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IndianaDepartment ofVeterans AffairsANNUAL REPORTJ u l y 1 , 2 0 2 1 - J u n e 3 0 , 2 0 2 2F i s c a l Y e a r 2 0 2 2

F Y 2 0 2 2From the DirectorThis year has been an incredible and humbling year. It continues to be my honor to work withamazing staff who are dedicated to the mission of the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs(IDVA): to Support, Serve and Advocate for the Indiana Veteran Community. I see it in the workthey do. I see it in the way they solve problems that come their way. I see it in the way ourcustomers talk about the department. This year brought significant change to the organization. We said good-bye to a leader at theVeterans Home who carried us through the very difficult period of COVID-19 and helped us seethe light at the end of the tunnel. With any departure we welcome a new beginning. IDVAwelcomed a new leader of the Veterans Home and we are excited to see how the home prospersunder her leadership. This year, Governor Eric Holcomb took on the challenge of Veteran Suicide and joined theGovernor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and their Families.IDVA spent the last part of the year working with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health ServicesAdministration (SAMSHA) and the Veterans Administration (VA) developing the initial phases of thestrategic plan for the Governor’s Challenge and we are excited to approach the legislature in thecoming year to help fund the Challenge and attack Veteran Suicide across this state. Last year, the Indiana Legislature improved access to the MilitaryFamily Relief Fund (MFRF) and gave the IDVA the ability to utilize fundsto promote the MFRF across the state. We have initiated that outreachactivity and this year we saw an increase in applications of over 200%and an increase in funds distributed from $278,000 to $583,000. Aspart of that work, the team introduced the MFRF Holiday Program andwith that success, we are looking forward to the new MFRF Back toSchool Program that will begin later during the summer of 2022.I can continue to celebrate every group in so many ways from the hardwork IDVA accomplishes with the County Veteran Service Officers tothe amazing members that the Governor has appointed to the IndianaVeterans Affairs Commission. IDVA has worked hard to develop a topperforming team and the results show.As I mentioned last year, our challenge is to see how we can do more.How do we continue to Support, Serve and Advocate for the IndianaVeteran Community in new and better ways. How do we expand ourprograms and grow our reach across the state through our operations,but more importantly, through our key partners? Keeping ourselvesfocused on our Vision that Indiana is the choice for Veterans to Live,Work and Thrive. Thank you.

Indiana's Veterans, by the NumbersExecutive TeamIDVA TeamIDVA OverviewDivision Overviews: Training & ServicesMilitary Family Relief FundState Approving AgencyLegal & LegislativeOutreachIndiana Veterans Memorial CemeteryIndiana Veterans HomeIndiana Veterans' Center010203050607080910121314MissionThe mission of the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs is to Support,Serve and Advocate for the Indiana Veteran Community.VisionIndiana is the choice for Veterans to Live, Work and Thrive. F Y 2 0 2 2Contents

F Y 2 0 2 2Indiana VeteransP A G E 1

Gabrielle Owens, General CounselJoseph DeVito, Outreach DirectorAmy Gibson, 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. Tim Winslow, Operations DirectorDennis A. Wimer, DirectorTim most recently served as the Assistant Adjutant General in the Indiana NationalGuard. As head of the Operations Division, he oversees four divisions within IDVAand is responsible for collaboration with a variety of organizations and other Stateagencies to connect veterans to the benefits they’ve earned. 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.Amy was a Nursing Home Administrator for more than ten years with experiencein various communities before being named Superintendent in 2022. Amy is agraduate of IUPUI and Indiana Wesleyan. Amy provides oversight of thecommunity and ensures quality care for veterans we serve. P A G E 2F Y 2 0 2 2Executive TeamAs of July 1, 2023

T R A I N I N G & S E R V I C E SP A G E 3Philip A. KrummDirectorProgrammingMichael L. HammIDVAState VeteranService OfficerTimothy E. DykeDirectorTraining & ServicesJeff ImhofNorthwest DistrictState VeteranService OfficerCameron LochnerNortheast DistrictState VeteranService OfficerJosh TolenCentral-West DistrictState Veteran Service OfficerRonald HigginsSoutheast DistrictState Veteran Service OfficerKevin HintonSouthwest DistrictState Veteran Service OfficerAmber R. MertensDirectorJada ColemanProgram CoordinatorTim WilsonAssistant DirectorKimberly BloodgoodProgram DirectorGary RaineyProgram DirectorSean LitchfordProgram DirectorS T A T E A P P R O V I N G A G E N C YKelly CherryIDVAOffice ManagerShannon NicoloffIDVACustomer ServiceC U S T O M E R S E R V I C EF Y 2 0 2 2Your IDVA TeamAs of July 1, 2023

