Www.CareForTheTroops.org Addressing The Invisible Wounds of War Cluster Meeting Mission: …...

www.CareForTheTroops.orgAddressing The Invisible Wounds of War

Cluster Meeting

Mission: … facilitating the spiritual and psychological care of returning war

veterans and their extended families

1

Rev. Robert [email protected]

770-977-7473

Peter [email protected]

770-329-6156

Sylvia [email protected]

770-851-9685

Agenda

2* A VFC is a Veteran Friendly Congregation

Time Speaker Topic

CFTT Introductions and Opening Remarks

CFTT Review what CareForTheTroops is and does www.CareForTheTroops.org

Review how congregations can participate

• Congregations can start Military Ministry Programs

• Explain the role of a VFC* and Lead Congregation

• Describe and ask for VFC* Approval Letters

All Open Discussion and Concluding Remarks

http://www.careforthetroops.org/

CareForTheTroops, Inc.

• CareForTheTroops is working to help the military and their extended family members receive mental health services and support from within the civilian elements of our society in the State of Georgia.

• CareForTheTroops is attempting to equip the civilian elements of society e.g. congregation leadership teams, with the capacities to be helpful.

• We are working toward “building a better net” to catch those that need help before they fall too far and reach moments of desperation.

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Causes for Concern

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1. Multiple deployments are common causing stress and family attachment issues

2. An April ‘08 Rand Study reported 37% have either PTSD, TBI, or significant Mental Stress (5% all 3). Some estimate >50% return with some form of mental distress

3. Suicide, alcoholism, domestic abuse and violent crimes rates are rising. Suicide is 33% higher in ‘07 over ’06, 50% higher in ‘08, and almost equal to ‘08 by May of ’09

4. Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is running at 16%-23%

5. In 2008, military children and teens sought outpatient mental health care 2 million times, a 20% increase from ‘08 and double from the start of the Iraq war (‘03)

6. DoD and VA facilities are stretched … the Aug 2009 VA claims backlog is 900,000

7. Many more Reservists & Guard than previous wars (54% as of mid ‘08) and they and families are more distant from DoD and VA support facilities

8. Other mental health, marriage, and family problems often occur with or leading up to PTSD requiring attention so they don’t get worse

9. Rand Study estimates that PTSD and depression among service members will cost the nation up to $6.2 billion in the two years after deployment. The study concludes that investing in proper treatment would actually save $2 billion within two years

Organization

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Current Board of Directors: President Rev Robert Certain, Rector, Episcopal Church of St Peter and St Paul (USAF)Exec Director Peter McCall (USArmy)Member Bill Harrison, Partner, Mozley, Finlayson & Loggins LLP (USAF)Member William Matson, Exec Director, Pathways Community Network, Atlanta, GAMember Alan Baroody, Exec Director, Fraser Counseling Center, Hinesville, GAMember Joseph Krygiel, CEO of Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Atlanta (US Navy)(open) Presbyterian(open) CBF (Cooperative Baptist Fellowship)(open) Lutheran

Current Partners:The Georgia Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (GAMFT)The EMDR Network of Clinicians in GeorgiaPathways Community Network, IncFraser Counseling Center, Hinesville, GeorgiaCatholic Archdiocese of AtlantaCooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) of GeorgiaEpiscopal Diocese of AtlantaPresbytery of Greater Atlanta/Presbyterian Women Lutheran ELCA Southeast Synod

501c3 status has already been approved by the IRS

Mission of CareForTheTroops.org

• Work to improve the ability of the civilian mental health infrastructure in the State of Georgia, then nationally, to work with military family members

• Facilitate connecting military families to providers of spiritual and psychological services familiar with the military culture and trauma

• Focus on addressing combat stress recovery as well as other spiritual and mental health related problems impacting the marriages and families of military veterans

• Educate and train clinicians, congregation and community leaders, extended family, and civilian groups about the military culture and trauma associated with military deployments in order to better assess and treat mental health symptoms, and provide more effective referrals and care

• Provide opportunities for additional trauma treatment training to clinicians

• Operate in an interfaith, non-political manner, focusing on the humanitarian interest that benefits the veterans and their extended family members

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Approach

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Why Congregations

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• “…With research consistently showing that clergy - not psychologists or other mental health experts - are the most common source of help sought in times of psychological distress…” based on a Baylor University study Oct 2008

The results were published in Mental Health, Religion and Culture.

