FINAL FY-2021 Annual Report : simplebooklet.com

I D V A F Y 2 0 2 1From the DirectorThis year has been a year of living our mission to Serve, Support and Advocate for the IndianaVeteran Community. The year started out with continued uncertainty due to the ongoing pandemic. Iam very proud of all the staff, who during our nation’s most difficult time in memory, continued toexcel at serving the Indiana Veteran Community.During this year, the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) worked to strengthen all ouractivities. We improved and bolstered the operation of the Military Family Relief Fund (MFRF) byimplementing new capabilities in our case management system. We worked to eliminate additionalbarriers to veterans receiving MFRF funding and fought hard to create the opportunity for moreveterans across the state to become aware of, apply and be approved for the MFRF.The Indiana Veterans Home (IVH) staff worked hard to keep our residents and visitors safe fromCOVID-19. While other organizations were fighting this terrible disease inside their facilities, our teamkept it out until the massive worldwide increase in infection that started in November 2020. I considerevery one of our staff heroes for the tireless effort they gave serving the residents of the IVH.IDVA continues to strengthen its promise to address veteran homelessness and veteran suicide. Theincredible success of grant recipients of the Grants for Veterans Services program during its first yearresulted in a 400% increase in applications for the team to consider this year. Previous recipientscommented that the structure of these funds allowed them to serve veterans in ways that other fundscould not. This program allows IDVA to help fill critical gaps in statewide organizations’ service to ourveterans.Indiana Veterans Center finished its first full year since itsrenovation. This one-of-a-kind facility is now home tofederal, state, local and nonprofit organizations servingveterans. When veterans enter this building, we can meetmany of their needs in a one-stop shop.The Indiana Veterans Affairs Commission is the hardestworking group of volunteers that oversee any state agency.The Commission met for its required quarterly meetings,but it also met over 30 additional times to evaluate andaward veterans additional funds from the MFRF and hearappeals for the Tuition and Fee Remission Program. Weare blessed to have a group of individuals who have apassion to serve Indiana veterans.The challenge for IDVA going forward is to see how we cancontinue to expand and grow our partnerships with otherveteran-serving organizations throughout Indiana. Theteam has started to develop and implement new programsto achieve this, but that is a story to be told for next year.To all the amazing partners of IDVA who help serve allthose who have served us, thank you for yesterday, todayand tomorrow.

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U 20 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80-89100,000 75,000 50,000 25,000 0 Peacetime VeteranPopulation:136,755Wartime VeteranPopulation:339,528139,873149,33039,29020,499Gulf War (Aug. 2, 1990, - Present)Vietnam War era: (Feb. 28, 1961, - May 7, 1975)Korean conflict (Jun. 27, 1950, - Jan. 31, 1955)World War II (Dec. 7, 1941, - Dec. 31, 1946)Indiana's TotalVeteran Population476,283Veteran Population by RaceWhite/Not Hispanic 85.6% Black or African American 8.4%Hispanic/Latino 2.8%(2) or More Races 1.5%Some Other Race 0.9%Asian 0.5%American Indian 0.3%Indiana's WomenVeteranPopulation: 35,569Women are the nation's fastestgrowing veteran population!VA National Center for Veteran Analysis and Statistics - www.va.gov/vetdata/veteran_population.aspVeteran TreatmentCourtsState Suicide RatesVeteran TreatmentCourts30Per 100,000 populationVeteran29.8Total Rate18.280-8920,027I D V A F Y 2 0 2 1Indiana VeteransP A G E 1Indiana Veterans By Age50-59 60-69 70-7940-4930-3920-29UND 2039,10949,05482,21384,81157,83296,072205