Laura McKeeWomen VeteransCoordinatorP 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 WeberDeputy DirectorL E G A L & L E G I S L A T I V ESalon N. OsborneDigital MarketingManagerF Y 2 0 2 2Your IDVA TeamBryan SchmidtHealth & WellnessCoordinatorBrookelynn DeatonGrant & ComplianceAdministratorAs of July 1, 2023

Since its establishment in 1945, the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) has remainedfocused on improving the lives of Indiana veterans. As veteran communities and benefits evolve, IDVAis dedicated to customizing communication to reach every veteran and family category or group. TheIDVA staff creates, coordinates, and participates in direct outreach events for veterans and their familiesacross the state daily.IDVA's partnerships with other state agencies and many other public and private organizationscontinues to grow. 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 no otherfacility in the nation.IDVA continues to expand operations and staff to meet the mission of Supporting, Serving andAdvocating for the entire Indiana veteran community. Led by Director Wimer, the executive team isfocused on being transparent, implementing effective policies, empowering staff, and striving for positivechange.The entire IDVA, including the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery and the Indiana Veterans Home, isdedicated to achieving its vision that Indiana is the choice for veterans Live, Work and Thrive.Support, Serve, and Advocate for the Indiana Veteran CommunityP A G E 5This 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.F Y 2 0 2 2IDVA Overview

96%533ApplicationsProcessedDisabled PropertyTax DeductionsNorthwestJeff ImhofCentral-WestJosh TolenDistrict 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 LochnerP A G E 688 Accredited7 pending10 AccreditedAsst. CVSOs509Veteran License PlatesDisabled VeteranPurple HeartPOW/MIAApplicationsProcessedThe 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.Accredited CVSOsCVSOs withVetraSpec Accounts90TotalVetraSpec Accounts154Tuition & Fee ExemptionApplications: 2020-2021 Academic Year: 1,568Tuition & Fee Exemption Applicationsare 100% filed online using ScholarTrack application system1,456 Awarded66 Denied 46 On Hold484ApplicationsProcessedReduced Fee Hunting &Fishing LicenseF Y 2 0 2 2Training & Services

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1000 50 00 50 0 APPROVED69.2%CLOSED17%DENIED13.7%1 - Hardship was not caused by military service.2 - Applicant is over the poverty limit.3 - Applicant had other assets available.4 - There was no general hardship.5 - Applicant had already exhausted MFRF funds.6 - Applicant's reported expenditures were inappropriate.7 - Applicant had less that 12 mo. active duty time.8 - Applicant did not serve during a wartime period.9 - Applicant's discharge was not accepted.10 - Applicant was not IN resident/not a dependant.No longer a barrier to eligibilityP A G E 7MFRF Denial Reason0 29 156 76 004138562,546MFRFApplications Processed350Denied1,763Approved433ClosedWhen an incomplete application is received,the MFRF team attempts to contact theapplicant for the needed information. Ifthese attempted communications areunsuccessful after 30 days the application isclosed out. This has no bearing on theapplicants ability to re-apply.The Military Family Relief Fund (MFRF) assists veteransand their dependents that are experiencing financialhardship. The funds may be awarded for essentialhousehold expenses that have become difficult to afford. During the fiscal year 2022 we continued to offer ourregular grant program and included 2 specialty programs,Operation Holiday Program and Operation Back to School. The MFRF continues to offer an online portal on ourwebsite for submitting applications. We have a new digitalcase management system in place to make processingapplications more efficient and accurate. The MFRF has built a strong network of partners, tosupport our veterans with job search, financial counseling,federal and health benefits, and legal counsel. F Y 2 0 2 2Military Family Relief Fund$223,956.31 Housing$133,689.51 Basic Transportation$87,179.60 Other$77,306.42 Utilities$47,921.56 Food$25,283.18 Medical ServicesExpenditures by Need

