VA is Bringing an Economic Development Initiative to Waco
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will host an in-person, three-day Economic Development Initiative (EDI) event titled “Veterans Benefits and Employment Fair” in Waco, Texas. This event is for Veterans, service members, and their family members. It will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT November 19th and 20th. Both days will be at the Waco Convention Center located at 100 Washington Ave, Waco, Texas.
No DOD ID is required, and parking is FREE! Keep scrolling for more details and the opportunity to register for the event.
On November 21st, the event will move to the Veterans One Stop, located at 2010 LaSalle Avenue Ste A, Waco, Texas, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT. This is a special addition to the Economic Development Initiative, which is focused on addressing the needs of homeless and at-risk Veterans in the Waco area.
VA Serves the Entire Military Community
All Are Welcome
VA is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.
As such, our events are open to the entire military community- Veterans and transitioning Service members, their spouses, family members, caregivers, and survivors.
**No DOD ID is required for participation.**
Economic Development Initiative
what is an edi?
Economic Development Initiatives (EDIs) are multiday events aimed at helping the Veteran community understand their VA benefits and establish connections with career opportunities. The events provide:
- Career training and guidance
- Hiring fairs
- Information about benefits
- Information on mental and physical health care options
- Spouse and caregiver resources
- Hands-on help filing benefits claims*
- …and more.
*for those interested in receiving assistance with a VA Disability Claim, please scroll down to make a CLAIMS CLINIC appointment.
Schedule of Events
All times are Central TimeTuesday – Nov 19Day One
08:00 – 08:05
Housekeeping
MC, Mrs. Jennifer Burks, Program Analyst, Outreach, Transition and Economic Development (OTED), Economic Development
08:05 – 08:15
Opening Ceremonies
Colors will be presented by Midway High School JROTC and the National Anthem will be sung by Ms. Farah Burns
08:15 – 08:25
Town Hall: Intro & Welcome
Mr. John Green, Deputy Executive Director, Outreach, Transition and Economic Development (OTED)
08:25 – 08:50
Town Hall Panel
Panelists: Mr. Michael Crouse, Executive Director, Waco Regional Office (Waco RO), Veterans Benefits Administration; Ms. Kalpana Mehta, Acting Executive Director, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System; Mr. Thomas Palladino, Executive Director, Texas Veterans Commission (TVC)
08:50 – 09:05
Town Hall Panel: Q&A
09:05 – 09:15
Town Hall: Closing Remarks
Mr. John Green, Deputy Executive Director, Outreach, Transition and Economic Development (OTED)
09:15 – 09:30
Break
09:30 – 15:00
Claims Clinic/MDEO
Make an appointment below- Waco RO claims processors will assist Veterans and their families who have pre-scheduled an appointment for processing or checking on the status of a disability claim.
09:30 – 15:00
Mobile Vet Center (MVC)
The MVC offers confidential help for Veterans, Service members, and their families at no cost in a non-medical setting. Services include counseling for needs such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST).
09:30 – 15:00
Benefits Fair
Up to 50 Veteran Service Organizations and resource providers will be on hand to assist Veterans and their families with benefits from VA and other agencies.
10:00 – 11:00
Workshop: “Job Fair Strategies”
As part of DOL VETS’ Off-Base Transition Training program, this workshop digs deeper into job fair strategies, how to handle on-the-spot interviews, and actions to take following the event. Presented by Brian Schroepfer Texas Director, DOL Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS).
10:00 – 15:00
Immunization Clinic
Temple VAMC will be offering the Flu shot for Veterans.
10:00 – 15:00
Employment Fair
Up to 50 Veteran-friendly employers will be in attendance ready to speak to job seekers about their open roles, company culture and application process.
11:00 – 12:00
Workshop: “Job Fair Networking”
As part of DOL VETS’ Off-Base Transition Training program, this workshop will provide you with information and activities to effectively prepare you to attend a job fair. You will have a better understanding of the job fair process as well as creating a professional introduction that will help you stand out to recruiters. Presented by Brian Schroepfer, Texas Director, DOL Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS)
13:00 – 14:00
Workshop: “Introduction to Entrepreneurship”
The foundational piece of Boots to Business (B2B). Participants are introduced to the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to launch a business, including steps for developing business concepts, how to develop a business plan, and information on SBA resources available to help. Presented by Mr. Patrick Alcorn, Senior Director, Business Outreach Center, Small Business Administration (SBA).
13:30 – 14:00
Workshop: “What’s Your Money Story?”
A discussion with Freddie Mac and Easter Seals on the VOYA study on Military Veterans and Veterans with Disabilities and the advantages of Down Payment Assistance. Presented by Ms. Monda Webb, Freddie Mac.