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Gabrielle Owens, General CounselJoseph DeVito, Outreach DirectorJoy Grow, IVH SuperintendentDennis has served as director since February 2019. He is an Air Force veteran whohas a wealth of experience in the business, nonprofit and educational industries.Dennis brings a servant’s mindset to the agency and is excited to continue servingIndiana’s veterans and their families. Mike Thompson, Operations DirectorDennis A. Wimer, DirectorMike most recently served in the Indiana Department of Workforce Developmentwhere he led the U.S. Department of Labor’s Jobs for Veterans State Grantprogram. He is currently a member of the 38th Sustainment Brigade asdistribution and integration staff sergeant, Indiana National Guard.As General Counsel, Gabrielle provides legal advice as well as leadership indepartmental policy, audit and legislative functions. Most recently, she servedin the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute and has over 20 years’ experience inpracticing law. Gabrielle is the daughter of a retired Air Force colonel. Joe is a Coast Guard veteran, graduate of Indiana University Southeast and aformer CVSO and DSO. Joe has experience in business, outreach and volunteerwork. As Outreach Coordinator, he has a passion for reaching veterans andincreasing the number of veterans served and benefits awarded across the state.Joy came to IVH in September 2015 as its chief counsel and was namedSuperintendent in 2020. Joy is a graduate of Ball State University and MichiganState University. Joy believes in servant leadership and enjoys being engagedin the community and volunteers at many community art and cultural events.I D V A F Y 2 0 2 1P A G E 2Executive Team

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Philip A. KrummDirectorCameron LochnerNortheast DistrictService OfficerT R A I N I N G & S E R V I C E SI D V A F Y 2 0 2 1P A G E 3Michael L. HammState VeteranService OfficerTimothy E. DykeDirectorThomas D. WhiteNorthwest DistrictService OfficerBryan SchmidtCentral-West DistrictService OfficerRonald HigginsSoutheast DistrictService OfficerKevin HintonSouthwest DistrictService OfficerRaymond BakerDirectorAmber R. MertensAssistant DirectorTim WilsonProgram Director.Tara M. EggenProgram DirectorSummer G. TacyProgram DirectorFredrick HudsonProgram DirectorS T A T E A P P R O V I N G A G E N C YIDVA TeamKelly CherryOffice ManagerShannon NicoloffReceptionC U S T O M E R S E R V I C ECambria SparksCentral-East DistrictService Officer

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Laura McKeeWomen VeteransCoordinatorI D V A F Y 2 0 2 1P A G E 4O U T R E A C H & C O M M U N I C A T I O N SKirsten ClarkCommunicationsManagerLynn DickeyDirectorJanie GregoryAssistant DirectorM I L I T A R Y F A M I L Y R E L I E F F U N DAlan J. BurnhamSuperintendentCharlie J. BurtonAsst. SuperintendentAlbert S. BennettForemanDavid McKayForemanI N D I A N A V E T E R A N S M E M O R I A L C E M E T E R YAnthony WeberGrants & LegislativeAdministratorL E G A L & L E G I S L A T I V ESalon N. OsborneDigital MarketingManagerIDVA Team

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Support, Serve, and Advocate for the Indiana Veteran CommunityI D V A F Y 2 0 2 1P A G E 5IDVA OverviewThis Indiana Veteran Community consists of veterans, family members, caregivers, friends,organizations, and providers that touch veteran lives in some way. Indiana owes a greatdebt to its veterans, past and present, for their personal sacrifices and dedicated service. IDVA is committed to providing quality services, benefits, and programming. We aredevoted to enhancing and expanding Indiana’s resources, continuing our vision: Indiana is the choice for Veterans to Live, Work, and Thrive.Since its establishment in 1945, the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) hasremained focused on improving the lives of Indiana veterans. As veteran communities andbenefits evolve, IDVA is dedicated to customizing communication to reach every veteran andfamily category or group. The IDVA staff creates, coordinates, and participates in directoutreach events for veterans and their families across the state daily.IDVA's partnerships with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, the U.S.Department of Veterans Affairs and many other public and private organizations continues togrow. We share the Indiana Veterans Center with many great veteran agencies; thecombination of federal, state, city and nonprofit veteran organizations under one roof is like noother facility in the nation.IDVA continued to create innovative methods of communication and operations while facingthe challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of internships, technology and officemobility kept the team on mission.IDVA’s executive leadership restructuring was completed to incorporate the operationsdirector, general counsel, outreach director and superintendent of the Indiana Veterans Home.Led by Director Wimer, the executive team is focused on being transparent, implementingeffective policies, empowering staff, and striving for positive change.The entire IDVA, including the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery and the Indiana VeteransHome, is dedicated to achieving its vision that Indiana is the choice for veterans Live, Workand Thrive.

