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COMPREHENSIVE HOMELESS ASSISTANCE PROVIDERS C.H.A.P. Regular Meeting January 22, 2015 Chuck Charleston from ISH/NAV gave us a presentation regarding their Medical Social Work Department (MSWD). The MSWD focuses on core values: service, social justice, dignity, and worth of a person, importance of human relations, integrity and competence. They have various social work practice theories to help identify the need and to address social problems. Some of those practices are: human behavior using the PET system, systems perspective, life course, holistic, active listening and supportive presence. One of the most important aspects of their program is the cultural perspective. Staff need a working knowledge of the client’s cultural beliefs or the program will not be effective. Their program services include patient screening, assessment and evaluation, family facilitation, crisis intervention, advocacy, case finding and outreach, community collaboration and health promotion. Linda Shannon from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) gave us a presentation on the New Mexico Veterans Justice Outreach Project (VJO). This project began in 1999 to assist Veterans facing issues in the criminal justice system and to help them access treatment. The VJO reaches out to the courts and attorneys, law enforcement and jails. They provide these various entities information, education and training about Veterans’ issues, strategies and services available. They have teamed with DNA Legal Services to offer clinics to veterans that are in need of civil services. The next clinic is tentatively to be held on March 16, 2015. The director of the NM VA Health Care System will be here on February 4, 2015 at the Veterans Administration if anyone is interested. Anyone interested in their project or need more information regarding clinic dates and times can visit their website at www.va.gov/homless/vjo or call Linda at 505‐270‐7691. Julie Baird, City of Farmington gave an overview of the Civility First Four Corners Program that was launch on January 16, 2015 and will have it presented at the next meeting. She will also be asking Brandon Stam to present regarding the CDBG. Updated the attendees on the webpage progress, asking them to email their websites/pictures/logos to us if there would like to be acknowledged on the CHAP webpage. Next meeting will be held on March 26, 2015.