RVRPnw Returning Veterans Resource Project North West

Links, News & Resources:

Disclaimer: We hope that you find helpful and useful information through these resources. Please provide us with your feedback on any of these links.

The links below are for informational purposes only. We make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information obtained through these links, and do not warrant or endorse any services provided at any of these links. Some providers listed below will charge a fee for their services. You are advised to fully investigate important issues such as insurance, licensing, and safety issues before accepting services.


RVP In The News:

    Veteran Suicides: The Toll of Service and Search for Answers, by Melissa Hahn, www.thewip.net: March 2010

    Providers Offer Free Counseling to Veterans and Families, by Tom Mann, ODVA Vet News: January/February 2009

    Veterans' Affairs, OPB Think Out Loud: November 11, 2008

    Deeper Wounds, KOIN, November 11, 2009


    RVP on "Community Hotline" cable access program, April 2010

    RVP's new Brochure!

Resources

Government Agencies

National

State


Community Resources (Oregon and Washington)

Emergency/Support Services

Recreation

Personal/Well-Being


Resources Nationwide

Emergency/Support Services-National

Recreation-National

Personal/Well-Being-National


Resources for Providers



Government Agencies

  • National

  • ArmyOneSource.com
    This comprehensive site provides information and resources for troops and their families, addressing all areas of military life, including deployment and post-deployment concerns.
  • Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center
  • This organization is a collaboration between the Department of Defense  and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The website is a  good source of information for providers as well as military members and families. There is an interactive map showing the locations of  DVBIC centers. The site also has a Spanish language section.
  • Deployment Health Clinical Center of the Dept. of Defense
  • Health information for clinicians, veterans, family members and friends.
  • HireVetsFirst.gov
    A comprehensive site that includes a "Veterans Zone" and an "Employer Zone" where job seekers can view job opportunities and employers can post positions available within their companies. There is a helpful "skills translator" which assists veterans with translating their military experience into those that will be understood by civilian employers.
  • Hooah4Health.com
  • A health promotion and wellness site specifically designed by the U.S.Army to address deployment issues and the needs of soldiers, particularly in reserve units.
  • Iraq War Clinician Guide
  • This guide (available online only) was developed by members of the National Center for PTSD and the Department of Defense.  It was developed specifically for clinicians and addresses the unique needs of veterans of the Iraq war.
  • National Guard Bureau Joint Services Support
  • This website lists National Guard events by state and has information about their programs, incluidng the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, the Family Support Program and the Sexaul Assault Prevention and Response Program.
  • National Resource Directory
  • The NRD is an online tool for wounded, ill and injured Servicemembers, Veterans and their families, and those who support them. The NRD provides access to move than 11,000 services and resources at the national, state, and local levels that support recovery, rehabilitation and community reintegration. Maintained by the Department of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs, the NRD links to federal and state government agencies, Veterans service and benefit organizations, non-profit and community-based organizations, academic institutions and professional associations who provide assistance to wounded warriors and their families. 
  • National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
    Contains detailed information about PTSD, including treatment modalities, general resource information, publications, research and contact information.  The website is divided into sections for veterans and the general public and providers and researchers. "Returning from the War Zone: A Guide for Families of Military Members" is free and downloadable from this site.
  • TRICARE
    The military health plan.
  • Veterans Administration
    Provides a thorough review of benefits information and assistance for returning veterans and their families, including health, education, compensation, publications and more.
  • Veterans Affairs Department Suicide Hot Line: 1 800 273 8255
  • VetSuccess.gov
    VA program for disabled veterans looking for a job.

  • State

  • Clark County, Washington Veteran's Relief Fund
  • Provides emergency relief of the Clark County indigent veterans. Contact the case manager at vetfund@gmail.com or 360-397-8478.
  • Hire Oregon Vets
  • This program's goal is to increase the employment of Veterans by providing employment services to Veterans, education to employers on the benefits of hiring a Veteran and by serving as a vehicle for connecting employers to skilled Veterans. 
  • Network of Care
    The Oregon National Guard has just selected the Network of Care for Veterans & Service Members as its statewide resource for soldiers returning from war. The site meets the National Guard’s desire to provide its members with critical, comprehensive information that can help them reintegrate upon return from active duty. Trilogy and the Oregon National Guard will launch the new site early this summer.