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92%839ApplicationsProcessedDisabled PropertyTax Deductions NorthwestThomas WhiteCentral-WestBryan SchmidtDistrict Service Officers (DSO)The (6) DSOs each cover 13-15 CVSO offices. Theyprovide on-site training and special projectsassistance to the county offices to bring training andservices to the CVSO office. Central-EastCambria SparksSoutheastRon Higgins SouthwestKevin HintonNortheastCam LochnerI D V A F Y 2 0 2 1P A G E 6T R A I N I N G & S E R V I C E S 85 Accredited7 pending8 AccreditedAsst. CVSOs678Veteran License PlatesDisabled VeteranPurple HeartPOW/MIAApplicationsProcessedDivision OverviewThe IDVA Training and Services division staff consists of the Director ofVeterans Services, the Training Manager, and the State Veteran ServiceOfficer. The mobile division is made up of (6) District Service Officers(DSOs). The division staff manages state benefit applications and onlineapplications for Tuition and Fee Exemption daily. The State ServiceOfficers focus is assisting veterans applying for federal benefits, VApension and VA health care enrollment. The District Service Officers,located throughout the state, provide guidance and training for newlyappointed County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) and their staff. TheDSOs help with CVSO outreach and conduct quarterly district CVSOtraining and information meetings.AccreditedCVSOsCVSOs withVetraSpec Accounts89TotalVetraSpec Accounts146Tuition & Fee ExemptionApplications: 2020-2021 Academic Year: 1,532Tuition & Fee Exemption Applicationsare 100% filed online using ScholarTrack application system1,412 Awarded79 Denied 41 On Hold372ApplicationsProcessedReduced Fee Hunting &Fishing License

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26 CounitesServed!Average of$4,610/Co.FOOD$16,011HOUSING$143,100UTILITES$46,555MEDICALSERVICES$2,430BASICTRANSPORTATION$47,673OTHER*$19,848The Military Family Relief Fund (MFRF) assists veterans andtheir dependents that are experiencing financial hardship. Thefunds may be awarded for essential household expenses thathave become difficult to afford. During the fiscal year 2021 wecontinued to offer our regular grant program and the COVID-19program to assist veterans affected by the COVID pandemic. The MFRF has undergone technical improvements to make theprocess of applying quicker and more convenient for theveteran. We offer an online portal on our website for submittingapplications. We have a new digital case management system inplace to make processing applications more efficient andaccurate. The MFRF has built a strong network of partner organizations torefer veterans for assistance. In addition to assisting financiallywe are now able to support our veterans with job search,financial counseling, federal and health benefits, and legalcounsel. I D V A F Y 2 0 2 1P A G E 7M I L I T A R Y F A M I L Y R E L I E F F U N DApplications by BranchARMY 196NAVY 57USMC 26USAF 31USCG 055%16%7%9%0%INNG 4613%Division OverviewIndianaVeteransServed FY 2021130$275,617Delivered toHoosierVeterans*Insurance-Property Tax-BMV Registration

