This is the beginning of an ongoing series about veterans needs, the services available to them in our area, and supporters. It begins with a three-part series provided by Michael Lovas, Communications Director of Spokane Veterans Forum.
Motorcycle Clubs Step Up for Veterans
(Part One)
By Michael Lovas
Spokane Veterans Forum
In a practical sense, the people we consider heroes are those who take action to bring life to their values – without the expectation of a tangible reward. One organization filled with such people is the Spokane Veterans Forum. It is a national model for all other Veterans Courts and Forums.
This is an all-volunteer organization that supports the Spokane Veterans Court, which is part of the Spokane Country District Court and the Spokane Municipal Court.
The Forum is funded exclusively by donations. Those donations come in the form of funds, food, equipment and services. Members of the Forum are primarily military veterans and surviving family members.
Their job is to mentor other veterans who suffer from PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, Military Sexual Trauma, or are in other serious ways finding the transition from military to civilian insurmountable or at least difficult.
As happens to veterans world-over, such obstacles often invite behaviors that run contra to the law. When veterans commit such offenses, and the offenses are misdemeanors, they usually qualify to be tried in the Veterans Court. In addition to fines and fees, the defendants receive sentences that include a two-year probation, appropriate therapies, an on-going relationship with a Forum mentor and six Forum meetings.
These Forum meetings include a sit-down meal and classes taught by notable professors, psychologists, counselors and therapists. All the topics are chosen based on: 1) their relevance to this highly military-oriented audience, and 2) the practicality of applying the lessons learned in real life.
All the Mentors are volunteers. They receive on-going training in how to help their mentees receive community resources and get help from the Veterans Administration. Often, the mentees have no idea such help is even available. Mentors are also trained in how to ask questions, build rapport and trust and nurture the relationships with their mentees. For many of the mentees, this is the first time they’ve received help that actually works. The key is the relationships with the Mentors.
This year, the "Run Whatcha Brung" event in Old Town, Washington, donated 100% of the proceeds to the Spokane Veterans Forum. Visit here for more information on the Forum. (Also, Check Gallery\Events and scroll to pictures.)
Mike Lovas, Communication Director
Spokane Veterans Forum
(509) 465-5599
michael@aboutpeople.com
Motorcycle Clubs Step Up for Veterans
(Part One)
By Michael Lovas
Spokane Veterans Forum
In a practical sense, the people we consider heroes are those who take action to bring life to their values – without the expectation of a tangible reward. One organization filled with such people is the Spokane Veterans Forum. It is a national model for all other Veterans Courts and Forums.
This is an all-volunteer organization that supports the Spokane Veterans Court, which is part of the Spokane Country District Court and the Spokane Municipal Court.
The Forum is funded exclusively by donations. Those donations come in the form of funds, food, equipment and services. Members of the Forum are primarily military veterans and surviving family members.
Their job is to mentor other veterans who suffer from PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, Military Sexual Trauma, or are in other serious ways finding the transition from military to civilian insurmountable or at least difficult.
As happens to veterans world-over, such obstacles often invite behaviors that run contra to the law. When veterans commit such offenses, and the offenses are misdemeanors, they usually qualify to be tried in the Veterans Court. In addition to fines and fees, the defendants receive sentences that include a two-year probation, appropriate therapies, an on-going relationship with a Forum mentor and six Forum meetings.
These Forum meetings include a sit-down meal and classes taught by notable professors, psychologists, counselors and therapists. All the topics are chosen based on: 1) their relevance to this highly military-oriented audience, and 2) the practicality of applying the lessons learned in real life.
All the Mentors are volunteers. They receive on-going training in how to help their mentees receive community resources and get help from the Veterans Administration. Often, the mentees have no idea such help is even available. Mentors are also trained in how to ask questions, build rapport and trust and nurture the relationships with their mentees. For many of the mentees, this is the first time they’ve received help that actually works. The key is the relationships with the Mentors.
This year, the "Run Whatcha Brung" event in Old Town, Washington, donated 100% of the proceeds to the Spokane Veterans Forum. Visit here for more information on the Forum. (Also, Check Gallery\Events and scroll to pictures.)
Mike Lovas, Communication Director
(509) 465-5599
michael@aboutpeople.com
