By WKTV Staff
The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs recently announced the launch of four new department websites: Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA), Michigan Veteran Homes (MVH) and the unique Michigan Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA).
The Michigan Youth Challenge Academy educates, trains and mentors at-risk youth in a quasi-military environment at no cost to participants, “giving young people the skills to become productive and responsible citizens,” according to the announcement. Applying the military model to alternative education, the Academy promotes competency development through academic opportunities, life skills and vocational preparation.
The new websites are the result of a multiyear statewide website content management replacement project to update and replace over 110 executive branch websites, according to the announcement.
“Our websites provide valuable information and services to our service members, employees, stakeholders and the communities we serve,” U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, said in supplied material.
While the new department websites will “leverage an updated design,” some key services were improved including the MVAA benefits counselor map which helps connect Michigan veterans and their dependents to resources.
“Our new and improved benefits counselor map offers a quick and easy way for veterans and dependents across Michigan to connect with the Veteran Service Officer (VSO) closest to them,” Zaneta Adams, director of the MVAA, said in supplied material. “These highly-trained counselors will help connect veterans to the education, financial and healthcare benefits they have earned through their service to our state and nation.”
Veterans can visit the new map here.
What are the various departments?
The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) synchronizes strategic, legislative and fiscal initiatives to build and sustain military readiness, care and advocacy for veterans and cultivate purposeful partnerships, according to the announcement. Branch operations include Michigan Veteran Homes, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, State Operations, Army National Guard and Air National Guard.
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency’s mission is to be the central coordinating agency, providing support, care, advocacy and service to veterans and their families. The agency works with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, state departments, county agencies and community and veterans service organizations throughout the state. The agency operates the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center, a 24/7/365 call center in partnership with Michigan 211.
Michigan Veteran Homes (MVH) is the entity that provides day-to-day operational oversight of the state’s veteran homes. The MVH operates the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids (MVHGR), the Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti (MVHDJJ) in Marquette and the new Michigan Veteran Homes at Chesterfield Township (MVHCT).