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1000+POTENTIALCLIENTSREACHED40+TRAININGSCONDUCTEDApprenticeship Programsdevelop workshopscollaborating withDepartment of Labor, theDepartment of WorkforceDevelopment, and INVets.I D V A F Y 2 0 2 1P A G E 8S T A T E A P P R O V I N G A G E N C Y93%44TotalSurveysStatewide41CompletedSurveysStatewideCompliance Surveys are assigned by the VA to avoid/detect institutional waste, fraud and abuse.125Catalogs & BulletinsApproved362FACILITIESACTIVE22V88.5%P11.5%Outreach & Liaison Events12%92%11 IN-PERSON127 VIRTUALAPP attracts veterans and theirfamilies from across the nation tolive, work & thrive in IndianaApprenticeshipProgram (APP)Without these APP programs, manyfederal GIBILL® benefitswould remain unused!NEWFACILITIESDivision OverviewThe State Approving Agency (SAA) approves collegeand non-college degree programs, vocational flighttraining, apprenticeships, and other on-the-job trainingprograms. These approvals allow for federaleducational assistance benefits to be paid to veteransand other eligible persons under several programsadministered by the U.S. Department of VeteransAffairs (VA). Through a cooperative agreement with VA,the SAA is tasked with approving and maintaining theapproval of the educational and training facilities. TheSAA team welcomed a new outreach coordinator towork with apprenticeship and on the job trainingprograms. The SAA successfully completed allrequirements of the fiscal year 2021 cooperativeagreement and achieved a satisfactory rating, thehighest rating possible.

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D aff48.4%dis45.2%Item 36.5%AMVETS VFW Am. Leg DVA VVA25 20 15 10 5 0 American Legion$102,000$100,000.00$84,000.00$79,250.00$77,500.00$76,250.00$75,750.00$72,750.00$72,000.00$71,500.00$69,000.00$44,000.00$32,750.00$25,000.00Indiana Legal ServicesFamily Service Assoc. of Howard Co.Center for the HomelessThe Shepard's HouseHVAFVolunteers of AmericaLafayette Transitional HousingReach ServicesVeterans Changing ServicesOperation Job Ready VETSTransition Resources CenterHealthNet, Inc.Operation Combat Bike SaverGrants VeteranServicesR O U N DO N ER O U N DT W O$52,950.00$50,450.00 $20,800.00 $35,550.00$72,000.00$43,386.00 $40,900.00for12 DenialsAffirmed5%1 DenialReversedMFRF AppealOutcomes71%24%4 DenialsDismissed17TOTALI D V A F Y 2 0 2 1P A G E 9L E G A L & L E G I S L A T I V E42% 4 Applicants over ageREASONS FOR APPEALS OUTCOMES OF APPEALSUpheldTuition & Fee AppealsDAV$202,000 ea.AMVETS VFW VVAVeteran Service OrganizationGRANTS25% 2 Adopted Overturned22%78%33% 3 Period of War47 OVER $2500MFRF REQUESTS46 APPROVEDfor $140,904.66Division OverviewThe IDVA Legal & Legislative Division (LLD) provides counsel to the IDVA Executive Team and alldivisions of IDVA. The LLD represents IDVA in all appeals, coordinates all IDVA legislative functions,administers grants to nonprofit organizations serving veterans and to nationally chartered veteranservice organizations, performs compliance monitoring of state grant funds, executes contracts andother legal memorandums, and conducts the day-to-day administrative activities concerning theIndiana Veterans Affairs Commission.During the 2021 legislative session, the LLD worked with the Indiana General Assembly and veteranstakeholders to achieve numerous legislative successes. The most notable was eliminating severalbarriers concerning eligibility for the Military Family Relief Fund, allowing more veterans to connectwith MFRF. Additionally, statutory changes were made regarding tuition and fee exemption appeals toallow additional time in the appeal process while being mindful of students’ needs.