  • Oregon National Guard Reintegration Team

    Describes post-mobilization services to assist Guard members as they transition back to their families and community, including an online family support program.
  • Oregon National Guard Family Program
  • This website provides information about special programs for military families and educators such as counseling, help with services and benefits and educational programs for schools and teachers.  Please contact Alice Duffy, LCSW, Child/Youth Military Family Life Consultant at 503-853-5248 or alice.r.duffy@healthnet.com for more information about the Child and Youth Behavioral Program, a support program for military families which helps with issues such as deployment anxiety, reunion admustment and behavioral concerns.
  • Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Provides free benefits counseling and claims service to veterans, survivors and dependents. Their Portland claims office is located at 1220 SW 3rd Ave., Suite 1610, 503-412-4777.

  • WorkingInOregon.org

    This is the Official website of the Oregon Employment Department.
  • VA in Portland and Vancouver
  • This link provides information about the VA facilities in Portland and Vancouver, including driving directions and hours of operation.
  • Other services at the VA include:
  • Operation S.A.V.E.
  • This is a local arm of the VA which helps veterans who are are showing signs of suicidal thinking and friends and family members who are concerned about a veteran.  Call 800-273-8255.
  • Minority Veterans Program
  • This program informs veterans of available resources within the VA and serves as liaison for veterans in accessing benefits and establishes new programs and services to meet the specific needs of minority veterans. Call 503-402-2903 or 800-949-1004 ext. 52903.
  • Support Group for OEF/OIF Family Members
  • This group meets on Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at the Portland VA Medical Center, and is open to all family members of veterans who served in Afghanistan or Iraq. To register, please call 503-220-8262, ext. 53062.

  • Veterans Conservation Corps

    The primary mission of the State of Washington Veterans Conservation Corps is to assist veterans by providing volunteer opportunities on projects that help protect and restore Washington’s rivers, streams, lakes, marine waters and open lands.

  • Washington State Guide for Families of Veterans
  • The WDVA is a full-service state agency that assists veterans, their family members and survivors. WDVA partners with local, state and federal agencies to offer a complete referral service to provide veterans with accurate and current information on the entire range of veterans' benefits and entitlements. Call 800-562-2308. 
  • WDVA PTSD Counseling Program
  • This program provides counseling services to military veterans, active duty war veterans and their families as well as programs and support to educators of school age children of trauma exposed parents, military/veteran culture trainings and presentations to community colleges and universities. Call Thomas Schumacher, PTSD Program Director at 360-725-2226 or tom@dva.wa.gov.


  • Community Resources


  • Emergency/Support Services

  • Common Ground Community Information Center
  • NW Veterans and Families Resource Directory  lists resources of interest to veterans such as Benefits help, Child Care, Counseling and Alcohol/Drug Assistance in the Portland Metro Area.
  • Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare
  • Their  services include mental health counseling, crisis intervention, addictions treatment, and transitional, residential, and permanent housing for people with psychiatric and substance use challenges, most of whom are extremely low income.
  • Central City Concern
  • This organization partners with the various community and government services in the Portland Metro Area to provide assistance with employment, housing for homeless veterans and reintegration into the community after incarceration.
  • Coalition of Community Health Clinics
  • This organization is a network of thirteen private, non-profit health clinics located throughout Multnomah County. These clinics provide health services to the uninusred and underserved men, women and children in the Portland Metropolitan area. Click here to find a clinic.
  • Oregon Women Veterans
  • OWV is an organization open to all women veterans from all eras and branches of service.  Meetings are held on the 1st Thursday of each month in Eugene (free childcare provided) from 1800 to 1930 hours at 2222 Coburg Road, in the same building as the Heeron Center. Please call 541-852-5635 for more information.
  • American Legion Veteran Service
  • This is a non-profit service organization, unaffiliated with the government, that advocates with the VA and provides assistance completing the paperwork and submitting a claim with the VA.  In Portland, Oregon, contact Service Officer Greg Demerais at 503-412-4771 or gregory.demerais@va.gov.  Their office is located at 1220 SW 3rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97204. In Vancouver, contact Michael Jagan, Service Officer. There is a walk in clinic from 8 to 5 daily at 1601 E. Fourth  Plain Blvd., Building 17, Room 141.  Phone: 360-397-8478 or email vetsfund@gmail.com. This office helps with the paperwork for the Clark County Veteran's Relief Fund which provides emergency relief for the area's indigent veterans.
  • Brain Injury Association of Oregon
  • This website has local information on advocacy, prevention, resources for vets and trainings. There is also a link to the Washington group.
  • Oregon Paralyzed Veterans of America
  • This organization works to maximize the quality of life for its members and all people who have a spinal cord injury as a leading advocate for health care, research, education and veteran's benefits and rights.
  • Oregon Partnership
  • Oregon Partnership is a statewide non-profit promoting healthy kids and communities through drug and alcohol awareness, drug prevention programs, and 24 hour crisis lines for treatment referrals and suicide intervention.  Their staff is trained in the skills necessary to help veterans and their family members. The Military Help Line is  888-457-4838. The Youth Line is 877-553-8336.
  • Oregon State Bar Military Assistance Panel
  • This program connects lawyers with Oregon's deployed servicemembers and their dependents in need of legal help.
  • Portland Vet Center
  • The Vet Center provides a wide range of counseling, outreach and referral services to veterans and their families. They offer individual, group, marital and sexual trauma counseling. All Vet Centers hold client information in the strictes confidence. The Vet Center is located at 8383 NE Sandy Blvd. , Suite 110 in Portland, OR 97220. Their phone number is 503-273-5370. There are also Vet Centers in Eugene, Salem and Grants Pass.
  • The Rose City Resource
  • A publication of Street Roots, this resource lists many local services  organized by county. Copies are available at the Street Roots office at 211 NW Davis in Portland.
  • The Salvation Army Home Front War Relief
    This program provides emergency financial assistance to dependents of deployed military personnel as well as returning veterans who have suffered a hardship as a result of deployment. Contact Kim Nebeker for more information at 503-794-3275.

