The Veteran

August Newsletter

Deadline to apply: September 4th, 2024

Looking for a job that will support your Fall class schedule? How about tax-free pay, flexible hours, and a fun, supportive environment?

Well, look no further, because the VRC is hiring VA Work-Studies for Fall 2024! To qualify, you must be enrolled in classes full-time and utilizing an education benefit with at least a year left on said benefit. The deadline to apply is September 4th, 2024. Click the links below for more info!

Deadline to Apply: September 4th, 2024

The VRC is seeking a student employee to start on September 16th, 2024, for up to 25 hours per week. As the VRC Project Assistant, you'll work closely with our work-study employees, media coordinator, center coordinator, and director. Your responsibilities will include event planning, data entry, social media management, answering phones, updating calendars, and collaborating on various projects. You do not need to be using a VA education benefit to qualify for this position.

Interested? Apply on Handshake through the official job posting, listed under "Veterans Resource Center Project Assistant!" Email vrccoord@pdx.edu with any questions.

11:00-2:00 | Oct 1st, 2024

The VRC Open House will be a great opportunity to explore our space, meet fellow Veterans, and connect with key community partners like the Oregon VA. Curious about what we have to offer? Stop by and get to know the resources available to support you!

9:30-11:00 AM | Every Wednesday

Join us once the Fall term starts each week for Coffee Talk at the VRC! Come enjoy free hot coffee, some snacks, and the chance to relax with other students and Veterans. Whether you're looking to chat, make new friends, or just take a break, we'd love see you there!

Heather Day-Melgar

Heather Day-Melgar (she/they) is joining the VRC with a wide and varied educational and professional background. She obtained an M.S. in geography from Portland State University with an emphasis in urban climate change mitigation and adaptation in the PNW, and previously held a B.A. in psychology with 13 years of social work experience.

As a social worker, she specialized in community mental health and emergency medical social work, and has a lot of experience working with veterans and the VA in those realms. She has also worked in the wellness industry, and is a certified yoga instructor. She has many years of experience and leadership in DEI initiatives and social justice action, including helping write the by-laws for the JDEI committee for the geography department at PSU, and is committed to this work in her personal and professional life.

Heather also has special interests in local politics and collaborative leadership, and serves as a voting member on the Portland Utility Board. She is excited and inspired to be at the Veterans resource center, and enjoys working in academia.

For the duration of the Summer 2024 term, the VRC will be open Monday - Friday 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with Fridays being virtual. This means the physical space will be closed on Fridays, but we can still be reached by phone, email, Discord, or through the Zoom virtual front desk. Feel free to stop by and say hello!