What: Clergy Training Program
Educating community clergy about how they can support Veterans and their family members through the readjustment process.

When: November 9, 2016
Check‐in will begin at 8:00 a.m. and the day should conclude by 4:00pm.
Lunch will be provided.

Where:  Living Word Christian Center
9201 75th Ave N, Brooklyn Park MN 55428
PHONE: (763) 315-7000

Register: Demand is high and seating is limited to 50 participants for this free event, so register TODAY!
Register at http://goo.gl/p6z8IZ or contact Chaplain Winn at 651-282-4291 or philip.a.winn.mil@mail.mil to reserve your seat.

Why: Many Veterans and their family members who seek help for their problems do so from clergy.
Rural Veterans in particular have limited choices for healthcare. In some communities and the military culture, the stigma associated with mental health problems can be quite strong, which could reduce a Veteran’s motivation to seek care. Some Veterans may delay seeking help until a crisis makes it unavoidable.
To help build a strong support net for our Veterans, the National VA Chaplain Service is hosting a 1‐day education and training event for local clergy of all faith groups, as well as for non‐VA chaplains and representatives from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs).

Training topics will include:

The readjustment challenges Veterans and families face following deployment(s)
The spiritual and psychological effects of war trauma on survivors
VA benefits and services available to Veterans
How to connect with the VA to make a referral or get information
The important role of community in helping to reduce stigma.

Sponsors: The Rural Clergy Training Program is sponsored by the National VA Chaplain Service and supported by a grant from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Office of Rural Health (ORH). If you have any questions, please contact Jim Goalder, Rural Clergy Training Coordinator (800‐737‐3116) or Chaplain Jeni Cook, Associate Director, National VA Chaplain Center.

A collaboration of the Minnesota National Guard, National VA Chaplain Center (NCC), and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Office of Rural Health (ORH)