The Staten Island Service Member/Veterans and Families (SMVF) Newsletter

May 2024

Welcome to the SMVF newsletter, which provides listings of resources and events important to the Staten Island community of Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members. If you know of someone who is interested in receiving this newsletter, they can sign up at statenislandpps.org/veterans.

FREE Yoga Classes, In Person and Virtual, by Veterans Yoga Project

Chair Yoga, Breathwork & Guided Relaxation

American Legion Gold Star Post #1365

17 Cannon Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10314

Every Wednesday 12noon - 1:00pm ET

All Veterans & Military Families Welcome

Virtual link available here.


For other Veteran Yoga Project classes, click here.

Fair Start: Improving Health for Veterans and Active Military



The SMVF, SIPPS and Columbia University School of Public Health are collaborating to recruit for a program to improve access to healthy food and health for Staten Island Veterans and Service Members. Healthy food and other services will be offered on a weekly basis at the Cespino-Russo American Legion Post 1544. Please see attached flyer with description and contact information. You can also reach out to Mike Matthews at (917) 613-2645 for any questions.

A Brief Introduction to Suicide Prevention: AFSP NYC with NAMI MYC Staten Island


Suicide can be prevented. This presentation will cover what we know about this leading cause of death, the most up-to-date research on prevention, and what we can all do to fight suicide.


Participants will learn the common risk factors for suicide, how to spot the warning signs in others, and how to keep ourselves, our loved ones and those in our community safe. 


Wednesday, May 8th, 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Richmond University Medical Center, SIPPS Auditorium


Learn more here.

Parenting Journey I, Program with Candy Mantilla


Enrollment is open for the Parenting Journey I (PJ1) parenting class with the Staten Island Justice Center (SIJC) for English and Spanish speaking caregivers. PJ1 is a 12-week parenting course recognized by state and private agencies as an effective program for engaging caregivers who are seeking community support and guidance, are at risk of losing their children to foster care, and for all caregivers seeking skills on how to be more effective caregivers. The program is available in English and Spanish with the options for virtual and in-person participation. Please send through any referrals and feel free to reach out with any questions by calling/texting 718-207-4026.


Learn more here.

Free Virtual Event for Recently Separated Veterans and Transitioning Service Members


The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is excited to host a FREE virtual event for the Northeast U.S. Veteran community on May 7 through 9, 2024 (12 – 5 p.m. EST).  Help us connect you with the VA health care and benefits you have earned!  


Learn more here.

Volunteer Opportunity: Beautification Project at the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum


Tuesday, June 25th

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Meetup will be at the Survivor Tree at the 9/11 Memorial


Learn more here.

Military and Veteran Family Fair: May 11th


The New York City Department of Veterans Services and NYC Department of Education is hosting a Military and Veteran Family Fair on May 1st, 2024.  There will be food trucks, music, activities for kids, military family resources, and more! If you or your organization is interested in participating as a food vendor, as a Veteran Resource or as provider of children’s activities, please contact  LDMello@veterans.nyc.gov.


Learn more here.

396th Veterans' Association, Inc. Richmond District 51st Anniversary Luncheon


Saturday, June 1st

11:00 am - 4:00 pm

LiGreci's Staaten


For more information and journal opportunities, click here.

Nourish the Service Essentials Market, Blue Star Families


Family Meeting Center - Fort Wadsworth

2nd Floor

455 USS Tennessee Rd.

Staten Island, NY 10305


2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month

9:00 am - 5:00 pm


Questions? Contact Consuela Rodriguez at (904) 309-1817 or via email at crodriguez@bluetstarfam.org.

Rutland Nursing Home is hiring RNs, LPNs and NPs.


Join them for a hiring event on Thursday, May 9th, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.


Learn more here.

What's New?

Harmonetiks Initiatives, Expansion and Goals for Staten Island 


As we progress through this dynamic year, I am excited to share an update on The Harmonetiks Project’s strategic initiatives and our expanding collaborations that reflect our shared commitment to veteran well-being. Our efforts are aimed not only at empowering veterans but also at integrating successful practices from different regions to enhance our impact.


Building on Foundations in California

Recently, our CEO, Jay Van Schelt, led a significant 3 month mission in California, which has set a new benchmark for what we aim to achieve in places like Staten Island. In California, Jay successfully completed in person training for 2 apprentice guides who had taken The Harmonetiks Projects - Easy Breath online training course. Working out of The Inn Spot community acupuncture clinic that offers free Nada Protocol acupuncture to veterans, active duty personnel, first responders and their families as well, the HEAL Squad was able to  establish many strong community ties, notably with the San Diego Veterans Coalition, the Veterans Mental Health Advocacy Council, local American legion posts and local law enforcement officials. These relationships have not only expanded our network but also enriched our understanding or what is possible by bringing innovative approaches and new resources to the forefront of veteran care.


Integrating with the Warrior Yoga Group

One of our key accomplishments in California was integrating the Easy Breath program by sharing classes with many veterans we met. We were invited to visit the Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado and teach the easy breath there. We also have connected with the Warrior Yoga Group who was devastated by covid and is reconstituting itself and we are helping to integrate them into the local Inn Spot where we are also sharing our 6-week Easy Breath Experience. This collaboration has proven transformative, offering holistic healing practices that combine physical movement with mental and emotional wellness strategies. Inspired by this success, we are eager to replicate and tailor these integrative practices with Clarrisa from the veterans Yoga Group here in Staten Island taking our class.


New Collaborations and Future Plans

As part of the Staten Island Veterans Task Force, The Harmonetiks Project is looking to forge similar partnerships and collaborations locally. Our goal is to adapt and implement the effective strategies we've been introduced to in California, allowing those that resonate with and meet the specific needs of our community here to grow naturally.


This initiative is not just about transplanting a program but about adapting its essence to enrich the supportive network we already have in Staten Island. By collaborating with local organizations and engaging with community leaders, we aim to create a cohesive and supportive environment that reflects our collective mission.


Invitation to Collaborate

We believe in the power of community and the impact of collective efforts. As we plan these new integrations and expansions, we invite all members of the Staten Island Veterans Task Force to join us in this endeavor. Your insights, expertise, and participation are crucial as we tailor our approach to fit our community’s unique needs and aspirations.


A Vision for Staten Island

Our vision for Staten Island is clear: to establish a comprehensive network of support that mirrors the successful outcomes we’ve seen in California. By leveraging the strengths of programs we saw implemented in California like the Blue Envelope Program in the San Diego county and the LA sheriff departments Veteran Mental Health Taskforce we hope to expand the vision and to foster communication and collaborations in a wider way to deepen our impact within the veteran community.


Thank you for your continued support and commitment to this cause. Together, we can ensure that our veterans receive the best possible care and support, paving the way for a future where they can thrive in wellness and dignity.


-Jay Van Schelt

Director, The Harmonetiks Project 501(c)(3)

Staten Island Performing Provider System
1 Edgewater Plaza, Suite 700, Staten Island, NY 10305
(917) 830-1140
SIPPS-contactus@northwell.edu

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