• Congregations already know their local community which is important if we are to address the needs across the entire State (and Nation).

• Often they already belong to a local interfaith community, e.g. the local Covenant Churches of East Cobb

• There is the opportunity to access the existing “networks” within the larger faith communities, e.g. the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta with the help of the Catholic Charities Atlanta network.

Military Ministry

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PurposeThe ministry approach is intended to address all the extended family members associated with the person that is or has been in the military. The ministry has the following goals:

•Help the congregation members maintain an awareness of the existence and needs of those sacrificing their time and effort to support our country

•Create an environment of acceptance within the congregation for any extended family member who worships or visits the congregation; acceptance of their needs (physical, material, and spiritual), and a willingness to join in their struggles, whatever they might be

The Military Ministry is a commitment by the congregation to the military families and to themselves to provide support. It is not a commitment to the CareForTheTroops organization.

Military Ministry

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Each Congregation Can Act on Their Own

The way this is setup:•no faith has to act in any way like another faith•no congregation has to act like another congregation•no congregation has to have a Ministry like any other congregation•every Military Ministry is completely customizable to each congregation's desire to act

This is the Home Page

The menu for Congregation Leaders is opened up.

In this case, selecting the About Congregation Programs page

Top of the About Congregation Programs Page

Click on the picture and this presentation is available

Moving down the same page gets you to the Guide Book info we have introduced in this presentation. It also shows the TOC and the Intro Letter in the document

Clicking on the picture of the book will let you download it.

Military Ministry Programs

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Table of Contents Part 1 – Step by Step Implementation Worksheet ......................................................................... 4

I. Congregational Leaders/Lay Leaders – ................................................................................ 5 II. Lead Congregations ............................................................................................................. 8 III. Additional Notes. ............................................................................................................ 10

Renewal Letter Example ....................................................................................................... 12 Letter from Congregation Leadership to Congregation, Example 1 ..................................... 13 Letter from Congregation Leadership to Congregation, Example 2 ..................................... 14 Letter to a Congregation Member in the Military or Related To One, Example .................. 15 Example of Article in Congregation Newsletter or Email to the Congregation .................... 16

Part 2 – Congregation Program Templates .................................................................................. 18 Program 1: Prayer List Identification - Spiritual Support and Care .......................................... 20

Examples of Day of Worship Bulletin and/or Newsletter Article ......................................... 21 Example 1 of Prayer List used by St. Peter and St. Paul Episcopal Church ........................... 22 Example 2 of Military Deployed List used by St. Peter and St. Paul Episcopal Church ........ 23 Example 3 of Returned Home List used by St. Peter and St. Paul Episcopal Church ........... 24

Program 2: Dedicating An Existing Program To The Military Serving Overseas ....................... 28 Program 3: Care Packages to Deployed Service Members ....................................................... 29

Newspaper Article Where the Care Package Idea was originally described ........................ 33 Program 4: Assistance and Practical Help to Those Inside the Congregation .......................... 34 Program 5: Assistance and practical help to those outside the Parish .................................... 35 Program 6: Writing Our Way Home .......................................................................................... 36

Part 3 - Veteran Friendly Congregations and Lead Congregations ............................................... 40 Veteran Friendly Congregation Designation Program .............................................................. 41 Lead Congregations .................................................................................................................. 43 Lead Congregation vs Veteran Friendly Congregation Responsibilities ................................... 44

Part 4 – Other Program Suggestions, But Not Documented ........................................................ 45

Veteran Friendly Congregation (VFC)

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www.CareForTheTroops.org/about_programs.php

Program RequirementsAny congregation that meets the following criteria qualifies on an annual basis. Once qualified, a certificate will be sent to the Congregation Leader which is suitable for framing and can be displayed in a prominent location so that it can be seen by visitors, members, and leaders of the congregation alike.

“Becoming a VFC is making a commitment to have a Military Ministry”

Annual Criteria•Agree to adopt or implement one or more Military Ministry Programs.

•Agree to advertise the existence of the Military Ministry Program(s) in one or more of your congregation’s publications (service bulletins, newsletters, etc) at least twice a month, all year long so that their existence is easily visible to visitors, members, and leadership of the congregation.

