a guidebook for veterans incarcerated in texas - US Department of ...

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SECTION IUSING THIS GUIDE AND SEEKING HELPThis guide was developed for you to use 6 months prior to your release andto keep as a reference after your release. It includes addresses, phonenumbers, and web sites that you can use to find out about programs andother help available after your release. You may want to ask a friend orfamily member to help you find the information you need if you do not havephone or internet access. Keep in mind that this guide does not includeall of the services available. What is available in one area may bedifferent from what is available in another, so be sure to check with localresources to learn about services in your area.While you are in prison, find out which unit in your facility can help you planfor your release (often the education or transfer unit). Classes may beoffered so you can work on skills development and prepare for life afterrelease. You do not want to risk homelessness once you are released,so take advantage of the opportunities available to you.Begin thinking about what specifically you will need upon release. Askyourself these kinds of questions: Will I need housing? Will I need medical,substance abuse, or mental health care? Do I need to learn a job skill? Do Ihave any other legal issues, such as child support? How do I restart my VAchecks or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?Make a list of your needs. Remember that this is just a tool to help you getorganized. A sample list might look like this: I need a place to live. I need a job. I need clothing to wear to work. I need to find out what benefits I can get as a Veteran. I want to get addictions treatment. I owe child support.1
Think about your list as you read this guide. Who do you think can help youwith each of your needs? Is there one organization that may be able to workwith you, on many different things, or do you need to contact severalagencies? Keep track of the steps you take, including the dates and namesof people you contact for information or assistance. Although this guideprovides national and state addresses for many organizations, werecommend you check your phone book for local, county, and stateagencies that know what help is available in your area. When writing aletter to request information, be clear. Keep your letter short, to the point,and write legibly. Include the following information: Your name, social security number and contact information. A brief statement about your current situation. Your specific request. What you have done so far (Example: I have written toorganization and they suggested I contact you).X Any restrictions for mailings (Example: Mail with staples or paper clipswill not be accepted by my prison facility).When contacting an agency for help by mail, email, or phone. It pays to bepersistent but polite. Ask questions if information is not clear to you.Remember that many organizations are staffed by volunteers who are eagerto help but may not have the answers you are looking for. If someonecannot help you, ask about who can.The Internet can also be helpful to find information about VA benefits andcommunity resources in your area. This guide includes web addresses, whenavailable. If computer access is not available at your facility, you can visitthe public library after release. Computer access may also be provided atWorkforce and Workforce Affiliate sites, Workforce Development Councilmember locations, and Employment Security Department offices (referred toas Job Service Centers or Unemployment Offices).2
Page 2 and 3: TABLE OF CONTENTSFORWARDiiiSECTION
Page 6 and 7: SECTION IIHELP FOR VETERANSThis sec
Page 10: • To find a list of emergency she
Page 13 and 14: VA HEALTH CAREWe encourage you to e
Page 15 and 16: Jim Wells, Karnes, Kendall, Kennedy
Page 17 and 18: MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES• VA Medica
Page 19 and 20: SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENTVA Medical
Page 21 and 22: WOMEN VETERANSMost VA Medical Cente
Page 23 and 24: SECTION IIISEEKING FEDERAL BENEFITS
Page 25 and 26: the VA Regional Office (VARO) immed
Page 27 and 28: homeless and at-risk Veterans find
Page 29 and 30: CHECKLISTUsing This Guide Ask about
Page 31: RESOURCE WEB SITESU.S. Dept. of Vet

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