700+POTENTIALCLIENTSREACHED93%128Catalogs & BulletinsApprovedAPP attracts veterans and theirfamilies from across the nation tolive, work & thrive in IndianaApprenticeshipProgram (APP)Without these APP programs, manyfederal GIBILL® benefitswould remain unused!4IN-PERSONTRAININGSCONDUCTEDAPP developedworkshops collaboratingwith Department of Labor,the Department ofWorkforce Development,and INVets.P A G E 843TotalSurveysStatewide40CompletedSurveysStatewideCompliance Surveys are assigned by the VA to avoid/detect institutional waste, fraud and abuse.354FACILITIESACTIVE11Outreach & Liaison Events20NEWFACILITIESThe 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.F Y 2 0 2 2State Approving Agency

dis91%D aff9%AMVETS VFW Am. Leg DVA VVA25 20 15 10 5 0 American Legion$102,00021 DenialsAffirmed9%MFRF Appeals91%23TOTALP A G E 9L E G A L & L E G I S L A T I V E116OverturnedUpheldTuition & Fee AppealsDAV$202,000 ea.AMVETS VFW VVAVeteran Service OrganizationGRANTS60 OVER $2500 REQUESTS60 APPROVEDTotal Awarded$xx,xxx.xxThe IDVA Legal & Legislative Division (ILL) providescounsel to the IDVA Executive Team and all divisions ofIDVA. The ILL represents IDVA in all appeals, coordinatesall IDVA legislative functions, administers grants tononprofit organizations serving veterans and to nationallychartered veteran service organizations, performscompliance monitoring of state grant funds, executescontracts and other legal memorandums, and conducts theday-to-day administrative activities concerning the IndianaVeterans Affairs Commission.F Y 2 0 2 2Legal & LegislativeInteCareAwarded: $54,600.00 Spent 100%Operation Combat BikesaverAwarded: $62,000.00 Spent 100%Reach Veterans ServicesAwarded: $55,000.00 Spent: 100%Cancer Support Community of Central INAwarded: $28,000.00 Spent: 100%Veterans Life Changing ServicesAwarded: $69,600.00 Spent: $46,253.53*Indiana Legal ServicesAwarded: $50,000.00 Spent: $31,075.55*Turnstone CenterAwarded: $28,920.00 Spent: $15,664.00*Hope Southern IndianaAwarded: $25,000.00 Spent: $19,541.55*Evansville Rescue MissionAwarded: $25,000.00 Spent: $13,893.99*NeighborLink Fort WayneAwarded: $25,000.00 Spent: $23,109.99*Family Service Association of Howard CountyAwarded: $40,000.00 Spent: $35,793.00**Unspent Grants for Veteran Services fundsThe IDVA team approved an admin action transferand a reserve relief to move the remaining balanceof the unspent funds for a one-time increase to theamount available for GVS in FY23. Grants For Veterans Services (GVS)FY 2020 Grantees17 TOTAL APPEALS 2 Adoption 4 Residency 3 Over 32 years of age 8 Period of War/Hazardous Duty2 Denials Awarded toAplicant

DirectSubscriptions173IDVA sitepop-up1,744NetworkSubscriptions2,613Subscription+3,569TotalNewsletterSubscribers31,575+12.74%GrowthUnique emailsopens134,313Top Stories of FY 2022P A G E 1 0FY 2022Subscribe ProfilesThe IDVA outreach division continues to expand IDVA’s reach statewide. One example is “The HoosierVeteran” newsletter. A new layout and design have helped increase interest, readership, andsubscriptions. Featured articles written by IDVA Communications Manager Kirsten Clark have developeda following among subscribers who enjoy learning about interesting Hoosier veterans, events, and topics.Other media publications have distributed Hoosier Veteran features statewide. We look forward to sharingmore stories this year! F Y 2 0 2 2Outreach & CommunicationsEngagementRate 53.3%Impressions240KOpen Rate27.2%Click Rate2.4%Robert Plasschaert105-year-old Navy veteran recallsWorld War II, life in the WAVES:

INSTAGRAMReach: 1,746W INVetWomen of IndianaWho are VeteransIDVAWELLNESSHEALTH &in.gov/dvaThe Indiana Governor's Challenge toprevent suicide among service members,veterans and their families is lead by IDVAHealth & Wellness and key state agencypartners. TOGETHER we can achieve far-reaching statewideimprovements in policy,practice, andimplementation.Join us, Join IN.INJOININ.GOV/DVAUsers: 154K Sessions: 214KTotal Page Visits: 345,784Top device-mobile: 61.5%Total page views: 58,0867Top pages:Locate your CVSO 27,792MFRF 21,93010K users w/ 9+ visits67% were new usersHighest day 01/12/22 - 1,014 usersAvg. time on page per visit: 2m 18sWebsite Activity726VisitsLinkedin66NewTwitter2k%FACEBOOKReach: 235K37K%P A G E 1 1The IDVA continues to grow our digitalfootprint. Through our social media channel,web presence and digital marketing efforts,IDVA has become a statewide leader in eventpromotion and information dissemination. WINVet is dedicated to empowering women veterans toLive, Work and Thrive by providing resources, communityoutreach, networking, and community service. The WINVetprogram participates in outreach events statewide andpartners with service organizations and the VA to educateand enrich women veteran's lives. F Y 2 0 2 2Outreach & CommunicationsCreating healthyopportunities for theIndiana VeteranCommunity toLive, Work & Thrive.IDVA Health & Wellness works with communitypartners focusing efforts on physical health,mental health and key factors to foster &maintain a healthy Indiana veteran community. The IDVA Women Veteran Coordinator continues topartner with the Center for Women Veterans, all VeteranService Organizations and statewide nonprofits to bringvaluable information, resources and programming to allWomen of Indiana Who are Veterans. WINVets Women Veterans Retreats continue to expandbased on meeting capacity, attendee feedback andoutstanding event survey results.