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TotalSubscribers29,019Top Issues of FY 2021October 2020November 2020December 2021February 2021I D V A F Y 2 0 2 1P A G E 1 0O U T R E A C H & C O M M U N I C A T I O N SDivision OverviewDirectSubscriptionsFY 2021 NewSubscriber ProfilesThe IDVA outreach division continued to expand IDVA’s reach statewide. One example is “The HoosierVeteran” newsletter. A new layout and design have helped increase interest, readership, andsubscriptions. The addition of monthly featured articles have developed a following among subscriberswho enjoy learning about interesting Hoosier veterans, events, and topics. Other media publications havehelped distribute Hoosier Veteran features statewide. We look forward to sharing more stories this year! 131IDVA WebSite Pop-Up242IDVAVETConnect15NetworkSubscriptions3,621DiscontinuedSubscriptions1,513New Subscribers Added2,497

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INSTAGRAMReach: 646W INVetWomen of IndianaWho are Veteransnaswvc.orgTHE NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONof STATE WOMENVETERANS COORDINATORSwww.va.gov/womenvetWINVet is dedicated to empowering women veterans to Live,Work and Thrive by providing resources, communityoutreach, networking, and community service. The WINVetprogram participates in statewide outreach events andIN.GOV/DVAAveragePageVisit 2min.7sec.711 VisitsLinkedin2,209 VisitsTwitter70%Homepage Views35,859Total Page Visits382,626Pages ViewedPer Visit11FACEBOOKReach: 22,8769.8%I D V A F Y 2 0 2 1P A G E 1 1O U T R E A C H & C O M M U N I C A T I O N SDivision OverviewThe IDVA outreach divisionbegan the fiscal year with anew intern position. The goalwas to engage social medialusers and grow our platforms. The gains were outstanding,leading the division to createa full-time position of DigitalMarketing Manger to continueto build engagement.The new role has been vital innot only developing our socialmedia voice but alsodeveloping and managingnew programs. WINVet partnerships, events and leadership roles include:partners with service organizations and the VA to educate and enrich women veteran's lives.WINVet provides reliable resources, delivers quality statewide outreach and cultivates a vast networkingcollective for all Women of Indiana who are Veterans.

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I D V A F Y 2 0 2 1P A G E 1 2V E T E R A N S M E M O R I A L C E M E T E R Y2,595Governor'sMemorialCertificates IssuedP R E - N E E DB U R I A LA P P L I C A T I O N118 Submitted116 Approvedvets71%spous21%Dep8%The Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery is dedicated to veterans and their families as a lastingmemorial, and final resting place, in appreciation and gratitude for their service and sacrifice.The annual Wreaths Across America event at the IVMC was held onDec. 18, 2020. The event had a wonderful community turnout. IDVAexecutive leadership helped the IVMC staff ensure every gravemarker was adorned with one of the approx. 1,500 wreaths.V E T E R A N S D A Y 2 0 2 0On Nov. 11, 2020, the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery couldnot hold the usual Veterans Day service. The service to honor allpast and present veterans and their families was limited due to theCOVID-19 pandemic. IVMC staff and IDVA executive leadershipplaced American flags at each grave marker and the grounds wereopen to public to visit with proper safety precautions being observed.G O V E R N M E N TH E A D S T O N E S207 Ordered96% SetI V M C I N T E R M E N T SSpousesVeterans21%71%207TOTALDependents8%IVMC held the Memorial DayService on May 31, 2021. Thisevent was the first public eventsince some of the restrictions ofCOVID-19 had been lifted. TheService was well attended. Speakers included State Rep.Randy Frye, Madison MayorBob Courtney and GabrielleOwens, IDVA General Counsel. The Raise andRealignment project wascompleted with 1,215 headstonesraised and realigned. Headstones in Sections 1, 2, & 5 were removed, agravel/limestone base was placed, andheadstones were replaced. Uponcompletion, eachheadstone was cleanedand sod was placed. Division Overview

