Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs - IL

09/26/2023

Join the Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs at a career and resource fair for veterans and service members hosted by The Boeing Company and The University of Chicago!

Date: Friday, September 29, 2023
Time: 1 - 5 p.m.
Location: Chicago Park District located at 1130 Midway Plaisance, Chicago, IL 60637

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about services and resources provided by various County, City and State offices and organizations. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to interface with some of the County's employment partners.

Register here: https://uceop.wufoo.com/forms/ztfpe2u1dip3cp/

09/13/2023

The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs (CCVA) is pleased to announce the return of its annual veterans resource fair at the Brookfield Zoo.

In addition to providing a space for military community members to connect with veteran service organizations, CCVA is honoring and celebrating the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legions of Cook County at this year's event.

For decades these organizations have been a pillar of support by offering camaraderie and making available services known to the military community of Cook County.

Please RVSP by Friday, September 22, 2023. For more information and to RSVP, visit: cookgov.me/CCVAResourceFair

08/09/2023

Calling all veteran business owners!

The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs has teamed up with the Cook County Department of Contract Compliance to launch a series of veteran business workshops!

These events give veteran business owners and future veteran entrepreneurs the opportunity to gain essential knowledge regarding available resources and services within Cook County to develop and grow their businesses.

The first event in this series will be our lunch and learn panel webinar: Unlocking Access to Veteran Certification!

Monday, August 21, 2023
Noon - 1 p.m.
(Virtual Event)

During this panel lead discussion, participants will hear from the County's Departments of Veterans Affairs and Contract Compliance to learn more about organizations that support veteran owned businesses as well as best practices in County certification processes for their business.

To register for this event please scan the QR code on the flier or visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unlocking-access-to-veteran-certification-tickets-690229193097

07/29/2023

Today is the 248th anniversary of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps.

The United States Army Chaplain Corps is a unique part of American military tradition. The Chaplain Corps is one of the smallest units in the U.S. Army and predates Independence Day. Since this unit was first established in 1775, chaplains have served in every American conflict.

The Army Chaplain Corps offers soldiers spiritual guidance, counseling, advice and mentoring in peace and wartime by employing clergy members who have passed Army training requirements in non-combatant soldier skills.

Chaplains are expected to accompany troops on and off the battlefield, providing what the Army calls “free exercise of religion in a pluralistic setting”.

07/28/2023

July 28th is National Buffalo Soldiers Day, the holiday celebrating the contributions of some of the earliest African American troops in the United States military.

These troops served on the western frontier after the Civil War. They served in a variety of ways including security, law enforcement and other frontier-specific activities.

In 1866, Congress passed legislation known as the Army Organization Act, which formalized the creation of six all-Black U.S. Cavalry and Infantry units.

07/18/2023

Join the Cook County Office of the Chief Procurement Officer at the Pathways to Cook County Expo! There will be workshops, roundtable discussions and networking sessions.

The expo will be on Tuesday, August 8 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the University of Illinois Chicago Dorin Forum at 725 Roosevelt Road in Chicago, IL 60607.

View the complete list of workshops and networking sessions by visiting: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-pathways-to-cook-county-expo-tickets-660754002007

07/10/2023

One of the Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs’ hiring partners is a hosting an in-person career fair on Wednesday, July 12! Join the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at The Westin Chicago Lombard located at 70 Yorktown Shopping Center in Lombard, IL 60148.

The IRS is looking to hire entry-level revenue agents and revenue officers in Chicago. During this event, veterans can speak with hiring managers and human resource specialists who can answer questions, review resumes and education transcripts as well as conduct interviews on the spot.

The IRS gives hiring preference to disabled veterans and to those who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns.

Registration is limited. Click here to register:

Join us in Chicago, IL for entry-level Revenue Agent and Revenue Officer career opportunities.

07/04/2023

Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸

For 247 years, the nation has gathered to celebrate the passage of the Declaration of Independence. To this day, we stand together united to celebrate our independence and shared comradery between veterans of the past, present and future.

This Independence Day, the Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs encourages all residents to enjoy the liberties and sacrifices the brave men and women of this country have afforded.

"The red and white and starry blue is freedom's shield and hope." - John Philip Sousa

06/27/2023

National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day is observed annually on June 27. Around 12 million people across the nation live with this condition, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. You are not alone.

Those experiencing suicidal feelings or self-destructive urges should seek help immediately. The Su***de Crisis Hotline is available 24/7 year-round by calling 1-800-273-8255 or by texting 838255 for confidential support.

06/23/2023

Established on June 23, 1939, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has a tremendous history of outstanding uniformed volunteer service and keeps both America’s waterways and its boating public safe. Happy birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary!

