IJF

Mission Brief

May 2024

FINANCIAL WELLNESS

Improving your financial wellness is about practicing better money habits, setting goals, and taking steps to achieve them. These steps do more than impact your bank account – financial wellness also contributes to stronger mental and physical health. When you feel financially secure, you will be less stressed and can live life more comfortably. Whether you are active-duty, preparing for civilian life, or are a Veteran, here are some tips to build a strong, lasting financial foundation.

Get organized. Track spending by making daily lists of how money is spent.
Create a financial plan to document where money is spent and ways to reduce expenses or manage money more efficiently.
Recognize spending habits during times of stress, such as emotional eating, drinking, shopping, and gambling. Choose alternative social activities that minimize opportunities for impulsive spending.
Ask for support. Research shows that having a support system can help you reach your goals.
Ask for military discounts. Many businesses, especially those around military installations, offer discounts with valid military identification.

IJF CARE COORDINATION CENTER (CCC) - Available 24/7/365

Before a problem becomes a crisis, IJF can help. The CCC is also available to family members. To request assistance, call:

833-INFO IJF (463-6453)

or online: illinoisjoiningforces.org/get-help.

IDVA NEWS & UPDATES

See what's happening at the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs here.

A Message from IJF Executive Director, Brenda Osuch

May is designated as National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM) – an entire month reserved for celebrating, remembering, and honoring our Veterans, Service Members, and their Families (SMVF). Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a day to honor members of the military who were killed in service, both during deployments overseas or in training and service in the U.S. I hope you will join me in honoring the sacrifices of our fallen service members and the courageous individuals who served beside them.

At IJF, it is important to us that we learn the best way to recognize and honor those who served, beyond ‘thank you for your service.’ IJF launched a brief survey to best understand how Veterans prefer to be thanked for their service. I invite you to share this survey with all Veterans in your life. Responses will be collected through July 4.

In this newsletter, you will also find details for our upcoming Regional Summits and highlights from our Southern Illinois Regional Summit and our 2024 Annual Summit. The events were great successes, and we are so thankful for all who joined us to connect, collaborate and support the Illinois SMVF Community.

Finally, updates on the IJF team. Please join me in welcoming the newest member to the IJF team! Amanda Depew joined us in late January as our Southern Region - Education, Outreach, and Community Engagement Specialist and will focus her efforts on growing partnerships in the Southern Illinois region. We look forward to Amanda meeting many of you in the months ahead.

IJF continues to grow! We are currently looking to hire a Central Region – Education, Outreach, and Community Engagement Specialist and an additional member of the Care Coordination Team. If you know of an Illinois Veteran who lives in Central Illinois who is passionate about serving the Illinois SMVF Community, please have them apply now!

On behalf of Illinois Joining Forces, during this National Military Appreciation Month, I thank all who have and continue to serve our country.

Warm regards,

Brenda Osuch

No one organization can do it all. But together we can do anything.

IJF FEATURE

Event Highlights

2024 IJF Annual Summit: Operation Connect Illinois

On May 1st, over 130 service providers and industry leaders from across Illinois came together for IJF’s 2024 Annual Summit: Operation Connect Illinois, held in Schaumburg. This year’s event focused on ‘Collaboration,’ and it was a wonderful day full of inspiring conversation, idea-sharing, and meaningful connection among partners with a shared goal of elevating support for the Illinois SMVF community. Thank you to all who joined us for this important day. A special thanks to our 2024 Annual Summit sponsors for their support and generosity: The Duchossois Family Foundation, the Staff Sargent Fox Suicide Prevention Grant and Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs.

Southern Illinois Regional Summit and Military & Veterans Night Out

We had a fabulous time at our Southern Illinois Regional Summit and Military & Veterans Night Out, held February 23rd in O’Fallon, Illinois at Gateway Classic Cars. Our Summit brought more than 50 partners across the local community and Veteran-supporting organizations to discuss ways to better collaborate and meet the needs of SMVF. Later that evening, we were thrilled to welcome more than 80 Veterans and Military Personnel for a memorable evening filled with camaraderie and appreciation. The evening included a dinner, resource fair, and a tour of the car museum—all provided free of charge to Veterans, military personnel, and their families. We are grateful for the generous support of the Staff Sargent Fox Suicide Prevention Grant, which made these special events possible.

Join us at our upcoming events!

Our work at Illinois Joining Forces is made possible thanks to our generous partners and supporters. Help make a difference in the lives of our Veteran community by giving a gift today.

Give a Gift Today

ILLINOIS JOINING FORCES | www.illinoisjoiningforces.org