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- 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. Read More LocationsYour 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. 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” You need only follow through with the steps Learn more at: Become Veteran FriendlyResources 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
- Veterans Treatment Court Hub
- TN Judicial Districts
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Welcome Home -
We are dedicated to helping fellow VeteransProvide support and encouragementand we are experienced users of the VA systemto the families and friends of Veterans
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Helping those who served in the Army... -
The Marines -
The Navy -
As well as the Air ForceWe are Navigators of Veteran systems that can provide guidance for individual situations -
As well as The Coast Guard -
Work in collaborative ways on mutually agreed upon goals -
Empower fellow Veterans to draw upon the personal resources of motivation and hopeHelp other Veterans learn how to develop trusting and workable relationships -
Are committed to offering spiritual care as part of treatmentAdvocates for improved Veteran care and programs -
Leave no veteran behind
those who served in the Military
Council Mission
The mission of the Council is to be a "bridge" between Veterans receiving medical & mental health services and their families, the VA Medical & Mental Health professionals and the community support or Veterans service organizations. This bridge allows information and services to flow both ways to develop methods of measuring Veteran's satisfaction and advocate needed changes. Most importantly, to improve the communication and understanding between Veterans and the Mental Health staff in reducing the stigma associated with seeking and using mental health services.
Our Council is Chaired by Veterans and is endorsed but not a part of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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".
May God bless you and keep you.
It’s Good To Have You Back America – By Terry Lockwood