Latest news with #Aultman
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Gadsden State's veterans program relocates to improved space
GADSDEN — The Veterans Upward Bound program at Gadsden State Community College has moved to a larger, more accessible location in the basement of Naylor Hall on the Wallace Drive Campus in Gadsden. The program, previously located in Beck Field House, now occupies a space designed to better serve veterans' unique needs. "The improvements represent our commitment to providing the best possible support to our veterans," said Sarah Aultman, director of Veterans Upward Bound. "After all, our goal is to assist veterans in a seamless transition from military service to civilian life." Veterans Upward Bound is a federally funded TRIO program dedicated to helping veterans achieve academic and career goals. The program provides free services such as assistance with educational benefits, academic preparation, computer skills training, financial management education and help with enrolling at the college or university of their choice. "There are a wide variety of free services provided to those who bravely served our country," Aultman said. "Eligible veterans also have the opportunity to receive a monthly stipend by participating in educational activities through the VUB program." The new VUB office, formerly home to the Alabama Language Institute, has undergone several updates to improve accessibility and functionality. These include a resurfaced ADA-accessible ramp at the main entrance, renovated accessible bathrooms and designated "Veterans Only" parking spaces behind Naylor Hall near the office entrance. The updated space also features a computer lab, a quiet study area and a meeting room for collaboration with community partners. "The new space is not only more accessible, but it also creates a better environment for veterans to focus on their studies, access resources and connect with important community and college partners," Aultman said. "We want to ensure that our veterans have the resources they need to succeed." In addition to the physical improvements, the VUB program is expanding its online Veterans Resource Guide. This comprehensive guide provides information on education, housing, legal services and mental health support for veterans and community members. "We encounter so many wonderful organizations and resources in our work," Aultman said. "This expanded guide is a central place where veterans and community members can easily access information related to the needs they might have. We hope this will empower our veterans to succeed and build stronger connections with positive resources." For more information about Veterans Upward Bound or to access the Veterans Resource Guide, visit
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Bird flu taking mental toll on Ohio farmers, but resources available to help
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — The numbers related the bird flu outbreak are staggering, with nearly 12 million birds killed on Ohio farms alone since Dec. 24. Agriculture officials say it's impacting not just the farms but the farmers themselves. A Darke County commissioner, a farmer himself, is working to make sure people in the community who farm have the mental health resources they need. According to Commissioner Matt Aultman, the bird flu outbreak, hot on the heels of last summer's drought, has put a lot of strain on local farmers. 'Farmers aren't known for weakness,' said Aultman. 'We try to be a strong group of people.' With bird flu hitting 1st Ohioan, what are the symptoms and how is it treated? He said that he knows what it's like to go through a difficult time when much of your day gives you too much time to contemplate. 'When you spend six, seven, eight hours by yourself, you kind of overthink things,' said Aultman. 'I'm a big overthinker myself, and you kind of get in your own head with everything.' 'We Got You Back' program for farmers Aultman said he's made it part of his mission to let fellow farmers know they are not alone. 'No matter how dark yet, there are resources and support out there to help you get to tomorrow,' he said. Brian Baldridge, director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, said that with the bird flu outbreak in the Miami Valley, it's logical for farmers to feel additional stress. Former CDC director predicts bird flu pandemic: What to know 'We're depopulating them because of an outbreak,' said Baldridge. 'There's a lot of stress and mental aspects and financial strains that goes on through this process.' Stressful times such as these are why the Ohio Department of Agriculture teamed with the Farm Bureau and Ohio State to launch the 'We Got Your Back' program. The website for the program provides a list of free mental health resources designed just for farmers. 'In the ag community, we're a small, small group of people when you look at the population of actual farmers,' said Baldridge. 'Putting together those resources that are easier, accessible, is our goal and just bringing people together and again bringing more attention to this topic.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