06/13/2023

The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs is pleased to partner with the County's Department of Animal and Rabies Control as well as Chicago Animal Care and Control to launch this essential program for County veterans and service members. 🇺🇸

Read more about available services and register here: www.cookcountyil.gov/vetsandpets

Cook County is proud to announce its Vets and Pets program, a free one-day rabies vaccine and microchip clinic for pets belonging to County veterans and service members. 🐾

This first of its kind clinic is scheduled for Saturday, July 1, 2023 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at General Jones Armory located at 5200 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago, IL 60615. Services available to the first 200 cats and dogs.

While registration is not required, veterans and service members interested in attending are encouraged to register: www.cookcountyil.gov/vetsandpets

05/29/2023

Today, our entire nation pauses to remember the brave souls deployed into combat, sometimes half a world away, never to return to their families. They defended our principles and freedom. They laid down their lives so that we could live ours freely.

The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs remembers and honors those who were lost too soon. We salute their heroism this Memorial Day.

05/20/2023

Cook County is home to five Air National Guard units, three Army Reserve units and serves as a duty station for more than 100 active-duty service members that comprise our Reserve Officer Training Corps and recruiting stations.

Our service members represent our nation's finest. On behalf of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs, this Armed Forces Day, we thank those that answered our nations calling, both past and present.

04/05/2023

Help reduce veteran su***de by becoming a mentor. Presented in partnership with the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center’s su***de prevention team, the Cook County Veterans Treatment Court is hosting a virtual webinar on Thursday, April 20 from noon – 1 p.m. where attendees will learn about S.A.V.E training and how to support veterans through a crisis.

Click here to attend: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_M2NjMDk5ZDgtMGExOS00YzRhLWJkZGYtYjJjOGZkYTY3Njk3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%228b4d55ae-6db4-4e05-a85c-59d6a256cd6e%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22ef3a65d2-4952-402f-a9d9-54efcf3fcc23%22%7d

03/01/2023

Apply today! Cook County is proud to partner with Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago to provide veterans with free indoor and outdoor home repairs.

The County has allocated $1.25 million to improve at least 30 veteran-owned homes over the next two years. The veteran home repair program focuses on warm, safe and dry priorities or the need for home modification improvements. 🏡

For more information and to apply, visit: cookgov.me/vahomerepair

12/18/2022

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County Office is hosting a holiday toy giveaway for children of Cook County veterans tomorrow Monday, December 19 from noon - 3 p.m. at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center located at 1100 S. Hamilton Ave., (C-011 lower level) Chicago, IL 60612.

Registration is required to attend. Please click the link for more information and to register:

The VACCC is hosting a Holiday Toy Give -Away Event to the children of Cook County Veterans for this Holiday season.

11/15/2022

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County and Office of the Chief Judge are teaming up to host a virtual mentorship information session tonight from 6 - 7 p.m. on Microsoft Teams.

The Veterans Treatment Court program is looking for volunteers to assist transitioning veterans. If you are a veteran and want to learn more, click the link below to join the Teams meeting at the designated time.

Link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting
Meeting ID: 247 556 357 883
Passcode: I64YCG

If you have any questions or would like to apply, please call Kwame Crawford at 312-603-6000.

11/11/2022

This week, the Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs (CCVA) hosted a recognition ceremony for County veterans who served in the U.S. armed forces. Thank you to all employee veterans for your sacrifices and service to this country. It was an honor to celebrate you!

The County also announced the recipients of $1.4 million in Honor Grants, a program spearheaded by CCVA to expand programming offered by nonprofit organizations that serve the veteran community and their families. Thank you to Honor Grant recipient Aretha Spurlock, commander at VFW Post 311 - Benjamin O Davis, for joining us!

An additional $80,000 in Honor Grants will be announced in spring 2023. For more information, please visit: www.cookcountyil.gov/honorgrants

11/11/2022

The commemoration of Veterans Day dates back over 100 years ago. Today, we honor and recognize those who have risen to the call to protect and defend our country. The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs is proud to offer essential programming for veterans that has a positive impact on their lives. Thank you, Cook County veterans for your service.

11/09/2022

As part of , Cook County is illuminated green this week! The County is joining organizations across the nation to support our service members. Switch your lights to green and join us in showing appreciation for our veterans. 💚

Cook County is going green this week to support our service members through . This initiative shines a light on the dedication, commitment and selflessness of our veterans and their families. Thank you for your service. 💚🇺🇸

11/03/2022

Cook County is proud to partner with Microsoft and National Able Network to announce the Chicago Cook Technology Academy. This free program trains veterans in cloud development or cloud administration and upon completion, offers the opportunity to interview for an entry-level IT position. 💻☁️

There are four more opportunities to take advantage of this program! The next training session will be held in spring 2023. For more information and to register for an information session, visit: cookgov.me/CCTA

10/04/2022

$1 million of Cook County's The Source Grow Grant program is allocated to assist veteran-owned small businesses. This funding will provide one-on-one advising to help build and grow your business as well as assistance with the grant application.

