Veteran Reintegration Program

promoting wellness in our returning veterans and their families

Dear Veterans, Veteran family members, and current Military Vets and families:

My name is Rick Beaver. I am a Vietnam Vet and the President of the Board of People House in Denver. I manage the Veteran Reintegration Program and I want everyone who serves this country to be able to enjoy all the freedoms and opportunities this country has to offer.

People House is dedicated to serving people seeking personal growth. Sometimes this takes the form of training, workshops, individual mentoring, groups, or counseling. Some people are at a point where they are just looking to learn new ways to improve their personal relationships, career, or just enjoy a more productive and happy life. Others have a specific problem in their life they want help with or maybe just someone to talk with and sort out what they would like to change. I want to invite you to consider new offerings in our Veteran Reintegration Program.

Veteran Mentoring is a new program of one-on-one conversations you can have with a Facilitator-trained Veteran, (Ed Rob or myself). We can help you find your own answers to your own questions. Maybe you are at a place where you are not seeing any possibilities. Talking about it can help you see the possibilities in your life if that is what you are looking for. Facilitation works that way. No one really knows more than you about yourself. We don’t know what your answers are but we can help you find them, sort out the issues in your way, and help you formulate your own plan to proceed. We also have a variety of professional resources at People House if you wish to make use of them.

Veteran Group Starting May 9, is a new program that brings veterans who want to support other veterans together and benefit from the support of the group. It is an opportunity to gain insight about yourself through the reflection of the group and contribute to other vets who could benefit from your support. Helping others is a very healing experience.

If you are interested in these programs, please call People House, (303) 480-5130, or Rick Beaver (303) 886-9243 rickbeaver@peoplehouse.org. Also, under Meetup.com at my email address above for a one-on-one Mentor appointment or interest in joining a group. Either service is open to men or women.

PTSD Partners Support Group

PTSD – What is it? How does it look and feel to family, friends and supporters? What can I do to help? PTSD affects the entire family, and the group will be a place where partners/family members can come to discuss their frustrations, problems, and solutions to living with a PTSD survivor. Come, share, and thrive among people who are dealing with the same situation that you have. Join us in an exploratory and empowering support group for people living with, loving and experiencing the effects of Post Traumatic Stress. We'll look at the emotional, psychological, and spiritual aspects of this condition, and learn ways to nurture and support ourselves and our loved ones.

Facilitator: Jeanne Robertson, MA

Dates/Times: Once a month, Wednesdays, June 3, July 1 & Aug.5 ; 7—9pm

Cost: $10 suggested donation to People House

Registration/Information: Jeanne, 303-433-1890; Drop-in to any group.

After the War Zone

"After the War Zone" is a discussion of issues around Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Some of the questions discussed will be: What it is PTSD? Who gets it? What happens to the brain? What kind of treatment is available? and, What can civilians do to help a person with PTSD?

This is a general education seminar and a free "Heart of Service" program. Donations are not required for attendance.

Facilitators: George Christie, MSW & Jeanne Robertson, MA

Dates: Once a month Thursdays, May 7, June 18 & July 16

Times: 7—9pm

Cost: $10 suggested donation to People House

Reservations/Information: George, 303-759-9153; george.christie@sprynet.com or Jeanne, 303-433-1890; jeannerobertson@peoplehouse.org. Drop-in to any group.

Resources

Training for Veteran, Veteran families, and Care Providers
One Freedom: http://www.onefreedom.org
303-444-1221 or 888-334-VETS (8387)

Military Support
Military One Source: http://www.militaryonesource.com 1-800-342-9647
Joint Family Support Assistance Program http://www.coloradoguard.army.mil/family-jfsap.html

Veteran's Administration (VA) and Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs
Colorado & Wyoming http://www.vba.va.gov/ro/denver
Colorado http://www.dmva.state.co.us/page/home

Veteran Centers
Counseling, Suicide line, and outreach for veterans http://www.vetcenter.va.gov
Colorado http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/state.asp?dnum=ALL&STATE=CO

Veteran Organizations (Non-Government) Boulder
Veterans Helping Veterans NOW http://www.vhvnow.org
List of hundreds of Veteran Organizations and locations http://www.vetsresource.com

Colorado Human Resources by County
http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/dmh/Documents/Disaster_RP_ScialSvc.doc

Operation TBI Freedom
A program of Denver Options, provides free Care Coordination for returning military with traumatic brain injuries in Colorado. www.operationtbifreedom.org.

Clinical Criteria for PTSD

There are many possible symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and a diagnosis by a trained clinician is required in order to rule-out other disorders. However, the following possible symptoms are listed as part of the DSM-IV-TR criteria for PTSD:

For a broader description of the clinical criteria for Posttrauatic Stress Disorder, you can visit the Veterans Affairs PTSD fact sheet page at http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/fs_dsm_iv_tr.html.

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