About CCVIP
Board of Directors
*Frank A. Valenti, Jr. - President
Ann Gilbert - Secretary
John Woodley - Treasurer
Donna-Jean Shybunko
* Retired Military or Veteran
Executive Director
*Jason R. Sidock
Our History
In 2010, our current Board President Frank A. Valenti Jr., while Director of Carroll County Department of Human Services (DSS), conducted an interview with Carroll County Times regarding his position. In the interview he shared that he was a veteran who was interested in veteran issues. When the newspaper article was released a man by the name of “Mad Dog” (Mike) Sater, who happened to also be Veterans Service Officer (VSO) reached out to Frank to talk about how they could come together and support veterans in Carroll County. Mike and Frank formed a friendship. Out of that friendship and through a desire to support veterans, Frank offered Mike a space to work and help veterans at DSS, especially in the area of VA claims. As veterans’ health care needs became more apparent, they set up a meeting with VISN 5, the VA Capitol Health Care Network, to hopefully bring health care services to Carroll County. Unfortunately, this fell through. Even with this bad news, they did not give up on their vision to help veterans access health care. With the help of commissioners Doug Howard and Louise Tinker, they established three main objectives for helping veterans in the area. They were the Carroll County Veterans Transportation Shuttle to help veterans reach health care facilities, hiring part time VSOs to help veterans with their VA claims, and to create the Carroll County Veterans Advisory Council (VAC) which would meet monthly to discuss issues affecting veterans in the community. With these new objectives Mike and Frank went to VISN 5 once more but were again declined assistance. They did not let this prevent them from remaining determined to find a solution. Upon Mike’s death in July 2015, Frank became more determined than ever to make their vision a reality. In July 2016, the Veterans Advisory Council was shown the old USAR building in Westminster where they could have temporary and transitional housing through the means of tiny homes. Then in September of 2017, Carroll County Veterans Independence Project (CCVIP) was born. It was at this time that Frank became the president of the CCVIP board of directors. Although CCVIP made many efforts to obtain the land, it did not work out. Again, veterans needed help and Frank and the board stayed determined to find a way to do it. Finally in late 2020, a space for CCVIP was found at 95 Carroll Street, Suite 104, Westminster, MD. With a facility came new responsibilities in the delivery of services to the veterans of Carroll County. In Jan 2021, the CCVIP board of directors, brought Jason R. Sidock on as the executive director. Although the current facility does not have space for housing, CCVIP opened its doors to the public in February 2021 and started delivering services and programing to the veterans and their families in Carroll County and surrounding areas. CCVIP held its grand opening on June 14, 2021. Fully up and running and executing its mission of providing advocacy and assistance for veterans and their families by utilizing the vast network of partners has led to positive outcomes for veterans and their families.
Our Mission
Providing advocacy and assistance for veterans and their families by utilizing our vast network of partners leading to positive outcomes for veterans.
Our Goal
Provide a safe and secure community-based setting where veterans and their family members can commit to accepting support to receive earned benefits and assistance toward transitioning into their communities as productive citizens.
Services
- One-on-one intake assessment of needs and case management
- Validation of earned benefits and programs available
- Shelter and transportation on an as-needed basis
- Physical, mental health, and substance abuse care based on assessment
- Emotional and social well-being awareness and training
- Job education and training
- Mentoring and volunteering opportunities in local communities
Partner Support
We are most grateful and thankful for broad and multi-level support, including our elected and appointed Federal, State, County and municipal officials. We remain fully engaged with State and County service agencies, nonprofits, veteran service organizations, and service clubs with which will optimize our collective services. In addition, we are fortunate to have interest from public and private businesses and foundations, as well as faith-based organizations and private individuals already providing in-kind and financial support.
Funding
Donations can continue to be made through this website, as well as by check payable to CCVIP, Inc.
Our mailing address is:
95 Carroll Street, Suite 104
Westminster, MD 21157