•Annually, renew your agreement with the provisions above by sending a letter to the CareForTheTroops office address shown on the web.

Lead Congregation

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Program RequirementsLead Congregations are the LEADERS in their geography and become the organization responsible for spreading the word about this help. We can't rely on a group in Atlanta to spread this across the State and the Nation.

Annual Criteria•Be an overall advocate and emissary of the CareForTheTroops initiative

•Recruit congregations of all faiths on the merits of developing a military ministry

•Providing feedback to CFTT on how the programs are being used and any improvements that are needed to the documentation

•Feedback on new ideas and programs discovered while speaking with other congregations that they have already implemented

•Assistance to the Regional Trainers with scheduling presentations and events

•Help with fundraising if local foundations or private benefactors are involved. They would not be asked to participate in other parts of the State where other Lead Congregations exist.

Military Ministry Programs - Examples

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• St Peter Chanel Catholic Church Website – Roswell www.stpeterchanel.org/ministry/military/index.html

• Good Shepherd Episcopal – Covington Operation Sandbox

• St Thomas – Columbus www.booksforsoldiers.com

• St Thomas Aquinas – Blue Star Group Banner and Care Packages

• Pens and School Kits initiative Brothers at War Movie http://operationinternationalchildren.com

http://www.stpeterchanel.org/ministry/military/index.html

http://www.booksforsoldiers.com/

http://operationinternationalchildren.com/

VFC vs Lead Congregation Responsibilities

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Responsibilities VFC Lead CongregationEstablish a Military Ministry Team within the congregation X X

Establish at least 1 program approved by CFTT or LC (more desired) X X

Advertise the programs in your congregation all year X X

Provide an annually signed VFC Commitment Letter to CFTT X X

Agree that we can list congregation information on the CFTT site X X

Be an advocate and emissary of CFTT in an agreed to geography X

Recruit congregations of all faiths in the community X

Advise VFCs on how to get started X

Communicate with established VFCs and CFTT quarterly X

Assist Regional Trainers in scheduling training X

Help with fundraising within the geography agreed to with CFTT X

What did we cover?NEXT STEPS …

Reviewed CFTT’s plans for congregations• Congregations to start Military Ministry Programs• Explained the role of VFCs* and Lead Congregations• Described and asked for VFC* Letters• Next Steps …

1. Gain Agreement from the Congregation’s Leadership for the Ministry2. Assign a Ministry Leader3. Recruit and Form a “team”, “group”, “committee”4. Decide which Programs to begin and/or enhance5. Sign-up as a CFTT VFC* – connect with the Lead Congregation6. Consider being a Lead Congregation and work with CFTT

19* A VFC is a Veteran Friendly Congregation

Backup Charts

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Causes for Concern

•Early Combat deployments were shorter and more frequent; now 15 months and soon 12 month

•Fighting occurs closer to civilian population creating mental triggers more similar to home situations

•Multiple family departures and re-entries contribute to stress and family attachment issues

•Conservative estimates are that greater than 50% return with some form of mental distress

•April Rand Study reported 37% have either PTSD, TBI, or Significant Mental Stress; 5% have all three

•Rand Study estimates that PTSD and depression among service members will cost the nation up to $6.2 billion in the two years after deployment. The study concludes that investing in proper treatment would actually save $2 billion within two year

•PTSD and major depression appear to be highest among Army soldiers and Marines, and among service members who are no longer on active duty

•Georgia’s bases are mostly Army and Marine.

•Sexual trauma is running at 16%-23%•Suicide, alcoholism, domestic abuse and violent

crimes rates are rising•Suicide is 33% higher in ‘07 over ’06, 50% higher

in ‘08, and almost equal to ‘08 by May of ‘09•Suicide attempts affect at least 12 people on

average•There is a much higher incidence of PTSD and

TBI than in previous wars•DoD and VA facilities are stretched•The VA has not allocated all the funding

earmarked for mental health•There’s a larger percentage of Reservists and

National Guard than previous wars•More NG/Reservists live distant from DoD and

VA support facilities•Other mental health, marriage, and family

problems often occur with PTSD requiring attention

•Family members with prolonged exposure to PTSD victims have a secondary affect

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CareForTheTroops Operations OverviewRAND study says over 33% of returning military have some

form of mental distress

ISSUEISSUE CFTT will improve the overall mental health infrastructure to better support military families

