THE ROAD HOME NETWORK
We partner with a number of committed community organizations that share our mission to provide access to expert care and resources for veterans, service members and families and, together, raise public awareness for our veterans’ needs.
Warriors Connect has created a national database called OurDataHelps™ to better understand the health and wellbeing needs of post 911 veterans. The social media information you allow Warriors Connect to access will enable fellow veterans to receive the right level of care and support when they need it most. Rush University Medical Center is proud to be one of 13 research institutions and peer-to-peer networks chosen to assist with recruitment. We urge your participation: http://warriorsconnect.ourdatahelps.org
Illinois Joining Forces is a statewide, public partnership of veteran and military service organizations. IJF collaborates in-person and online to help veterans and their families navigate the resources available to veterans. This organization believes veterans shouldn’t have to navigate from office to office or website to website to determine who or what best serves their specific needs. Instead, IJF’s website helps veterans quickly find answers in one place.
We believe in serving those who have served. The Chicago Park District offers a variety of free sports and arts programs specifically for veterans and service members, as well as a series of veteran-resource expos in the fall and winter at select citywide field houses. For more information about upcoming veterans’ events and programs, contact Andrew Grose of the Chicago Park District at (312) 745-2172 or andrew.grose@chicagoparkdistrict.com.
The Military and Veteran Family Program makes military families in Cook and Lake counties stronger and better able to cope with the emotional impact of deployment, separation, changing parenting roles, reintegration into the family and full participation into civilian life. The service provides early childhood development, parent empowerment programs, family counseling, resiliency training and access to affordable housing.
The National Able Network understands veterans’ needs because many of them are veterans themselves. The network’s Veterans Forward team works with veterans to develop a career plan and support them through every step of their job search. Services include helping veterans translate their military skills into resumes, interview preparation, paid on-the-job training and direct connection to hiring managers. They also help veterans with housing needs, counseling services, health care and family needs.
SALUTE, INC. is a non-profit organization that supports veterans in times of crisis. Military families can sometimes wait up to two years to receive their service connection pay. Without help and support, this gap seriously impacts the financial, physical and emotional well-being of military families and makes the already difficult transition from military to civilian life even harder. SALUTE, INC. provides the safety net and immediate funds these families need to get back up with honor and dignity.
The Kids Rank Program is a system of chartered membership clubs established wherever military families reside. The clubs are led and assisted by trained facilitators who guide the Kids Rank members as they choose a community service project, work together as a group to complete the project and thus earn a Ribbon. Activities for each Ribbon Service Project are created to reinforce the importance of service and sacrifice to each other and to those in need.
ZERO TO THREE has developed resources specially designed for infants and toddlers of military and veteran families. With our 10 years of experience working with military families, we have developed tools for parents to use as they navigate the many ages and stages that are part of a military-connected life. Our work ranges from promoting early literacy skills to coping with the unique challenges faced by military and veteran families including a free app called “Babies on the Homefront”.
Equestrian Connection helps veterans connect with each other and their four-legged therapists to re-build an alliance of trust with colleagues, counselors, staff and their favorite horse. Horses can demonstrate and teach self-awareness, honest communication, trust, healthy boundaries, patience, assertiveness, play, affection, nurturance and more. Riding, grooming and other activities are available for veterans who prefer group settings. Family members are also encouraged to attend.
We partner with a number of civic leaders and veteran service organizations to raise public awareness of the challenges veterans face.
