Fedcap Veterans, Friends and Family Recharge at Great Pond Outdoor Adventure

Fedcap Veterans, Friends and Family Recharge at Great Pond Outdoor Adventure

Great Pond, Maine – From June 6 through June 8, the Fedcap Veterans team, along with friends and family, spent a weekend together at the Great Pond Outdoor Adventure Center. The retreat offered a chance to step away from the day-to-day and reconnect with one another in one of Maine’s most peaceful and scenic settings.

Surrounded by forest and lake views, the group stayed in a mix of cabins, yurts, and cottages. The time was used for both relaxation and recreation, with activities including fishing, swimming, foosball, and enjoying time around the fire. Some took quiet walks through the woods, while others paddled across the calm waters of Great Pond. Children and adults alike made use of the recreation hall, played games, and shared stories over meals.

The retreat, which the team called an “expedition,” was a chance to step back, recharge, and strengthen connections. The setting, paired with a relaxed and supportive atmosphere, made it easy to unplug, be present, and enjoy the simplicity of time together.

“This weekend gave us the space to step back, take a deep breath, and just enjoy being with one another. It reminded us that taking care of ourselves and each other is just as important as the work we do every day,” said Brian Cummings, Director of Veteran Services at Fedcap Veterans.

As the group returned home, many carried with them a renewed sense of connection and calm. It was more than just a weekend away. It was a moment to pause, reflect, and return recharged for the work ahead.

Fedcap Veterans Joins National Conversation on Ending Veteran Homelessness

Fedcap Veterans Attends 2025 National Coalition for Homeless Veterans Annual Conference

Washington, D.C. | May 27–30, 2025

Several members of the Fedcap Veterans team recently attended the 2025 National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. This year’s event marked 35 years of national progress in the effort to end veteran homelessness. The theme, “Honoring the Past, Building the Future,” brought together hundreds of veteran service providers, federal and local leaders, and housing advocates from across the country.

Over three days, our team engaged in targeted sessions, peer discussions, and strategy workshops that offered timely insights and ideas we can bring back to our work in Maine.

Key Insights from the Conference

• The Housing First model continues to serve as the foundation of effective veteran homelessness programs. We also saw a growing emphasis on prevention—interventions that address housing instability early, including legal assistance, landlord mediation, and rental arrears support. These are tools we are considering in our efforts to keep veterans stably housed.
• Aging veterans are facing unique challenges. The sessions made clear that many communities are working to adapt services to meet those needs, including accessible housing, coordinated medical care, and social connection. These lessons are directly applicable to several of the regions we serve.
• Veterans who shared their personal stories offered important reminders about the human side of this work. Their voices highlighted the importance of designing services that are person-centered, trauma-informed, and flexible to individual needs.
• We were encouraged to see that the most successful efforts across the country are being built through collaboration. Whether it’s housing authorities, workforce boards, or healthcare providers, integrated efforts are producing the strongest results.
• There has been national progress in reducing veteran homelessness, but the urgency remains. The conference made clear that staying focused on measurable outcomes, removing barriers, and improving service coordination will continue to be essential.

Strategies for Talent, Funding, and Impact

Several members of our team also attended Advancing Veterans Nonprofits: Leadership Strategies for Talent, Funding, and Impact, a session led by James Seymour, Executive Director at Cape & Islands Veterans Outreach Center. This session was designed for executive leaders of veteran-focused organizations and covered core challenges like staff retention, funding uncertainty, mission focus, and impact measurement. It was expertly presented and highly engaging. Near the end of the session, there was strong interest from attendees in continuing the dialogue, with the suggestion of launching a quarterly virtual meeting to keep the conversation going and build a peer learning network.

Looking Ahead

The NCHV Annual Conference left us energized, informed, and more connected than ever. We return to Maine with practical strategies, new relationships, and a renewed commitment to our mission. Fedcap Veterans remains focused on ensuring every veteran we serve has access to stable housing, meaningful employment, and long-term success.

Fedcap Veterans Joins Homeless Veteran Mobile Stand Down

Fedcap Veterans is partnering with local organizations to participate in the Homeless Veteran Mobile Stand Down, a series of events designed to provide essential services and support to homeless veterans across Maine. These events offer veterans a chance to connect with critical resources such as housing assistance, healthcare, employment services, and winter supplies, all in one location.

The Stand Down events are scheduled throughout October, with stops in several cities:

October 2, 2024 – Portland (Hannaford, 295 Forest Avenue)
October 9, 2024 – Lewiston
October 23, 2024 – Bangor
October 30, 2024 – Augusta

Each event runs from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and brings together a wide range of service providers, including the VA Maine Healthcare System, Veterans Benefits Administration, Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services, and Fedcap Veterans, among others. These organizations will be on-site to help veterans with medical check-ups, benefits counseling, food, clothing, and access to housing and employment resources.

The Homeless Veteran Mobile Stand Down is part of a larger statewide effort to ensure that veterans in need are not left behind, especially as winter approaches. For many, this event offers a lifeline, providing immediate access to vital services.

“By bringing these resources directly to veterans, we’re helping them take the next step toward stability,” said Brian Cummings, Director of Veteran Services of Fedcap Veterans. “Our mission is to support veterans through all stages of life, and these Stand Down events are a key part of that effort.”

Fedcap Veterans encourages all homeless veterans in Maine to attend these events and take advantage of the services offered. Veterans can pre-register by calling the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services at 207-287-7019 or emailing HVC.MaineBVS@maine.gov.

This initiative reflects Fedcap Veterans’ commitment to empowering Maine veterans, helping them navigate challenges and build brighter futures.

WGME Coverage (Brian Cummings, Director of Veteran Services speaks at 2:50)