RESPONSERESPONSE

54% of those deployed are R/NG. GA is 6th

largest R/NG

Improve support even in remote areas of the

state

ISSUEISSUE

RESPONSERESPONSE

How can families know where trained support is available

CFTT website lists therapists trained in the military culture

ISSUEISSUE

RESPONSERESPONSE

How to help referral sources know better when

& where to refer

CFTT website shows info usable by

therapists & referrals

ISSUEISSUE

RESPONSERESPONSE

How can CFTT assure that word of mouth spread all

over the GA

Use congregations to create a grassroots info

distribution channel

ISSUEISSUE

RESPONSERESPONSE

How do we expect to overcome the stigma of mental health help

Target info for friends & family “surrounding” the

military member

ISSUEISSUE

RESPONSERESPONSE

Private Sector MH providers have limited

military experience

CFTT will provide training opportunities, including

remote areas

ISSUEISSUE

RESPONSERESPONSE

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Review Other Programs and IdeasChurch of the Epiphany, Decatur GAwww.VeteransHeartGeorgia.orgVeteran’s Heart Georgia fosters the healing of veterans of all wars by attending to the spiritual and emotional needs of veterans, their families and our communities.

We are addressing the effects of war by creating a community-based network of services, resources and education.

This network includes: consultation with specially trained counselors and mental health clinicians for veterans and families; workshops and programs for veterans, couples and families, community gatherings and training for professionals; outreach and mentoring by trained, seasoned veterans; community education and involvement.

This work is influenced by concepts found in the book, War and the Soul, by Edward Tick.

We believe that: There is healing for the invisible wounds of war-related PTSD The core work is the nurturing of a positive warrior identity The suffering of families must be addressed, including the unaddressed wounds of war passed down through generations of families that have experienced war. The citizens of our communities, those who are protected and guarded, must share the burden of the wounds of those who have gone to war.

MORE … ??23




RESPONSERESPONSE

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•The VA healthcare systems must prepare to care for over 1.5 million who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan• ….and this is on top of an aging set of Vietnam veterans who have suddenly started returning in large numbers•The new generation of veterans includes 10% women• More than half of the over 200 Vet Center Readjustment Counseling Centers have reported being short at least one full-time therapist (April 2007)• Military sexual trauma is reported among 16-23% of military personnel• Other mental health-related problems, including substance abuse, depression, suicide, and family disruption often co-occur with PTSD• The DOD and VA facilities are being taxed greatly and will be over the next decade

Private Sector support is needed !!




RESPONSERESPONSE


largest R/NG


state

ISSUEISSUE

RESPONSERESPONSE

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• The OEF/OIF mix of troops is very different than what was experienced during Vietnam• The husbands, wives, and parents of R/NG troops are distributed across many communities and not concentrated around large treatment facilities for support• Most soldiers have experienced multiple deployments with a short duration between deployments• The short duration between deployments makes it difficult for the military member to “leave the combat zone” and “be home”• Multiple departures and re-entries are difficult for all members of the extended military family• Meanwhile, the mental health support and services provided by the DOD and VA continue to operate in a “large central site” structure




RESPONSERESPONSE


military experience


remote areas

ISSUEISSUE

RESPONSERESPONSE

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• The July 2007 Dole/Shalala report stated that DOD should establish a network of public and private-sector expertise and conduct training programs• Support organizations have arisen to support the returning military but primarily focused on material and morale issues• A few isolated support organizations have arisen to address mental health issues

• …but to our knowledge, none have addressed training for both the private sector clinician providers as well as the private sector referral sources that will be accessed by the military family member in need

• Tricare insurance support is limited and qualifying is difficult which adds a level of complexity for those in remote areas where private sector clinicians may have limited access to military clients.




