“Now is the time to take care of those
who took care of us.”
If you are a veteran in crisis, call 988 and press 1 or text 838255.
“The Victory for Veterans program has helped me to become more independent and has made me feel like I’m never alone, even on my toughest days. The team has been supportive regardless of what my challenges are.” – Program Client
Victory for Veterans is a free, community-based support program for veterans who are actively struggling with suicidality and their families. Veterans receive compassionate care from other veterans who understand their challenges. They are empowered to direct their own recovery and self-advocacy process and to develop skills and connections to the community. Our ultimate goal is to foster their sense of wellness and self-worth, leading to a sense of meaning and purpose and ultimately reducing suicidality.
Victory for Veterans Team
The Victory for Veterans program is staffed entirely by veterans and family members of veterans.
- Program Manager (veteran)
- 2 Care Managers (family members of veterans)
- 3 Certified Peer Specialists (veterans)
Role of a Care Manager
Care managers are family members of veterans who partner with you to explore resources and referrals that may be helpful. They can provide:
- Education on suicide risk and prevention for families and communities
- VA benefits assistance for eligible individuals and their families
- Assistance with obtaining and coordinating other benefits provided by the federal government, a state or local government, or eligibility entity
- Other services necessary for reducing suicide risk and improving the mental health status and well-being of veterans and their families (as the VA determines appropriate)
- Provide one-on-one support for family members
Role of a Certified Peer Specialist
Certified Peer Specialists are veterans who have experienced similar challenges and partner with you to work on your specific goals.
- Social: Get out into the community to meet new people and build connections – go on Rucks or hikes, fish, etc.
- Vocational: Develop a resume, look for and apply for jobs, talk to employers about job opportunities, etc.
- Educational: Research community educational opportunities, fill out applications, organize homework, research funding and grants, etc.
- Independent Living: Learn how to budget, pay bills, maintain a schedule, look up recipes, apply for housing, etc.
- Wellness: Learn about medications, connect to physical or behavioral health treatment, practice coping skills, connect with 12-Step groups, etc.
What to Expect
For many veterans, the transition from military life into the civilian world can be overwhelming. We will partner with you and provide resources to help you be successful. Here are the steps you will follow to enroll in the Victory for Veterans program:
- Meet one-on-one with the program manager to complete eligibility paperwork.
- Meet one-on-one with a Care Manager to complete registration paperwork and submit any referrals for services you are interested in obtaining.
- Meet weekly with a veteran who is also a Certified Peer Specialist to begin working on the individual goals you feel are important to your well-being.
If you are enrolled in the program and have a family member interested in obtaining additional support, they can follow the same process to begin receiving services from Victory for Veterans.
Victory for Veterans is a completely free and voluntary service. You can discontinue the program anytime.
Eligibility
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must be a Carbon or Schuylkill County resident.
- You must have served in the active military, naval, or air service
and been discharged under honorable conditions. - You must have experienced at least one of the following
– Wishing you could go to bed and not wake up
– Thoughts of wishing you were dead
For more information or to make a referral, please contact Robert Brands, Program Manager, at 272-212-1052 or Robert.BrandsSr@sluhn.org.