The program will support businesses in the hardest-hit sectors to continue their recovery and resiliency from the pandemic, scale their operations and thrive in Cook County by awarding a $10,000 grant.

Click here for more information about The Source Grow Grant program: https://cookcountysmallbiz.org/growgrant/

Applications are currently being accepted and close Monday, October 31.

Click here to apply: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/ae22d00cc1314ddc880a05f07cacd277

09/28/2022

The Cook County Dept. of Veterans Affairs invites you to the Career Connector event on Wednesday, October 5 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. hosted at the Near West American Job Center, 700 West 18th Street Chicago, IL.

The Cook County Career Connector program links County veterans to quality jobs and employers to a skilled and diverse talent pool. Attendees will have the opportunity to network and find resources in the following employment fields: IT, healthcare, social services, hospitality, construction, transportation, distribution and more.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/career-connector-for-veterans-a-hiring-career-resources-event-tickets-409977633137

This program is sponsored by Cook County Government and Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership with support from National Able Network and the Illinois Department of Employment Security - IDES.

Veterans, join us at our next Cook County Career Connector event to engage with resource providers and employers with opportunities.

09/20/2022

In observance of Su***de Prevention Awareness Month, Cook County is sponsoring Locked! Space Between Thought and Trigger, an event hosted by the Chicago Heights Vet Center Advisory Council. Veterans and their families will receive a free lockbox to store fi****ms and/or medication.

To register for this free event, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/locked-space-between-thought-and-trigger-tickets-384307462967

Attendees are encouraged to bring special reminders including photos and mementos to put in your box. There will also be music, food, chaplain services, a wellness corner, reiki, art, resources and MORE.

Invite your military/Veteran family and get a free lock box to put space between the thought and the trigger!

09/08/2022

Applications are now open for Cook County's Honor Grants program!

Nonprofit organizations who have experienced significant revenue loss during the COVID-19 pandemic and require support to sustain and expand existing programs for veterans are encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit: cookcountyil.gov/honorgrants

I am proud to announce $1.5 million in funding for Honor Grants, a program spearheaded by the Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs - IL, which will expand programming offered by nonprofit organizations that serve the veteran community and their families. Nonprofits who offer existing programs that provide resources and services to address mental health, education and job placement, home and food security in addition to making benefits more accessible are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit cookcountyil.gov/honorgrants

08/14/2022

United Airlines is hosting their largest career fair on Tuesday, August 16! They are looking to hire various positions including flight attendants, ramp service employees and aircraft maintenance technicians among others. ✈️

When: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: United Center Atrium located at 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60612

Attendees who complete a short registration at the event will be entered for a chance to win two roundtrip domestic United Economy® tickets.

Attendees will also receive a coupon code for 20% off a future United flight.

For more information and to register for this event, visit: https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/company/career/chicago-career-fair.html

Find information about career fairs and hiring events for United Airlines jobs, including flight attendants, corporate positions, airport jobs and more.

08/12/2022

Chicagoland veterans with children and grandchildren in need of school supplies are invited to attend a back-to-school event hosted by 100 Pretty Purses for Female Veterans where 100 backpacks will be given away.

This event is on Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Dining on the Green located at 349 Main Street in Park Forest, IL 60466.

If you are an organization interested in supporting the veteran community, the 100 Pretty Purses team is still accepting donations to surpass their goal of 100 backpacks. To make a donation, contact Jeannetta Johnson at 779-201-0686.

To register for this event and for more information, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/100-pretty-purses-for-female-veterans-2nd-annual-back-to-school-event-tickets-391234341447?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=escb

To all veterans in the Chicagoland area with children, grand children returning to school and in need of school supplies. This is for you!

08/01/2022

United Airlines is hosting a hiring event on Tuesday, August 9! Walk-ins welcome. Visit the Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago hotel located at 9300 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue in Rosemont beginning at 9 a.m. to apply and interview in-person. Please bring two forms of identification.

Cook County veterans not able to make it to this event can also apply online by visiting: www.mycareermoves.com/united

If you have any questions, please call United recruiter Karrie Vach at 650-741-4119.

07/04/2022

Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸

For 246 years, the nation has gathered to celebrate the passage of the Declaration of Independence. To this day, we stand together united to celebrate our independence and shared comradery between veterans of the past, present and future.

This Independence Day, the Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs encourages all residents to enjoy the liberties and sacrifices the brave men and women of this country have afforded.

05/10/2022

In 1999 Congress officially designated the month of May as . The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs would like to remind residents of this patriotic month that pays tribute to current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have played an important role in the history and development of our country. 🇺🇸