First Lady Michele Obama presents and makes a commitment to Joining Forces Initiative
On June 18, 2011, First Lady, Michelle Obama spoke with dozens of Faith Community Leaders across the Nation in a teleconference regarding the Joining Forces Initiative. This initiative has been developed and endorsed by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden with encouragement for all communities to develop Faith and Neighborhood Partnerships dedicated to support and empower Military Families and Veterans' communities.
White House Participation First Lady Michelle Obama's May 18 Teleconference transcript. Blogs about this teleconference
Alexia Kelly and Joshua Dubois Active Faith/Neighborhood Partnership Models presented during call:
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Primary Goals of Initiative
She stated the three primary goals are in areas of education, health and wellness.
Faith leaders were encouraged to take 5 steps in their outreach for military families. Those steps are:
(1) Find ways to integrate military outreach into existing ministries with special effort to acknowledge them throughout their programs;
(2) Expand any current military family support programs or start a program if there is not one in the faith community;
(3) Research and partner with organizations that are servicing the needs of the military member and their families;
(4) Smaller communities or faith organizations can find a way to develop an annual outreach activity;
(5) Raise the awareness of the challenges faced by military members and families while sharing information on resources that can bring the community together in this effort.
Faith leaders were encouraged to take 5 steps in their outreach for military families. Those steps are:
(1) Find ways to integrate military outreach into existing ministries with special effort to acknowledge them throughout their programs;
(2) Expand any current military family support programs or start a program if there is not one in the faith community;
(3) Research and partner with organizations that are servicing the needs of the military member and their families;
(4) Smaller communities or faith organizations can find a way to develop an annual outreach activity;
(5) Raise the awareness of the challenges faced by military members and families while sharing information on resources that can bring the community together in this effort.
All are encouraged to participate
Michelle Obama also encouraged current community leaders to lead, support, guide and mentor the development of these types of programs within their communities. She requested Congregations and organizations to make commitments to the success of this initiative. Most important, there is encouragement for individuals to come forth and help make a real difference to military families and their communities.
Joshua DuBois, Executive Director of White House Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships presentation of initiative
Joshua DuBois,Executive Director of White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, thanked the First Lady and Dr. Biden for their concern and support of this initiative stating “We are all Americans - these families need and deserve our support.” In his blog on the Joining Forces web page, he stated the following:
"Serving others is a common theme among many faith traditions and is intricately woven into the fabric of our great nation. The brave men and women of our nation’s military and their families serve us daily and make great sacrifices to do so. They deserve to be cared for at home, after they have fought to protect our freedoms."
"In keeping with our commitment to care for our service men and women, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden have started the Joining Forces Initiative. Joining Forces is a comprehensive national initiative to mobilize all sectors of society to give our service members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned. So many faith-based and community organizations are already supporting families and veterans in countless ways. Through Joining Forces, we want to support your ongoing good work and invite more faith and community groups to get involved in military family and veterans' issues."
"Serving others is a common theme among many faith traditions and is intricately woven into the fabric of our great nation. The brave men and women of our nation’s military and their families serve us daily and make great sacrifices to do so. They deserve to be cared for at home, after they have fought to protect our freedoms."
"In keeping with our commitment to care for our service men and women, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden have started the Joining Forces Initiative. Joining Forces is a comprehensive national initiative to mobilize all sectors of society to give our service members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned. So many faith-based and community organizations are already supporting families and veterans in countless ways. Through Joining Forces, we want to support your ongoing good work and invite more faith and community groups to get involved in military family and veterans' issues."
Military Support Communities provide examples of their models
Following the speakers from the White House, Faith Leaders from active programs such as the Catholic Charities Military Support Program, Partners in Care, Muslim American Veteran Association, At Ease, Jewish Family Services for Veterans, and other spoke out supporting the “Joining Forces Initiative”. They provided background, shared current program events and support systems and other positive information for growth. The Joining Forces Initiative and speakers' links are on www.healingcommunities4veterans.com.
Spokane's Healing Communities for Veterans
Spokane’s Healing Communities for Veterans partnership has initiated steps in supporting the military veteran community of active duty, guards, reserves, honorably discharged veterans, retired military, family members, employers, friends and more. They have conducted welcome home workshops, shared training from support groups, and actively sought partners in this dynamic program directed at healing the whole community.
June 7, 2011 Healing Communities "Welcome Veterans Home"
Healing Communities for Veterans is in a process of providing an initiation of information, resource knowledge, and planning with other support faith and community programs on June 7, 2010. This gathering is an opportunity to hear the concerns and listen to veterans on how community support empowered them to overcome the challenges and become a healthy part of our community.The afternoon will provide 6 of the most pressing issues in breakout sessions (you can participate in 4). Areas covered will be: (1) Economic areas of Employment, Sustainable Housing & programs for Homeless Veterans; (2) Women Veterans; (3) Spiritual Challenges; (4) Stand-downs; (5) Family Support and (6) Prevention Services - substance abuse, suicide prevention and legal. The partnerships formed during the day, volunteers committed, and new contacts made will have the date of the follow-up “work” session on the projects desired for our community.
Register Today!
Taking the initiative to join others in a welcoming outreach to the veteran (military) community demonstrates a belief beyond measure in their ability to heal, to respond with the heart of the hero, and their ability to become part of the healing cycle for the entire community. When we all do our part, everyone is strengthened. Please join us! Registration can be completed online at http://www.healingcommunities4veterans.com/registration.html
Current Partners of Healing Communities
Current Partners of Healing Communities for Veterans includes: Washington Association of Churches, Catholic Charities - Spokane, Access to Recovery, Washington State DSHS, Greater Spokane Substance Abuse Council (GSSAC), Veterans Support Network (VSN), ACT Ministries, Gonzaga University,