  • Swords to Plowshares

  • Founded in 1974, Swords to Plowshares is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that provides counseling and case management, employment and training, housing and legal assistance to veterans in the San Francisco Bay Area. They promote and protect the rights of veterans through advocacy, public education and partnerships with local, state and national entities.
  • TBI Educator
  • Located in Eugene, Oregon, TBI Educator offers evidence-based information and resources for people working with students who have a traumatic brain injury. The website lists many helpful resources as well as information on trainings on educating students with TBI.
  • Transition Projects Inc.
  • TIP has been serving homeless veterans since it opened its doors in 1969. Services to veterans include basic services, information, outreach, assistance in networking and referral, and transitional housing. TIP partners with the Portland VA to provide Outreach and Grant Per Diem housing. TIP also helps with temporary housing.
  • Veterans Bridge Fund Project
    Through this project, various faith groups and other contributors join to provide small grants for returning OEF/OIF veterans in transition, or in emergency situations. This is to be a one-time assistance that can bridge a gap or help the veteran and family take a step forward that otherwise might not be possible such as a deposit on improved housing situation,, help with transportation to appointments, a past-due utility bill payment, purchase of required clothing or equipment for a new job, etc.  Realizing that emergency requests must be met quickly, we strive to get funds to the requesting agency or caseworker within a week of the caseworker's request. For such grant requests, caseworkers should contact the Veterans' Bridge Fund by voice mail at St. Luke Lutheran Church, (503)246-2325 ext. 14, Gerry at peaceleaves@comcast.net or Cyndy at mflock@yahoo.com.

  • Veterans of Foreign Wars

  • In Portland, Oregon, contact Jackie L. Zule VFW Department Service Officer at 503 412-4757, or  jackie.zule@va.gov. The VFW provides numerous services to military servicemembers and their families including the Military Assistance Program (which funds Farewell and Welcome Home gatherings for military units worldwide), Operation Uplink (provides free, pre-paid phone cards to servicemembers) and Unmet Needs (can give a one-time grant up to $2,500 for qualifying servicemembers and their families experiencing financial hardship).
  • In Vancouver, contact Roger and Deborah Proctor, Service Officers. They have a Veterans Clinic, Monday-Thursday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm at 1603 NE Fourth Plain, Building 15 Room 12B. Phone: 360 696-4583, vfwvancouver@aol.com.
  • WilliamTemple.org
    Support Groups for vets and their families: William Temple House provides professional mental health counseling to individuals, couples and families who are not covered by other health programs or cannot afford fees charged by private agencies.  In addition to mental health counseling, William Temple House provides emergency social services including food, children’s clothing, and other material assistance to more than 12,000 families each year. We also provide pastoral care upon request. We have served the Portland area for 42 years. We are located at 2023 NW Hoyt in Portland. We have locations in North Portland, East Portland, Hillsboro, and SE Portland.  For more information on locations and services call Colleen Lewis, family coordinator for the families of returning veterans, at 503-226-3021 Ext. 219, or email clewis@williamtemple.org.

