Integrated Polymer Solutions (IPS)’s Post

Hayley Ann Boswell ⭐️This hit me. Our eldest is onto her 7th school and all four of our children have faced challenges with their education due to being Defence Kidz. Thankfully, they have also thrived. As Defence families, we do not get to pick where we live. The amount of times some snarky person on the phone has said to me, "Why didn't you have them on the wait list from birth?" We, as Defence families, don't get that luxury. How about priority of placement for Defence Kidz in ALL childcare centres. Who needs respite more than a Defence spouse doing it solo? How about State School of CHOICE? We don't get to pick where we live, so how about allowing us to pick the State school that best suits our child regardless of catchment area? Small actionable outcomes that would give Defence families a little bit of power to determine the best educational outcomes for their children. These options are already available to at risk children, so the framework is there. How about our Defence Kidz?

The #Florida House and Senate declined to allocate $25,000 in funding for the Healthy Widowhood Project as part of their 2024-2025 budget appropriations, a decision that has been met with considerable disappointment. In contrast, initiatives aimed at supporting solo parents and solo fathers, including those in the military, have been granted millions in appropriations. This discrepancy highlights a concerning disparity: while support is available for military and civilian #widowers (male), civilian #widows (female and largest demographic) are left without similar resources. Widows to widowers are 4 to 1 in Florida. Despite being the sole FL #advocacy group pushing for widow support initiatives, our efforts—ranging from in-person meetings to extensive email campaigns directed at legislative representatives—have repeatedly been overlooked, even in the aftermath of a pandemic that has significantly increased the number of #widows. #widowadvocate #widowsupport

BIG NEWS for veterans, their caregivers—and those with a financial interest in Home Care and Caregiver Services ;) H.R.542 - Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act of 2023 PASSED HOUSE. Next: U.S. Senate. I’ve been following this Act and its key players for a while now, and a significant portion of my manuscript deals with the details of this legislation. In summary, “The total cost of providing services or in-kind assistance in the case of any veteran described in subparagraph (B) for any fiscal year under the program may exceed 100 percent of the cost that would otherwise have been incurred as specified in paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines, based on a consideration of clinical need, geographic market factors, and such other matters as the Secretary may prescribe through regulation, that such higher total cost is in the best interest of the veteran.” If I snag some free time and there’s interest, I’ll put out an article on it.

"Today, on International Firefighters' Day, we honor the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. Your selflessness and courage are deeply appreciated. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. #InternationalFirefightersDay #Heroes #DigitalPublication #AcademicJournal #OpenAccessJournal #PeerReviewed #ResearchJournal #SocialScienceJournal #MedicalJournal #TechJournal #EducationJournal #HealthJournal #ArtJournal #Literaturejournal

Imagine a place where the silent sacrifices of military families are not only recognized but also actively supported. Where nature's tranquility heals, and the collective voice of a community advocates for the unseen and unheard. This is the story of the Betsy Eves Group—a narrative of how passion, when paired with purpose, can ignite a beacon of hope for military spouses, caregivers, and their families. But why does this work matter? Because behind every uniform, there is a family—a network of individuals whose love, resilience, and sacrifices underpin the very freedoms we cherish. Our efforts go beyond mere acknowledgment; they strive to ensure that these families are empowered, supported, and honored not just in words, but in every action we take. The challenges facing military families continue to evolve, and so too must our efforts to support them. Our annual letter is not just a reflection of what we've achieved but a clarion call to action. It's an invitation to join us in this mission of hope, healing, and empowerment. To stand with us as we advocate for change, nurture connections, and celebrate the unwavering spirit of our military families. Download and read our full 2024 Annual Letter today. Let it be a reminder of the impact we can achieve together, and the enduring power of a community united in purpose and compassion. https://lnkd.in/gHC2Q5Vm

