Thursday, Jan 07, 2021

Veteran Check In
 
Time: 9:00 AM- 10:00 AM (EST)
Location: Virtual
 
This group is offered to provide Veterans an opportunity to call in an discuss any concerns or issues that they are having. COVID 19 has created an extremely stressful time for Veterans in the community. The social isolation imposed on individuals can create stress. This will opportunity to share with each other.
 
Facilitator: Michael Morehouse
 
To Register: Please contact Michael Morehouse 269-966-5600 ext. 31815.
 
Format: Video Connect
 
Group Capacity: 10
 
Seeking Safety Group
 
Time: 10:00 AM- 11:00 AM (EST)
Location: Virtual
 
This group will cover topics such as trauma, substance use, coping skills, honesty, setting boundaries, healthy relationships, healing from anger, etc.
 
Facilitators: Deb Brunner (ext. 30073)
 
To Register: Please contact Deb Brunner at 269-966-5600, ext. 30073
 
Format: Video Connect
 
Target Audience: Residential Veterans
 
Capacity: 12
 
Employment Support Group
 
Time: 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM (EST)
Location: Virtual
 
This group will cover topics such as resume building (resumes that get interviews), interviewing skills, Schedule A Authority, navigating USA Jobs, Michigan Talent Bank , networking skills, understanding job postings, translating military MOS to civilian skills, available jobs in different cities (will be based on who is on the call), job fairs, etc.
 
Facilitator: Dwayne Kelly
 
To Register: Please contact Dwayne Kelly at 269-966-5600, ext. 32568
 
Format: Zoom video & audio (phone)
 
Target Audience: HCHV Veterans in 22 county catchment area
 
Capacity: 20
 
Budgeting Group
 
Time: 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM (EST)
Location: Virtual
 
Learn how to spend your money intentionally while working toward goals such as getting out of debt, saving for retirement, or just managing household expenses. Learn how to create a budget, the value of a credit score, and how to improve credit to achieve financial freedom!
 
Facilitator: Lisa Mathis
 
To Register: Please contact Lisa Mathis at 269.268.0173
 
Format: Telephone
 
Group capacity: 10 – (Open to Veterans case managed by HUD VASH Only)
 
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders (Ionia Co. Courthouse)
 
Time: 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM (EST)
Location: Virtual
 
This group is for Veterans identified as having substance abuse disorders. CBT is a well-researched, efficacious, and time-limited psychotherapeutic approach that has been used to treat a number of mental and behavioral health conditions. CBT involves a structured approach that focuses on substance use disorders and relationships among cognitions.
 
Facilitator: Brenden Wright
 
To Register: Please contact Lisa Alicea at 269-873-0114
 
Format: Video Connect
 
Target Audience: Veterans in the Ionia County area seeking outpatient substance abuse treatment.
 
Group Capacity: Open to all Veterans
 
Book and Writing Club
 
Time: 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM (EST)
Location: Virtual
 
Let us pick up a book or write a journal entry and explore reading and writing as a choice for leisure. We will discuss many different books and writing selections in a relaxed and interactive setting, with attention to different themes and problems. There will be activities during each group centered around the selection for the week. Come share your insight, comments, and feelings in a social setting with fellow veterans. 
 
Facilitator: Taylor Van Horn
 
To Register: Please contact Taylor Van Horn at 269-873-2458 or 269-966-5600, ext. 31694
 
Format: Webex
 
Target Audience: Open to all Veterans
 
Capacity: 12
 
OEF/OIF/OND PTSD Group
 
Time: 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM (EST)
Location: Virtual
 
This group is for all Veterans who have PTSD symptoms related to their time spent in Afghanistan, Iraq, or Kuwait. This is a place to share your experiences and how you are coping with them. The group will be moderated and will include education about PTSD, anger, and the challenges of fitting back into the civilian world.
 
Facilitator: Thelmo, Torrealba
 
To Register: Please contact Thelmo, Torrealba at (517) 599-4663.
 
Format: Video Connect
 
Target Audience: (Open to OEF/OIF/OND Veterans)
 
Peer Support Group
 
Time: 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM (EST)
Location: Virtual
 
Peer support groups are for people who are in mental health recovery.  In this group you will assist each other while engaging in the recovery process as well as discuss  many other benefits  available to Veterans.  Groups are facilitated by Certified Peer Support Specialist(s) that help to promote self-determination and assisting others in regaining control over their own lives while embracing the recovery model
 
Facilitator: Ron Henson
 
To Register: Please contact Ron Henson at 269-966-5600, ext. 32566
 
Format:  Zoom group
 
Group capacity: 25
 
Tackling the tough stuff
 
Time: 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM (EST)
Location: Virtual
 
This is a group that will meet weekly to help each other work through problems that each of us faces every day.  It might be a difficult landlord or figuring out how to cope with Depression.  Every week the group will choose a new topic to tackle together.  This is an open group to anyone in the VA.
 
Facilitator:  Amanda Briggs
 
Contact:  269-967-0190
 
Format:  Zoom Group
 
Group Capacity: 10- Open to all Veterans enrolled at the medical center
 
Mindfulness and Timeless Trivia
 
Time: 2:00 PM- 3:00 PM (EST)
Location: Virtual
 
Join this group for a little relaxation and fun! Don’t forget to bring your thinking caps.
 
Facilitator: Cheryl Krzeminkski
 
To Register: Please contact Cheryl Krzeminski at 269-986-5099
 
Format: Video Connect
 
Target Audience: All HCHV veterans
 
Advance Care Planning via Group Visits Workshop
 
Time: 2:30 PM- 3:30 PM (EST)
Location: Virtual
 
Advance Care Planning via Group Visits is a group discussion and workshop centered on creating healthcare goals that will inform your family and providers on YOUR preferences for care.
Veterans will learn how to complete a VA Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare and Advance Directive(s), as well as, discuss stressors/barriers related to healthcare and end of life conversations. Available for ALL Veterans, Spouses and their families.

Facilitator: Brandon Snyder, LLMSW

To Register: Call (269)966-5600 x 31978

Group Capacity: 7
 
Veteran and Family Council
 
Time: 3:00 PM- 4:00 PM (EST)
Location: Building 136, Room 102B, or Virtually on Microsoft Teams
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDFlMmUxODItMzI3Zi00MzI5LWE2NDQtNmUwNjQzMDQ2YWY1%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22e95f1b23-abaf-45ee-821d-b7ab251ab3bf%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22f16b7b3f-af44-4026-9691-4227cae356c5%22%7d
 
Advocate for your fewllow Veterans! Meeting are held weekly (except for Federal Holidays), with voting every third Thursday of the month. Join virtually with the link provided. Contact Russell Bell (269)-966-5600, ext. 31634 for interest and more information.