  • Partners in Careers

  • This new program is available to assist all women veterans with job search assistance, education and training and mentoring and coaching. Services are confidential and free.  They hold meetings every Tuesday from 1:30 to 2:30 pm at 111 West 39th Street, Suite B in Vancouver, WA 98660.  For more information, please contact Roxeanne Boosé at 360-696-8471.
  • Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc.
  • A Portland-based organization that offers job training and assistance for women.  Their website lists  job fairs, employment listings, and support groups.
  • The Women's Counseling Center
  • This nonprofit has offices in Portland and Oregon City.  They offer relationship and couples therapy as well as anger management  and domestic violence intervention services. 
  • Women's Therapy Project Northwest
  • We are a group of like-minded mental health professionals offering our services to potential clients in the Portland metropolitan area. Our goal is to help you find the right therapist and other mental health resources. Their website also has a resource page of issues of interest to women.
  • Help with Projects
  • Greg Butsch would like to offer him time and skills to returning veterans as a way of honoring their service to our country. He can help with most projects around the house as well as carpentry, painting and yard work. You provide the materials. He can offer two days a week depending on his schedule and prefers the Portland area. Please call 503-260-1745.

  • Recreation

  • KevinsDriftboat.com

    Kevin's Drift Boat is a fishing tribute to Oregon National Guard SSG Kevin D. Davis. www.KevinsDriftboat.com connects veterans with fishermen, who enjoy both steelhead fishing and fly fishing, through the use of a yahoo group. These dedicated fishermen help returning veterans discover the rewarding activity of steelhead fishing in Oregon rivers. They have equipment to get a soldier fishing at any time of year.
  • Portland Parks & Recreation
  • Portland Parks and Recreation has city wide recreation programs for all ages. Opportunities include fintess and special interest classes, recreation, basketball, swimming, weight rooms, family events, tennis and much more. Contact Teresa Koon for more information, 503-823-4328 or Teresa.Koon@portlandoregon.gov.
  • Team River Runner PDX
  • TRRPDX is located in Portland and is part of a national program (www.teamriverrunner.org) to bring health and healing through the form of whitewater recreation to military veterans.  TRRPDX offers military veterans and their family members an opportunity to find health, healing, and new challenges through whitewater boating and other paddling sports.
  • Project Healing Waters
  • Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and veterans through fly fishing and fly tying education and outings.  They host frequent fly fishing trips around the Portland area that include transportation, lunch and all equipment. No experience is necessary. For more information, call 503-402-2896.


  • Personal/Well-Being

  • Nick Manci - One Breath Yoga
  • New Class! I am starting a new class I feel vets will benefit from. It will be held at Soul Culture Cycling, 2406 NE Sandy, 97232 in Portland beginning on May 14 at 8 pm. The fee is $10.
  • The One Breath concept is a tool to systematically eradicate physical, psychological and emotional suffering that resides in the body caused by addiction, situational stress, or past trauma. We do this by way of stretching and breathing into the areas of constricted discomfort in the physical body. These areas often contain an accumulation of darkness that reflect our unhealthy thoughts, behavior and experiences. Most of us routinely disregard and ignore this dark energy rather than give it our attention. It then manifests in the physical body and shows itself in various degrees of dis-ease producing further pain and creating weakness.   Coupled with stretching and jump-training, the breath produces more space in our bodies for ease while pushing out the dis-ease. All this is done through one set series of poses that has been carefully designed to be very thorough in accessing as much tissue as possible.  Keep in mind that one of the essential requirements for true spiritual growth and deep personal transformation is coming to peace with this pain.  503-515-7211, pvy33@hotmail.com
  • Compassion's Doorway
  • Jeanine DuBois offers Reiki, Healing Touch and other techniques for health and well-being. For rates and more information, contact her at jd@compassions-doorway.com or 503-697-0588.
  • Heads Up for Heroes
  • This organization provides free Neurofeedback treatments to veterans who have TBI injuries or Post Concussive Syndrome. Contact Kayle Sandberg-Lewis at 503-234-2733 or stressless@PDXBetter-Brain.com.
  • Jean Leavenworth -STOTT Pilates
    Jean is a fully certified instructor in STOTT PILATES and co-founded Pacific Northwest Pilates in 2001. Jean has an M.S. in Kinesiology and specializes in rehabilitative pilates. She has taught in physical therapy clinics, health clubs locally and internationally.  Jean offers free private and group classes in pilates for returning veterans, focusing on strengthening core muscles to increase movement efficiency and motor control.  Pacific Northwest Pilates is wheelchair accessible and open for clients Monday-Saturday. Pacific NW Pilates - 5201 SW Westgate Drive, Suite 114, Portland, OR 97221 (PH)503 292-4409.
  • Portland Veterans Acupuncture Project
  • This organization offers free acupuncture treatments to all military veterans.  A drop-in clinic is held every Thursday from 5 pm to 8 pm at Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church, 2828 SE Stephens St.,Portland, OR   97214. No appointment necessary.

