Kevlar for the mind: Useful community resources available for service members - Military Off Duty, Army Health, military fitness, army physical fitness - Army Times

Kevlar for the mind: Useful community resources available for service members

Service members and their loved ones often ask me where to find community resources for a variety of issues.

Although there are hundreds, if not thousands, of programs available to assist troops and their families, sifting through the most relevant ones can be difficult and confusing.

Here are some of the groups I believe are the most useful:

• Military OneSource (www.militaryonesource.com; 800-342-9647) is a one-stop shop for service members and families. It can help you manage finances, or find child care, legal information or relocation assistance. It can also provide referrals for free mental health evaluation and counseling in your local civilian community.

• The Coming Home Project (http://www.cominghomeproject.net; 415-353-5363) is a nonprofit devoted to providing care and support to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families. It helps with emotional, spiritual and relationship problems before, during and after deployment.

• Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (http://www.esgr.org; 800-336-4590) helps National Guard and reserve members resolve employee-employer conflicts related to military service through mediation and education.

• Disabled American Veterans (http://www.dav.org; 859-441-7300) provides support to disabled veterans and their families. This is a great source for information on how the Veterans Affairs Department’s disability and compensation system works.

• Operation Military Kids (www.operationmilitarykids.org) provides information on numerous resources for military children such as recreational, educational and social programs.

• The National Veterans Foundation (http://www.nvf.org; 310-642-0255) provides crisis management, information and referral services for all veterans and their families. Outreach services include assistance with food, clothing, transportation and employment.

• The Fallen Patriot Fund (http://www.fallenpatriotfund.org; 214-658-7125) helps families of troops killed or seriously injured during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

• The Center for Women Veterans (www.va.gov/womenvet) is a branch of VA that ensures the needs of female veterans are met. It provides a number of links to services for women.

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255) is a toll-free, 24-hour suicide crisis line. Tell the operator that you are a veteran and you will be put in touch with someone who can help you. All calls are confidential.

This list is by no means exhaustive. If you have other valuable resources for military members and their families to share, I’d love to hear from you.

Bret A. Moore is a clinical psychologist who served two tours in Iraq and is the author of “Wheels Down: Adjusting to Life after Deployment.” Email kevlarforthemind@militarytimes.com. Names and identifying details will be kept confidential. This column is for informational purposes only. Readers should see a mental health professional or physician for mental health problems.