Partner Spotlight/Resources - Sept 2023
IJF Mission Brief - September 2023 - The Aurora Vet Center
IJF is proud to feature the Aurora Vet Center in this month’s Partner Spotlight.
Community-based Vet Centers, often known as the VA’s Storefront Centers, are staffed by Veterans who understand what it’s like to transition. They offer confidential help for Veterans, service members, and their families at no cost in a non-medical setting. Services include: readjustment counseling for needs such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST).
Eligibility for Vet Centers has expanded greatly so take advantage of this local resource for the assistance you need, when you need it. Located at 750 Shoreline Drive Suite 150 Aurora, IL, the Vet Center is open Mon-Fri from 8:00a.m-4:30p.m. Reach out to the IJF Care Coordination 833-INFO IJF (463-6453) to get connected to the Vet Center and other valuable resources in the Aurora Region.
Learn more at www.va.gov/aurora-vet-center/
Partner Spotlight/Resources
IJF Mission Brief - May 2023 - The Road Home Program at Rush
IJF is proud to feature THE NATIONAL CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES AT RUSH – The Road Home Program in this month’s Partner Spotlight.
The Road Home Program (RHP) located in Chicago and Effingham, IL have been a great partner and resource for IJF for our Veterans in need of a holistic approach to behavioral health services. RHP one of a very few organizations that provides no-cost treatments for Veterans (regardless of discharge status) and their families. RHP believes the best approach to the treatment of the Invisible Wounds of War is collaborative and that the Veteran is the most important member of the treatment team.
Road Home Program offers a two-week intensive outpatient treatment program to address symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), combat trauma, military sexual trauma (MST), depression, anxiety, substance use, traumatic brain injuries and more. IOP participants come from all 50 states. Travel, lodging, meals, and treatment are provided at no cost. To learn more about RHP’s IOP, visit their website at https://roadhomeprogram.org/intensive-outpatient-program/
RHP offers excellent, easy to access outpatient services throughout Illinois. Road Home Program offers weekly treatment sessions available in-person or through Video Visits (telemedicine). Services are open to both Veterans and family members. To learn more about RHP’s Outpatient services, visit their website at https://roadhomeprogram.org/outpatient-program/
The Road Home program is part of the Warrior Care Network, one of four academic medical centers chosen by Wounded Warrior Project to discover new paths to healing and long-term wellness for future generations of Veterans and service members.
Illinois Joining Forces is proud to partner with this world-class organization of dedicated and caring professionals. To learn more about the Road Home Program, visit https://roadhomeprogram.org/
Suicide Awareness & Prevention Resources
IJF Mission Brief - Jan/Feb 2023 - The Effects of Loneliness
Winter not only brings cold days and nights, but also social isolation. "We typically think of loneliness as a consequence of depression, rather than a cause."
Below are resources on the effects of loneliness:
Partner Spotlight Resources
IJF Mission Brief - Jan/Feb 2023 - BraveHearts
BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding & Educational Center provides equine assisted activities and therapies to individuals, including U.S. military veterans. Learn more about BraveHearts here
Feature Article Resources
IJF Mission Brief - Jan/Feb 2023 - Health and Wellness
Veterans' interest in meditation, yoga, and acupuncture continues to grow. Many Veterans are looking for alternatives to traditional treatment modalities.
Below are resources on alternative treatments:
https://yogainternational.com/article/view/veterans-and-ptsd/
https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/professional-resources/Yoga.asp
https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/professional-resources/Acupuncture.asp
https://www.research.va.gov/currents/0821-VA-researcher-exploring-meditation-as-a-therapy-for-PTSD.cfm#sidebar
https://veteranlife.com/lifestyle/mindfulness-meditation-for-veterans/
https://www.everydayhealth.com/ptsd/can-meditation-help-veterans-with-ptsd/