  • Restorative Yoga

    Free classes. All veterans invited. Renew body, mind and spirit. Deep relaxations, yogic breathing, gentle supported postures. You don't need to be flexible to do yoga. Fridays 10:45-12:15, Balanced and Whole Wellness Center, 4423 NE Tillamook, Portland.  Call Belle Mann, 503-227-8635.
  • Stanford Siver
  • Portland psychologist is a veteran, former business executive, and process-oriented psychologist with a strong interest in collective leadership issues and facilitation of intensely polarized issues. He founded the Veterans for Ethical Warfare to bring cutting edge training to veterans because we need their voices to be more directly represented in the United States. VFEW trainings provide an opportunity for veterans, family members, and others to learn ways to channel their experiences into practical skills, enabling them to facilitate tensions within their own lives, relationships, organizations, and national policy discussions. Call 503-972-8942 or stanford@vfew.org.
  • Tapas Acupressure Technique
  • TAT is an easy way to dissolve stress, negativity and grief.  You, the client are taught to hold certain points of your head with your fingers and hand while you put your attention on a series of statements, allowing you to be totally involved with your own healing.  Individual, group and phone sessions are available. Please contact Jane Conboy at 503-703-3703  for more information.
  • Writearound.org
  • Write Around Portland runs free writing workshops for various community groups who might otherwise not have access to the power of writing and community, including veterans and military families. They organize readings at which participants can share their writing with the greater community, and they publish anthologies of participants' writings. For more information on workshops, call 503-796-9224. Write Around Portland office: 917 SW Oak St., Suite 405, Portland, Oregon. 

  • Resources Nationwide


  • Emergency/Support Services-National

  • AFSP
    The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is the leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research and education, and to reaching out to people with mood disorders and those impacted by suicide.
  • America's Vet Dogs
  • A division of Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, this organization will train and supply guide dogs for the visullay impaired veteran and service dogs for those who have disabilites other than blindness.
  • American GI Forum
  • Established in 1948 by Dr. Hector Perez Garcia, and Army Veteran Medical Doctor, the American GI Forum is the largest Federally Chartered Hispanic Veterans organization in the U.S. The website contains information on education, employment, human rights and legislation.
  • Brainline.org
  • This website contains information on traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the impact this has on victims and families.  There are personal stories and information on research.
  • Brain Injury Association of America
  • The leading national organization serving and representing individuals, families and professionals who are touched by a life-altering, often devastating, traumatic brain injury (TBI). The website lists support groups and contacts by state.
  • Click here for the BIAA  list of state offices. 
  • Click here for their directory of state affiliates and support groups.
  • Career One Stop
    This is an electronic labor exchange that provides job seekers and employers with a marketplace in which to find each other over the Internet at no cost to them.

  • Disabled American Veterans

    This organization will function as attorneys-in-fact, assisting veterans and their families in filing claims for VA disability compensation and pension; vocational rehabilitation and employment; education; home loan guaranty; life insurance; death benefits; health care and much more. Their local Portland number is 503-412-4750.
  • DrugWatch.com
  • DrugWatch.com is a comprehensive website containing information about many medications, including common prescriptions and over-the counter drugs available worldwide. The website features an A-Z index of the medications, making it easy for patients to find information about specific drugs, including those used to treat PTSD.
  • Fisher House
    Supporting America's military in their time of need, they provide "a home away from home" that enables family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful time -- during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury. Phone: 888-294-8560.