RESPONSERESPONSE



ISSUEISSUE

RESPONSERESPONSE

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• The “remoteness” issue for many military families contributes to the difficulty of accessing and providing DOD and VA mental health services• Georgia’s military units are mainly Army and Marine units• Many are transportation units and/or related to supply chain operations• This profile creates high exposure to IEDs and resulting need for PTSD and TBI support• Dole/Shalala – “Online resources will be of greatest help if they can provide information specific to service members home communities and be tailored to their needs.”• Informing the church/congregation networks through training, as well as training the licensed private sector clinicians, will create a information distribution network that will drive those in need to the CFTT website where they will find information focused on mental health related matters




RESPONSERESPONSE


& where to refer



ISSUEISSUE

RESPONSERESPONSE

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• Who are the referral sources?• The traditional ones are Congregation leaders, priests, rabbis, ministers, imams• But important ones are social services organizations, community leaders, and extended family members

• Education and information are key to helping these referral sources know better what signs to look for and where are the private-sector clinicians are that are trained in helping with those in the military• The CFTT approach as depicted in the picture to the right is to “surround” the person in need with “informed” organizations and people to whom they might go to for help• The CFTT training and website will be sources for this information.




RESPONSERESPONSE



military member

ISSUEISSUE

RESPONSERESPONSE29

• The military is clearly aware of this issue and is already doing many good things to alleviate this issue• CFTT believes trying to go directly at the military family member in need with information and offers to help will be met with resistance• Our approach is to “surround” the person in need with informed and educated referral sources and then provide easy access to trained and accessible private sector clinicians for the mental health services needed




RESPONSERESPONSE


over the GA



ISSUEISSUE

RESPONSERESPONSE

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• First of all, nothing is “assured” but let’s look at what offers the best chance of success• Most people who are in search of help will seek out a congregation or other community leader (e.g. doctor, school counselor)• Congregations are already “networked” through their own faith and community networks

• …and they are already in all the remote locations of the state• …and most already have a number of former chaplains within their communities

• CFTT is an interfaith organization and is attempting to utilize these existing networks to access all the communities and regions of the state• The Programs suggested are meant to build awareness and create a atmosphere of military acceptance within the congregation

PROGRAM EXAMPLES

• 20 Things Needed by the Troops• Operations Home front Support• Congregation Prayer List Inclusion and Letters• Monthly Dinners for those Deployed & Returned• ….any more ideas ??




RESPONSERESPONSE

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• Current key areas of help needed by CFTT are:• Grant Writing and Funding – this will get our training programs developed, our website built, & our trainer cadre in place and operational

• Development of Congregation Programs – this will give us the tools to attract the network of congregations needed

• A Labor force that will identify “Lead Congregations” and other congregations to implement suggested congregation programs – this will create an awareness of the military and their needs especially in areas where the military is not nearby and the military culture not familiar

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Build Training

MaterialBuild a Collection of Congregation

Programs

Coordinate with EMDR and

GAMFT Networks

Integrate Pathways

Capabilities

Funding Build Website Coordinate with VA, National Guard,

Reserves

Recruit and Coordinate with Lead

Congregations

Schedule Training Sessions

Board Coordination

Current Work-Stream Layout Categories

• What areas require Funding?• Training Development• Training Cadre and Presentations• Training Coordination• Website Development and Updating

• What areas need Volunteers?• Congregation Recruiting• Congregation Program Development• Congregation Coordination• Grant Writing• Partner Coordination• Website Updating• NEW IDEAS !




RESPONSERESPONSE


largest R/NG


state

ISSUEISSUE

RESPONSERESPONSE



ISSUEISSUE

RESPONSERESPONSE


& where to refer



ISSUEISSUE

RESPONSERESPONSE


over the GA



ISSUEISSUE

RESPONSERESPONSE



military member

ISSUEISSUE

RESPONSERESPONSE


military experience


remote areas

ISSUEISSUE

RESPONSERESPONSE

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This is the top of the Home Page

Back to the top of the Home Page

One can also directly select Congregation Programs with the Task menu on the left

3 page options can be selected

Home Page

A key piece of the web site is the Resource Library with the 4 selections shown. This material is updated periodically. The reference material is weekly.

Home Page

Another key section is the gathered in the “Stuff” You Should Know Section.

Our goal here is to provide plenty of info on these topics and also refer you to the top 3-5 sites on these topics.

Home Page

Finally, an important aspect of our mission is to connect you to others that can help.

The Find a Therapist menu item discusses how one might choose a therapist and then allows you to search many ways.

This shows the first 4 search results for Fulton County in the database.

This is intended for use by congregation sources, clinicians, and people in need searching for a therapist who wants to work with military families.

Back to the top of the Home Page

Www.CareForTheTroops.org Addressing The Invisible Wounds of War Cluster Meeting Mission: …...

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