manager
2:05-
2:20 p.m.
Dr. April Foreman, VCL Deputy Director of Technology and Innovation
2:20-
2:35 p.m.
Dr. Barbara Nelson, LCSW, Chief of Mental Health
2:35-
2:50 p.m.
Daniel Arnold, Director of Veteran Engagement
2:50-
3:05 p.m.
Mike Shurmatz, LMSW Readjustment Counseling Therapist
3:05-
3:10 p.m.
10 a.m.-
5 p.m.
Learn about the benefits to which you are entitled, such as mental and physical health care, education, employment transition assistance, home loan options, assistance in starting a business, independent living services and more.
10 a.m.-
5 p.m.
Connect with a claims representative to learn more about claims related to the PACT Act, check claim status or receive insight into next steps in filing a VA claim for service-connected conditions.
The Town Hall will showcase progress made on local Veteran initiatives. Presentations are informational sessions that highlight benefits and resources. (More information about individual presentations is below.)
The Town Hall will showcase Veteran Benefits Administration, Veterans Health Administration and National Cemetery benefits and initiatives.
| Time | Presentation | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 11–11:05 a.m. | Introduction of Presentations | Mike Jones, Master of Ceremonies* |
| 11:05–11:20 a.m. | PACT ACT Presentation | Frank Wijngaarde, Supervisory Policy Analyst, Outreach, Transition and Economic Development |
| 11:20–11:35 a.m. | Legacy of Care Transport | Jonathan Jackson, Executive Officer, Legacy of Care Transport |
| 11:35 a.m.–12:35 p.m. | VA Benefits 101 MLC | VA TAP Benefits Advisor |
| 12:35–12:50 p.m. | Adult Day Health Program | Patricia Smith, LMSW and Michelle Torzewski, MSN |
| 12:50–1:35 p.m. | Break | Break |
| 1:35–1:50 p.m. | Women’s Wellness | Judy Sexton, Women’s Peer Support Specialist |
| 1:50–2:05 p.m. | Caregiver Support Program | Stephanie Anzalone, LCSW, Program Manager |
| 2:05–2:20 p.m. | Veterans Crisis Line | Dr. April Foreman, VCL Deputy Director of Technology and Innovation |
| 2:20–2:35 p.m. | WNY Behavioral Health Spectrum of Care | Dr. Barbara Nelson, LCSW, Chief of Mental Health | 2:35–2:50 p.m. | Veterans One-Stop Center of WNY | Daniel Arnold, Director of Veteran Engagement | 2:50–3:05 p.m. | Mental Health Services, Vet Center | Mike Shurmatz, LMSW Readjustment Counseling Therapist | 3:05–3:10 p.m. | Break | Break |
Learn about the benefits to which you are entitled, such as mental and physical health care, education, employment transition assistance, home loan options, assistance in starting a business, independent living services and more.
Connect with a claims representative to learn more about claims related to the PACT Act, check claim status or receive insight into next steps in filing a VA claim for service-connected conditions.
Walden Galleria Mall
(Next to the Lord and Taylor Store)
1 Walden Galleria
Buffalo, NY 14225
“Amazing event! The presentations were great!” "These resources are a good source of information for Veterans and their families!" "...the presenters were very prepared and presented their material in an excellent fashion."
Testimonials From Past EDI Attendees
“Attending an EDI event connects you with key benefits and services that can help you find success in civilian life. Whether you are a transitioning service member, a Veteran or the family member who supports someone who has served, EDIs are for you.”
Testimonial from Joshua Jacobs
Senior Advisor for Policy
Performing the Delegable Duties of the Under Secretary for Benefits