  • GiveAnHour.org
    A national network of mental health professionals who provide free mental health services to military personnel and their families affected by the current military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

  • HelmetsToHardhats.org

    Helmets to Hardhats is a national program that connects National Guard, Reserve and transitioning active-duty military members with quality career training and employment opportunities within the construction industry.
  • Homes for Our Troops
  • Volunteer Opportunity - This organization provides free homes to injured local veterans. They are looking for donations of Professional Trades to help build these homes. Contact Project Manager Rick Goyette at rgoyette@homesforourtroops.org
  • Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
  • IAVA is the nation's first and largest group dedicated to the troops and veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the civilian supporters of those troops and veterans. IAVA addresses critical issues facing new veterans and their families, including mental health injuries, a stretched VA system, inadequate health care for female veterans, and GI Bill educational benefits as well as providing valuable resources that empowers veterans to connect with one another, fostering a strong and lasting community.

    IraqWarVeterans.org

    Web site created by the Iraq War Veterans Organization to provide information and support for Iraq veterans, active military personnel and family members. All aspects of pre-deployment, deployment and post-deployment are included.
  • MarineParents.com
    Provides information, connections and services for Marine families and friends.
  • Military Child Education Conference
  • The Military Child Education Coalition is a nonprofit, world-wide organization. A model of positive leadership and advocacy, the MCEC’s work is focused on ensuring quality educational opportunities for all military-connected children affected by mobility, family separation, and transition. The MCEC performs research, develops resources, conducts professional institutes and conferences, and publishes resources for all constituencies.
  • Military Suicide Awareness & Prevention
    Military Suicide Awareness and Prevention is a confidential support group for those who have lost loved ones to suicide before, during or after military service. Our focus is not just on what we’ve lost, but also on the hope that future losses can be prevented with proper care and intervention. We offer information, support and understanding. Even though they’ve gone on, our soldiers’ service will never be forgotten. No one will be left behind.
  • National Military Families Association
  • The website has  information for families  new to the military. This organization also sponsors programs including "Operation Purple," summer camps for children of military families and scholarships for military spouses.
  • National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
  • This nonprofit organization is the resource and technical assistance center for a national network of community-based service providers and local, state and federal agencies that provide emergency and supportive housing, food, health services, job training and placement assistance, legal aid and case management support for hundreds of thousands of homeless veterans each year. Also has a list of 2010 Stand Down dates and location throughout the country.
  • Pat Tillman Foundation
  • The Pat Tillman Foundation is a national leader in providing resources and educational support to veterans, active servicemembers and their dependants. The Tillman Military Scholars program aids all veterans and specifically the ever-growing population of veterans and dependents of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.
  • PleuralMesothelioma.com
  • This a website contains information about veterans and their exposure to asbestos.
  • The Soldiers Project
  • A group of licensed mental health professionals who offer free psychological treatment to military service members (active duty, National Guard, Reserves and veterans) who have served or who expect to serve in the conflicts in Iraq or Afghanistan. The website lists several locations throughout the United States.
  • Suicide Prevention Action Network: 
  • SPAN USA serves as the public policy and advocacy division of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).  AFSP is the leading national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy, and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide.

  • Transition Assistance Online

    Transition Assistance Online has developed a website for assisting veterans with smoothly transitioning from their military service to a civilian career. The site has a job bank for job seekers and employers as well as an extensive list of continuing education resources. A free newsletter is offered for users.
    Veterans Survival Guide
  • The Veterans for America provides a free down-load of this book, providing an invaluable resource for the 1.7 million servicemembers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, the 24 million veterans of past conflicts, and the families of all our troops and veterans.

  • Wounded Warrior Project

  • The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and empower wounded warriors. Their propose is to raise awareness and enlist the publics aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, to help severely injured servicemembers aid and assist each other and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of severely injured servicemembers.

  • Recreation-National

  • Disabled Sports USA

  • Disabled Sports USA was originally established in 1967 by disabled Vietnam veterans to serve those injured in the war. The organization now offers nationwide sports rehabilitation programs to anyone with a disability.

