Veterans Summit
Since 2019 Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy has led the Lean Forward initiative with the goal of advancing treatment for justice-involved veterans in Ohio. Each fall, the Lean Forward initiative hosts a Veterans Summit bringing together stakeholders such as courts, treatment providers, and other community partners from around the state with the mission to serve those who served. This year, the 11th Annual Veterans Summit will take place on Thursday, November 20, 2025. Registration in the fall of 2025.
The Lean Forward initiative seeks to advance treatment for justice-involved veterans in Ohio. Each year, the Veterans Summit convenes judges, magistrates, probation officers, and other court personnel, along with other community stakeholders with the mission to serve those who served. This year’s conference focuses on specialized dockets and supportive services for available for veterans, including civil legal services, employment resources, and innovative and community-based resources.
| WHEN: | November 20, 2025 |
| WHERE: |
Villa Milano Banquet & Conference Center NOTE: You may attend this conference in person or virtually. |
| WHO: |
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| COST: |
This training is free. |
| REGISTRATION: |
Please register at OhioCourtEDU. If you have never taken a course offered by the Supreme Court’s Judicial College, you will need to “Create an Account”. Non-court personnel will need to select “ALL OTHERS” for your account type. IN PERSON ATTENDEES: Register for the “Lean Forward Veterans Summit 2025 IN PERSON” VIRTUAL ATTENDEES: Register for the “Lean Forward Veterans Summit 2025 VIRTUAL” |
| CLE/CEUs |
5.50 hours of continuing legal education and continuing education for social workers, counselors, and marriage and family therapists have been requested. |
| QUESTIONS: |
The Supreme Court of Ohio, Court Services Division |
| 8 - 8:30 a.m. | Registration |
| 8:30 - 9 a.m. | Welcome & Introductory Remarks |
| 9 - 10:30 a.m. |
Emerging Trends in Veterans Specialized Dockets: Insights from the Field Veterans Specialized Dockets continue to evolve in response to the unique needs of justice-involved veterans. This session will present findings from a recent survey of Ohio Veterans Specialized Docket, highlighting key trends, innovations, and challenges faced by these programs. The session will also provide a platform for discussion on how these trends can inform future policy, practice, and collaboration across systems. |
| 10:30 - 10:45 a.m. | Break |
| 10:45 - 11:45 a.m. |
Innovative Pathways to Healing: Programs Supporting Veterans Veterans often carry the invisible wounds of service—trauma, addiction, and isolation. This session highlights innovative programs that offer transformative support tailored to veterans’ unique experiences. Participants will learn about Save A Warrior’s integrative healing model, Fieldstone Farm’s equine-assisted therapy, and Veteran Companion Animal Services’ pet placement and support. Through these examples, attendees will explore how community-based and court-integrated services are reshaping recovery and reintegration for veterans. |
| 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Lunch & Networking |
| 12:30 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Remarks by Major General John C. Harris, Jr., Director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services |
| 12:45 - 2:00 p.m. |
Civil Legal Services Supporting Veterans’ Stability & Justice Veterans often face complex legal challenges that can impact their housing, employment, health, and overall well-being. This session explores innovative legal service models designed to meet the unique needs of veterans, including Ohio Legal Help’s accessible online resources, the work of legal aid organizations, and the Veterans Justice Program at Legal Services for Veterans. Presenters will share how these programs provide critical support in civil matters, collaborate with courts and community partners, and empower veterans to navigate the legal system with confidence. |
| 1:45 - 3 p.m. |
Connecting Veterans to Vital Support: Relink Ohio’s Resource Network Veterans navigating challenges such as addiction recovery, housing instability, mental health needs, or reentry after incarceration often struggle to find timely and appropriate support. Relink Ohio offers a powerful, geo-location-driven platform that connects veterans to essential services across the state. This session will explore how Relink Ohio’s searchable database helps veterans and service providers access resources for basic needs, legal assistance, trauma recovery, and more. Participants will learn how to use the platform effectively and discover ways to integrate Relink Ohio into their own outreach efforts. |
| 3 - 3:15 p.m. | Break |
| 3:15 - 4 p.m. |
Empowering Veterans Through Employment: OhioMeansJobs Transitioning from military to civilian employment can be challenging, but Ohio offers a robust network of support to help veterans succeed. This session will explore how veterans can leverage OhioMeansJobs and the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services (ODJFS) to access job training, career counseling, resume assistance, and priority placement services. Participants will learn about veteran-specific programs, OhioMeansVeteranJobs.com Tools & Resources including expedited licensing, credit for military experience, and the Veterans Workforce Services initiatives. The session will also highlight how these resources align with federal programs like the Jobs for Veterans Act to ensure veterans receive priority access to employment and training opportunities. |
Resource Links:
Veterans Summit
Contact Information
Supreme Court of Ohio
65 South Front Street
Columbus, OH 43215-3431
Director:
Stephanie Graubner Nelson, Esq.
Manager:
Kyana Pierson, Esq.
Program Assistant:
Sheila Lovell