2,427Governor'sMemorialCertificatesIssuedP R E - N E E DB U R I A LA P P L I C A T I O N110 Submitted109 Approvedvets59%spous41%P A G E 1 2The 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.V E T E R A N S D A Y 2 0 2 1 GOVERNMENT HEADSTONES189 Ordered187SetI V M C I N T E R M E N T S(55)Spouses79Veterans41%59%207TOTALDependentsF Y 2 0 2 2Indiana Veterans Memorial CemeteryOn Nov 10, 2021, American Flags were placed on all of the gravesites an theIndiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery by the IVMC staff and the cemetery groundswere open to the public.On Nov 11, 2022, A Veterans Day service was held in Downtown Madison, hostedby the Jefferson County Veterans Council. A dinner was provided for the veteransand their families. IVMC staff attended this program and spoke at the dinner.Wreaths Across America was held at IVMC on Dec 18,2021. This event had a great community turnout withapproximately 350 in attendance to lay wreaths on everygravesite. Approximately 1650 wreaths were placed.IVMC held a memorial dayservice on May 30, 2022. Theservice was well attended. StateRep. Randy Frye, Director ofOperations, IDVA MikeThompson and Madison MayorBob Courtney spoke.202299%

3,000 +Wreaths PlacedElkhart Vette Set – September 2021 The Elkhart Vette Set for the Elkhart Vette Show this pastweekend. They donated money and 9 large totes of donations. Residents: 119New Arrivals4906/30/2022P A G E 1 3F Y 2 0 2 2Indiana Veterans Memorial HomeSaluting Branches – September 2021Saluting Branches Day of Service. Arborists United VeteranRemembrance, a nonprofit organization. The day of service has thelargest volunteer event in the tree care industry. Arborists annuallydonate a full day’s work to honor America’s military service men andwomen. IVH has the largest volunteer turnout compared to other sites.Dream Flights, August2021, took one of ourresidents, Henry W, WWIIveteran on an exhilaratingflight on August 22nd. Hehad the opportunity to flyin the cockpit of a WWII-era cockpit biplane atPurdue Airport. Henrywas able to celebrate thisday with his family andfriends.Our MissionTo meet the unique needs of Indiana's veterans, spouses and families. Deliver high level care in atherapeutic home-like environment with compassion and comprehensive skilled care whileintegrating arts and cultural programming.Our Vision Honor Indiana's veteran community through high level care, enhancing health and yieldingoptimal quality of life while preserving the rich history of the home.

P A G E 1 4FIRST FLOORSECOND FLOORTHIRD FLOORFOURTH FLOORVETERANS ADMINISTRATIONVeterans 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) 916-3605INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (317) 232-3910 State 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 OfficersDWD (317) 234-8661Local Veterans Employment Specialist (LVER)Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (DVOP)Operation: Job Ready Veterans (317) 982-7781Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans (317) 549-5900Historic Auditorium - Conference/Meeting SpaceThe Indy Vet House, Inc. (317) 988-1200Veterans Housing Veterans (BRS Reality Group) (317) 344-9767VA HUD-VASH Veteran Health Initiative Clinic (317) 778-02177 7 7 N O R T H M E R I D I A N S T R E E T - I N D I A N A P O L I S , I N 2 6 2 0 4Indiana Veterans CenterF Y 2 0 2 2INDIANA VETERANS' CENTERBENEFITS RESORCES SERVICES777777

MissionThe mission of the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs is toSupport, Serve and Advocate for the Indiana Veteran Community.VisionIndiana is the choice for Veterans to Live, Work and Thrive.