  • Outward Bound

  • This organization is offering free wilderness expeditions for OEF/OIF Veterans. Adventures are physically, mentally and emotionally stimulating and work to build self confidence, trust and communication skills necessary to successfully return to families and communities following war time service. Click here to read an article in Sierra Club magazine about one such adventure.
  • Wheelchair Athletics
  • 1800wheelchair.ca is a for-profit Canadian company that sells products the disabled but also has a weppage on sports that can be done from a wheelchair.


  • Personal/Well-Being-National

  • OneFreedom.org

    ONE Freedom is a nonprofit organization offering direct trainings, lectures, skill-building workshops and interactive media to help veterans and their families understand and transform the trauma they may be experiencing.

  • BrainandSpinalcord.org

    A resource for those looking for information about brain and spinal cord injuries, including information pertaining to PTSD.

  • AfterDeployment.org

    A thorough and well-organized site to assist you and the people close to you to manage your after-deployment concerns. The site provides self-care tools that can be accessed 24/7 in the privacy of your own home. Programs focus on adjusting to war memories, dealing with depression, handling stress, improving relationships, succeeding at work, overcoming anger, and living with physical injuries, to mention just a few. Self-assessments provide tailored feedback and recommendations.

  • GiftFromWithin.org

    Our nonprofit is dedicated to those who suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), those at risk for PTSD, and those who care for traumatized individuals. Our website has essays, articles, poetry, art, retreats, meditations, retreats, a Q&A on PTSD, book reviews and other trauma resources.
  • Readjustment Needs of Veterans and Their Families
  • In 2009, Congress asked the Institute of Medicine of National Academies to conduct a two-phase study to examine the physical, mental, and other needs of military personnel returning from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and of veterans and their family members. The IOM  has published their report, a "Preliminary Assessment of Readjustment Needs of Veterans, Service Members, and Their Families" that can be downloaded free from their website. 
  • Sesame Street
  • The website for this legendary children's show has videos on deployments, changes, homecomings  and grief with pages for both children and adults. There is also a "Family Connections" page where families can post photos and email their deployed family member.  There is a touring company called The Sesame Street/USO Experience.  Also in Spanish.

  • SoldiersAngels.org

    As a volunteer-based nonprofit, Soldiers' Angels has over 30 different teams supporting all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Through special projects, dedicated teams and individuals supporting our troops, we make a visible difference in the lives of our servicemembers and their families.
  • Warriors Wall
  • The Warriors Wall is a free, hosted blogging service for veterans and military families who want to share their stories. The site makes it easy to create a blog and provides writing tips and ideas from a professional writer with a personal connection to the veteran community.

  • Resources for Providers

  • Returning Veterans Project: Suggested Reading

  • Returning Veterans Project: Volunteer Provider Guidelines

    Bibliography, The Spiritual Experience and The Unconscious Response To War, Diane Steinbrecher, LCSW, and Shannon Pernetti

    Like Wandering Ghosts: Edward Tick On How The U.S. Fails Its Returning Soldiers, by David Kupfer, The Sun Magazine, June 2008, Issue 390

    Ten Things You Should Know To Help Bring the OIF/OEF Veteran All the Way Home, Alison Lighthall, RN, MS, hand2handcontact.org

  • Preliminary Assessment of Readjustment Needs of Veterans, Service Members, and Their Families from the Institute of Medicine, 2010
  • Boyts, K.  (2010, May). Psychophisology of Post-Tramatic Stress Disorder.  Lecture presented at an RVP-sponsored training, "An Integrated Mind-Body Approach to Working with Stress and Trauma Reactions," Portland, OR.  Click here for a list of Resources for this presentation.
  • Stern, N. (2010, May).  The Neurophysiology of Pain.  Lecture presented at an RVP-sponsored training, "An Integrated Mind-Body Approach to Working with Stress and Trauma Reactions," Portland, OR.
  • Stern, N. (2010, May). Understanding Pain. Lecture presented at an RVP-sponsored training, "An Integrated Mind-Body Approach to Working with Stress and Trauma Reactions," Portland, OR. Click here for a list of Resources for these presentations.
  • Bowen, B. (2010, May). Dysregulated Stress Patterns:
    What To Do When Stress Activation Patterns Arise In Your Practice.     Lecture presented at an RVP-sponsored training, "An Integrated Mind-Body Approach to Working with Stress and Trauma Reactions," Portland, OR.