Finding the Calm in the Storm: A program for veterans
Challenges facing returning veterans have been described in recent stories on television, in newspapers and magazines. Veterans returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan have high rates of post traumatic stress, homelessness and suicide. Needs are overwhelming available resources to treat these symptoms. Though only a small percentage of all veterans are experiencing this kind of devastation, studies also show that most active combat veterans are returning with some level of trauma as they re-enter the life they left behind.
The Brookfield Institute launched its new initiative entitled, “Finding the Calm in the Storm” to provide a variety of programs for local veterans, their families and friends. The development of the program began in October 2007 with a workshop in trauma healing for local service providers such as social workers, pastors and medical personnel, led by professors at Eastern Mennonite University. Eastern Mennonite (http://www.emu.edu/cjp/star/trauma-healing-seminars) is a leading research institute in the field of trauma healing for those who have wounds of war. The second level of training was offered in April 2008.
In the spring and summer of 2008, Brookfield Institute staff conducted a needs assessment for our local area, contacting and meeting with veterans and their families, and service providers to military families September to assist in honing the kind and mode of services offered.
The Institute offers two levels of services, one level provides resources and education for family members and community members to support returning veterans. The other level of services will be direct support to veterans. The Institute plans to offer both individual trauma therapy and group support for veterans. See our Military family page for more detail.
Community members can help with this new venture. The Institute is seeking the names of veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan and their families. Also, the Institute hopes to train Viet Nam veterans, who have processed their own post traumatic stress, in order to assist with the workshops and programs of the Institute.
If you know of any Iraq or Afghanistan veteran who would like to participate in our needs assessment, please contact us at brookfield.institute@gmail.com or 413-477-1015. Viet Nam veterans who would like to receive training and be a leader in this program are also encouraged to contact the Institute.