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Residents: 115 National Avg.: 72New Arrivals3706/30/2021 06/30/20213,104Wreaths PlacedNursing home occupancy drop duringpandemicThank You:Sons of the American LegionThrough a generous donation, theAuditorium was updated to include astate-of-the-art sound system. I D V A F Y 2 0 2 1P A G E 1 3I N D I A N A V E T E R A N S H O M EThe IVH staff has risen to heroic heights toprotect the residents and fellow staff during theuncertain times of this COVID-19 crisis. We aregrateful and proud of the work that has beencompleted to prepare for this emergency,including the sweeping precautions that havebeen instituted so rapidly. We are also proud ofthe daily effort to keep a sense of calm andnormalcy in our facility. This crisis has made itabundantly clear how each person that works atIVH is essential to our mission. Division OverviewIVH Admissions &Marketing is proactivelyworking to increasecensus back to pre-covidnumbers due to themajor hit from COVID.Thank You:American Legion, VFW, DAV & DAV Aux. Their donations helped bring Temi the Robotto our our resident floors. Temi roams the unit playing music orspeaking to our residents and staff. 17% 3%CasperReport, 06/30/21.U.S.Avg.IVHTEMI the ROBOT @ IVH!!

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I D V A F Y 2 0 2 1P A G E 1 4FIRST FLOORINDIANAVETERANS'CENTERServingThoseWhoServedSECOND FLOORTHIRD FLOORFOURTH FLOORVeterans Benefits Administration (VBA) (800) 827-1000Veterans Readiness & Employment (VBA) (800) 827-1000VA HUD-VASH Vocational Rehabilitation (317) 464-1400Volunteers of America (463) 202-5864Disabled American Veterans (317) 319-3844INvets (317) 353-3674American Legion (317) 916-3605VETERANS ADMINISTRATIONState Approving Agency (SAA) (317) 234-6062Training & Services (317) 234-8628Military Family Relief Fund (MFRF) (317) 232-3914 Outreach & Communication (317) 234-9769Women Veterans Coordinator (317) 232-3919Legislative & Legal (317) 232-3165State Veteran Service OfficersIndiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) (317) 234-8661Local Veterans Employment Specialist (LVER)Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (DVOP)INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (317) 232-3910 Historic Auditorium - Conference/Meeting SpaceOperation: Job Ready Veterans (317) 982-7781Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans (317) 549-5900The Indy Vet House, Inc. (317) 988-1200Veterans Housing Veterans (BRS Reality Group) (317) 344-9767VA HUD-VASH Veteran Health Initiative Clinic (317) 778-0217Indiana Veterans Center7 7 7 N O R T H M E R I D I A N S T R E E TI N D I A N A P O L I S , I N 2 6 2 0 4

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The eagle represents freedomOn June 20, 1782, the Bald Eagle was chosen asthe emblem of the United States of America.The eagle, with its majestic appearance waschosen for its long life and great strength.The bald eagle on the IDVAlogo gives Hoosier veteransa familiar symbol of patriotismand military service. The baldeagle appears on eachmilitary branch flagand/or seal.The Torch & ShieldThe Indiana Torch symbolizesenlightenment and liberty.The surrounding rayssymbolize the farreaching influenceof the state. The 19stars representIndiana being the19th state to join theunion. These symbolsare emblazoned on ashield that represents theprotection of the principles ourHoosier veterans served to protect.Single Gold StarThe single gold star centered over the eagle pays respect to Hoosier Gold Star families. The term"Gold Star" describes a family member who has lost a loved one in military service.The Gold Star signified the family's pride in the loved one's sacrifice rather than the mourning oftheir personal loss.Surrounding WreathThe laurel wreath standsfor honors received incombat defending the peacerepresented by the olive branch. Wreaths appear on many militaryseals, flags and logos adding to thefamiliar symbol of patriotism and military service. IDVA LOGO Color Scheme & Date:The 2 colors of the IDVA logo, Oxford Blue andGamboge, represent the colors of theIndiana state flag. 1945 is the yearthe IDVA was founded.MissionThe mission of the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs is to Support, Serveand Advocate for the Indiana Veteran Community.Symbolism Meaning-PurposeVisionIndiana is the choice for Veterans to Live, Work and Thrive.

FINAL FY-2021 Annual Report

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