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Veteran Friendly Congregations
- About the Initiative Veteran Friendly Congregation Initiative (VFCI) was conceived to promote a sense of community, acceptance and support for Veterans and their families in East Tennessee. Launched by Faith-Based Communities, it will become an integral part of the Faith Based Initiative. Veteran Friendly Congregation made simple, please listen and better yet, please join in the VFC movement. A great way to save lives! Click the orange button to hear an audio introduction to the VFC. VFC Introduction Read More Locations
  
  Your Congregation makes a difference Your congregation can be an environment of acceptance for veterans and their families. Did you know that veterans are five times (5X) more likely to seek help from their clergy than every VA service combined? Your congregation could help promote awareness of the needs of those sacrificing their time and effort to support our country. Listen to the testimony of three Vietnam Veterans whose lives were destroyed for decade because of the war. Testimonials Veteran Friendly Congregation Initiative Hotline at 865-336-2624!
  
  Start a Veteran Friendly Congregation We appreciate your interest and the investment of your time spent learning how your congregation can better serve veterans and their families. We remind you that in order for us to recognize your place of worship as a “Veteran Friendly Congregation” Learn more at: Become Veteran Friendly Please listen to Freddie Owens and Randall Baxter explain the foundation of a VFC and while providing the benefits of being a VFC. VFC lesson 101
  
  Resources for Congregations Your commitment toward becoming a Veteran Friendly Congregation begins with raising awareness among the members that you now have this program in place. We urge you to publish this ministry in your bulletins, newsletters and websites at least on a monthly basis. Your veterans need to know to whom they can turn for assistance. Congregation Resources
Stop veteran homelessness, incarceration & suicide
Vet to Vet Tennessee
- Vet to Vet Tennessee

We are three (3) Veteran affiliations working as one volunteer unit to serve those who served in the Military

865-336-2624

"It's Good To Have You Back America was written and sung by Navy Veteran Terry Lockwood. Council's theme song; JL Tucker's favorite.

It's Good To Have You Back America\"

Calendar of Events

Media Room

Announcements

Vietnam War Commemoration

Peer Oriented Services are fundamental to an improved quality of life.

Knoxville Regional Veterans Mental Health Council, Legacy Peer Support Group, Vet to Vet Tennessee, Veteran Friendly Congregation Committee, Veterans Treatment Court Committee, PTSD Awareness, Intervention, Resolution (PAIR) Law Enforcement Training Committee. Results matter!

We Bring

Communications is the key to a successful partnership. three examples listed below is a great way to start 2015. We are honored serve with you!

Time matters!

Time is of the essence therefore once a new program/process is identified, it is crucial to develop a best in class plan and expeditiously execute the program. Remember "Each One, Teach One, Teach One".

Our mission is to make sure veterans and their families are provided the best medical and medical care they have earned

5 Legacy Peer Support groups, 16 Veteran Friendly Congregation/Ministries, Knox County Veterans Treatment Court 40 Veteran Mentors PAIR (PTSD Awareness, Intervention & Awareness) Law Enforcement training over 800 trained in 2015

Veteran Advocacy
Communications
Rapid Response
Veteran Centric

Council mission

The Knoxville Regional Veterans Mental Health Council seeks to be a “bridge” between veterans receiving healthcare services and their families; VA medical and mental health professionals; veterans support organizations; and the community. Our goal is to ensure better access to information and services, and to identify and advocate for needed changes. Through improved communication and better understanding, veterans challenged by mental health issues may then pursue treatment without fear of stigma.

Our Council is Chaired by Veterans and is endorsed but not a part of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

LPG mission

Our legacy, as Veterans, is to continue to support each other as we did when we were active duty. We watched each others backs and our mission is to continue that tradition. Regardless of our generation or war, we share the bond that comes with military service. We do not judge each other. We support each other now with the same intensity we did in service. Our experiences during our military service provides us with unique strengths and capabilities; they allow one to see opportunities, hope and solutions rather than just problems and hopelessness. Join with us in helping other Veterans recover and grow from those painful memories, depression, family issues, and dependencies that have controlled our lives and ruined many dreams and goals.

vet to vet tn mission

Our goal is to be able to provide a safe haven to any Veteran within our area of service. Vet to Vet TN gives the veteran a sense of worth that allows them to support and promote their own recovery. By being patients and supporters and through shared experiences and peer to peer support, the veteran can gain strength, courage, and ownership when it comes to advocating their recovery.

What started five years ago as a city-based organization has now grown and expanded its programs to over 18 East Tennessee counties. We are still a totally volunteer group with no paid staff and only having donated meeting and office space. Our officers generally pay for their own training or participate in community-based grant funded training programs.

If you went to see the movie "American Sniper", then you can start to understand how the war changes the brave men and women who served. The next mission they encounter is returning & readjusting at home. It was the legend, Navy Seal Chris Kyle's veteran advocacy that helped him return to his family to find joy, happiness and love that he lost in the war.

It is only through the generosity and kindness of caring people like yourself that we can provide the services we do. Your support towards helping us help other veterans is greatly appreciated.

Please contact your patriotic friends and veteran advocates to help us achieve our mission "Leave no veteran behind".

Battlemind skills helped you survive in combat, but may cause you problems if not adapted when you get home. Click here to view the training programs for veterans, spouses and couples

Key components include:

•Self-confidence -Take calculated risks -Handle challenges

•Mental toughness -Overcome obstacles or setbacks -Maintain positive thoughts during times of adversity

Crisis Hotline

Is there someone to call if a veteran is in crisis or at risk of suicide?

The Veterans Crisis Line is a toll-free, confidential resource that connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring VA responders

Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or chat online at Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, even if they are not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care.

The professionals at the Veterans Crisis Line are specially trained and experienced in helping Veterans of all ages and circumstances—from Veterans coping with mental health issues that were never addressed to recent Veterans struggling with relationships or the transition back to civilian life.

Vet Centers and VA Medical Centers stand ready to reach out and help veterans in crisis or at risk for suicide. We can help. Find a VA facility or Vet Center today!