HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-13 9:00 AM - Veterans Advisory Board - Minutes Veteran's Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
Kittitas County, Washington
Commissioners' Auditorium
Regular Meeting
THURSDAY 9:00 AM MARCH 13, 2025
Board Members Present:
Ruben Cardenas,Jeff Leichleiter,William DeHaven, Ronald Ness, Gayle Scott, Brett Wachsmith (Chair)
Excused: Kristin Ashley
Others: Emma Madland (Clerk- remote), Kasey Knutson, Candi Blackford,Timothy Paxton, Eddie Vader,
Stephanie Bohman (Habitat for Humanity), Nick Nelson (Habitat for Humanity), Mark Hollandsworth
(HopeSource)
1. Meeting called to order at 9:00 AM.
2. Citizen Comments-None
3. Approval of Minutes
MOTION TO APPROVE DECEMBER 12, 2024 MINUTES: William moved to approve December
minutes.Jeff second. Motion carried to approve December 12, 2024 minutes.
4. VSO Update
Timothy Paxton and Eddie Vader gave the board updates on the veteran programs and current
data.There are 31 veterans actively getting benefits, and 23 currently inactive. Voucher
distribution has been adjusted to 4 per month. A variety of outreach efforts have been initiated
and participated in. Candi Blackford noted that Eddie will be taking a more regional role now to
support more veterans remotely. Candi also gave an update on vendor contracts being finalized.
5. Other Business
BVlaws Discussion:
Kasey Knutson brought a copy of the draft bylaws for the members to review and offer feedback.
There will be a revised version shared at the June meeting for approval.
New Member Application:
Kasey Knutson shared that there is currently one vacancy on the board and one application that
has been received.The board discussed whether to form a subcommittee or to vote as a group
in June.
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12/16/2024 MINUTES
Elect Vice-Chair for 2025:
Ruben Cardenas was nominated to be Vice-Chair. He accepted the nomination.
MOTION TO ELECT RUBEN CARDENAS AS VICE-CHAIR FOR 2025: William moved to elect Ruben
as vice-chair.Jeff second. Motion carried to elect Ruben Cardenas as vice-chair.
Event for men and women who served during the Global War in Terrorism:
Brett Wachsmith gave a brief description of this topic but did not go in depth due to lack of time.
Habitat For Humanity Presentation:
Stephanie Bohman, Habitat for Humanity, gave a presentation about the services and programs
they have to offer. She gave a review of the 2024 numbers, discussed the Aging in Place program,
and offered insight into the land trust housing model and how it helps people obtain
homeownership. Gayle Scott brought up a barrier that some veterans may be facing: lack of
homeowners' insurance. She noted that if it were a requirement for the Aging in Place program
it would limit accessibility. Nick Nelson joined Stephanie and offered updates from the
construction side for their current and upcoming housing developments.
Whole-Person Care (HopeSouree):
Mark Hollandsworth, HopeSource, gave a presentation on their holistic approach to services,
Whole-Person Care. He spoke on how this differs from traditional service navigation to better
support everyone as an individual. He showed the group how to apply for services and gave an
overview of what is offered (Shelter and housing,veterans' services, transportation, energy
assistance, weatherization, youth scholarships, and Hope University).
6. Meeting concluded at 10:08 AM
KITTITAS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH KITTITAS COUNTY,WASHINGTON
DEPARTME T CLERK
Emma Madland re chsmith,Chairman
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