🌟 Webinar Alert: Understanding Intimate Partner Violence 🌟 We’ve been approached by many of you to share the recording and PowerPoint presentation from our impactful webinar on May 20. We are pleased to announce that these resources are now available! 🔊 Webinar Title: Understanding Intimate Partner Violence and Family Domestic Violence: Context and Action 📅 Event Date: May 20 🕒 Time: 4:30 PM Featured Speakers: • Dr. Sean Cowlishaw: Explored key concepts of intimate and family domestic violence and their specific implications within Defence and Department of Veterans' Affairs settings. • Commissioner Gwen Cherne: Discussed the real-world impacts of these issues, current initiatives, and future educational prospects. Why You Should Watch: • Deepen your understanding of a critical issue affecting our community. • Engage in transformative discussions that can lead to real change. • Connect with leading experts who are passionate about supporting veteran families. 📽️ Access Recording: https://lnkd.in/eSDeYAAV Presentation: https://lnkd.in/enpJ7kxy This event was hosted by 'Our Space' – Families of Veterans Guild Program, which provides ongoing support to veteran families through various programs and events, fostering a strong community network. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of this vital conversation and help drive social change. Be the change you wish to see. #FDVIPV #DomesticViolence #VeteranFamilies #DefenceFamilies #MilitaryFamilies #ADFFAmilies #Veterans #Defence #ADF #OurSpace #FamilesofVeteransGuild #SocialChange

“The Veterans Justice Act also ensures that when veterans are afforded this opportunity, they will receive treatment and supervision that will help keep them and their communities safe. Drawing on best practices from evidence-based models, such as drug courts, these reforms intervene in ways to meaningfully aid troubled veterans in addressing the roots of their criminal behavior. Legislatures can look to the Veterans Justice Act for guidance on how to embrace standards to allow for the proliferation of tested treatment and supervision strategies, ultimately reducing the odds that veterans with untreated conditions will inflict greater harm on their community and themselves. If we fail to provide more veterans with this opportunity, it could have life-threatening consequences. Veterans are already 1.5 times more likely than the public to commit suicide. Justice-involved veterans, compared to veterans who avoid contact with the justice system, are twice as likely to attempt suicide. More research is needed, but this elevated suicide risk may be linked to many issues that are prevalent among justice-involved veterans, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma. Notably, many of these same issues are also associated with an increased risk of violent behavior and recidivism among justice-involved veterans.” Thank you, Jim D. Seward for your ongoing dedication to our veterans.

Why do children and civilians left without homes, food, water, and without rights ? Why are kids and innocent people killed without real reasons? Why do soldiers die without reasons? Why do soldiers have to leave their land to fight with other soldiers to take over their land? Why do soldiers work overseas, leaving their families in order to defend their country when no one come to attack their country? Why are soldiers' limbs amputated because of war, and nobody takes care of them? Why do soldiers develop psychiatric and mental illness from war and are not given proper treatment and care? Why Soldiers loss their lifetimes to protect others and follow ideas from higher ranks than nobody takes care of their children when they die? Why soldiers are losing their lives and facing unknown destiny while the real problems don’t have any rooted solution just new soldiers are facing the same problems and new civilians are vectimed and so on …. ? Why do soldiers' limbs are amputated because of stupid war, and nobody takes care of them? * Soldiers develop psychiatric and mental illness after war, and they are not given proper treatment and no good health care for them. Why do innocent people and Soldiers loss their lifetimes to protect others and follow ideas from others ? While nobody takes care of their children when they die? Why do soldiers leave their lives and face unknown destiny while the real problems don’t have any rooted solution just new soldiers are going to face the same problems and killing innocent people and children for nothing and so on ….? Finely, soldiers can protect VIPS. Unfortunately, they couldn't protect themselves.

More advocacy if you are interested but please give it a read. It’s important to understand the issue because these solutions are only one steps at times.

News to be Grateful For: Veterans Finding Hope in Tarrant County! In our final feature of the "News to be Grateful For" series, we highlight the compassion of Judge Chuck Vanover and the Veteran Court Team in Tarrant County, Texas. Rather than incarceration, the program offers veterans a lifeline—a rehabilitation program. A Second Chance for Those Who Served: The program puts guilty pleas on hold for veterans who commit to a rehabilitation journey. With mentors, monthly check-ins, and a commitment to staying on the right path, it's a well-deserved second chance. Why It Matters: This program is more than a legal process; it's a lifeline for those who've served our country. It's news to be grateful for—a chance for redemption and rebuilding. Read More: https://ow.ly/F5Xm50QasTs #GratefulJustice #VeteransSupport #SecondChances 🌟