14:00 – 14:30
Workshop: “Hands Only CPR”
This is a 30-minute training session teaching a hands-only technique for CPR. Participants will learn how to check for consciousness, call 911 (or the local emergency number) and give continuous chest compressions. CPR training certification is not provided through this course. Presented by Ms. Genet Fleurant, Disaster Program Manager, The American Red Cross.
14:30 – 15:00
Workshop: “Be Red Cross Ready”
This presentation is designed to teach people how to prepare for and respond appropriately to disasters likely to occur in their community such as hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, tornadoes, etc. Presented by Ms. Genet Fleurant, Disaster Program Manager, The American Red Cross.
Wednesday – Nov 20Day Two
08:00 – 08:15
Intro & Housekeeping
MC, Mrs. Jennifer Burks, Program Analyst, Outreach, Transition and Economic Development (OTED), Economic Development
08:15 – 08:20
Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Ms. Shawnta Sampson, Supervisory Program Analyst, Outreach, Transition and Economic Development (OTED), Economic Development.
08:20 – 08:30
Opening Remarks
Mr. Michael Crouse, Executive Director, Waco Regional Office
08:30 – 08:40
Keynote Speaker
Mr. Josh Jacobs, Undersecretary for Benefits, Veterans Benefits Administration
08:40 – 08:45
Q&A with VBA’s Undersecretary for Benefits
Mr. Josh Jacobs, Undersecretary for Benefits, Veterans Benefits Administration
08:45 – 09:00
Break
09:00 – 10:00
Spouse and Caregiver Clinic: Introduction to the Spouse and Caregiver Program
This workshop will provide information on the services offered through Veteran Affairs to Caregivers caring for their Veterans, including an overview of the eligibility criteria/ services offered through the General Caregiver Support Program, and the Comprehensive Caregiver Support Program. Presented by Ms. Judith Bisceglia, LCSW/ Social Work Service, VAMC.
09:00 – 10:00
Workshop: “Job Fair Strategies”
As part of DOL VETS’ Off-Base Transition Training program, this workshop digs deeper into job fair strategies, how to handle on-the-spot interviews, and actions to take following the event. Presented by Brian Schroepfer (TBD) DOL Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS)
09:00 – 15:00
Benefits Fair
Up to 50 Veteran Service Organizations and resource providers will be on hand to assist Veterans and their families with benefits from VA and other agencies.
09:00 – 15:00
Mobile Vet Center (MVC)
The MVC offers confidential help for Veterans, Service members, and their families at no cost in a non-medical setting. Services include counseling for needs such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST).
09:00 – 15:00
Claims Clinic/MDEO
Make an appointment below- Waco RO claims processors will assist Veterans and their families who have pre-scheduled an appointment for processing or checking on the status of a disability claim.
09:00 – 15:00
Employment Fair
Up to 50 Veteran-friendly employers will be in attendance ready to speak to job seekers about their open roles, company culture and application process.
10:00 – 11:00
Spouse and Caregiver Clinic: Chair Yoga
In this workshop, Caregivers will be lead in a session of chair yoga, followed by a mindfulness session. Presented by Ms. Judith Bisceglia, LCSW/ Social Work Service, VAMC.
10:00 – 11:00
Workshop: “Job Fair Networking”
As part of DOL VETS’ Off-Base Transition Training program, this workshop will provide you with information and activities to effectively prepare you to attend a job fair. You will have a better understanding of the job fair process as well as creating a professional introduction that will help you stand out to recruiters. Presented by Brian Schroepfer, Texas Director, DOL Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS)
13:00 – 15:00
Workshop: “Is Your Financial House in Order?”
This session will cover key concepts such as budgeting, debt management, protection of assets, preparing for retirement, and creating a financial legacy for your loved ones. Presented by Mr. Tim Bosworth and Ms. Jessica Walgenbach, Financial Analysts, Prudential
14:00 – 15:00
Workshop: “Building Wealth Through Saving and Investing”
This workshop will highlight the importance of building wealth over time through saving and investing. It will include a discussion of 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) as important building blocks of investing that provide tax advantages, how diversification can reduce the risk of investing, how investors can protect their nest eggs from investment scams and fraudsters, the risk of crypto asset investments and considerations when using investing apps and free resources available on the SEC website. Presented by Mr. Tom Manganello, Senior Counsel, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of Investor Education and Advocacy.
14:45 – 15:00
Days 1 & 2 Overview
MC, Mrs. Jennifer Burks, Program Analyst, Outreach, Transition and Economic Development (OTED), Economic Development
Floor Plans
Waco Convention Center- upper level
Waco Convention Center- lower level
