Groups and Classes
There are a variety of in-person and virtual options for Veterans to live Whole Health and stay connected in their recovery. Veterans interested in attending these phone or online group can contact the facilitator of the group for more information or to register. They will either need to provide their email and phone number so they can be included on the Video Connect Group or they will be provided a call in number with a code in order to connect to the group by phone.
First Thursday of every month
1:00pm – 2:00 pm.
Benefits Briefing 101
Teach about Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), which includes; Compensation and Pension (also called disability benefits), post 9/11 GI Bill and other educational benefits, VA Home Loan, and the process of all benefits.
Facilitator: Brent Haddow
To Register: Please contact Brent Haddow at
Format: Cisco Webex
Group capacity: Open to All Veteran
Monday
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Focus on Recovery
This is a topic-based group that looks at various components of recovery. Veterans who attend the group are expected to participate in discussions about the varying aspects of recovery. (i.e. honesty, triggers, boundaries, relapse, etc.).
Facilitator: Russell Bell, LMSW
Telephone:
Group Capacity: 10
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Surviving and thriving through the day
This group will meet weekly to discuss the day-to-day struggles we face as we go about our daily routines. Through the use of information on stress management, supportive discussion, and activities the group will explore how our ability to tackle the difficulties we face is impacted by our perspective.
Facilitator: Darryl Weekley
Contact:
Zoom group
Group capacity: 10 - Open to all Veterans enrolled at the medical center
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Seeking Safety Group
This group will cover topics such as trauma, substance use, coping skills, honesty, setting boundaries, healthy relationships, healing from anger, etc.
Facilitators: Kendra O'Keelean & Jessica Walker
Contact:
Zoom group
Group capacity: 12
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Housing Search Group
This group provides HUD-VASH participants who are currently searching for housing the opportunity to provide housing updates, discuss resources, and barriers as well as have any questions answered in regards to securing housing through the HUD-VASH program.
Facilitator: Mike Witt
To Register: Please contact Mike Whitt at
Format: Zoom
Group Capacity: 10 (Open to Lansing HUD VASH Veterans)
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Race-Based Stress and Trauma Group
This group will meet weekly to discuss the day-to-day struggles resulting from Race-Based Trauma. The group provides 8 modules within two main areas of focus: Intervention and Goals. Contact one of the individuals below to get more information or the link to attend.
Facilitator:
Jasmine Young, LMSW --
Devon Clark, BSBA --
Virtual via WebEx
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
The Weekend Check-In: Peer Support Group
Peer support groups are for people who are in mental health recovery. In this group, you will assist each other while engaging in the recovery process as well as discuss many other benefits available to Veterans. Groups are facilitated by Certified Peer Support Specialist(s) that help to promote self-determination and assist others in regaining control over their own lives while embracing the recovery model.
Facilitator: Reggie Howard
Contact:
Format: Zoom group
Group capacity: 25- Open to all Veterans enrolled at the medical center
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Integrated Spirituality & Recovery
Therapeutic Goals:
Integrated Spirituality & Recovery (IS&R) is the ‘Spiritual’ version of the 12 Step Program. At each step, it helps the Veteran see how embracing their higher power for long-term sobriety and abstinence from drugs, allows for a new narrative to be written in their life.
Facilitator: Chaplain Hooey
To Register: Please contact
Format: Zoom
Target Audience: Spirituality
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Diabetes Education Class
This group is focused on education about Diabetes. Meets the First Three Mondays of the Month. Except for Holidays.
Facilitator: Andrea Garver
Contact:
Format: VVC
Group capacity: Open to all Veterans and Family Members
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
HUD/VASH Housing Search
This group will be led by a Case Manager in the HUD/VASH program. This group is designed to be a place for Veterans to come together and discuss the barriers they have or are experiencing securing housing as well as share current resources to identify possible housing options. Topics could range from finding affordable housing, contacting landlords, orientation material review, resource review, etc. If you are a HUD/VASH Veteran feel free to join us using the VANTS line listed below.
Facilitator: Tyler Langoni (ext. 31726)
To Register: Please contact Tyler Langoni at
Format: Zoom video & audio (phone)
Target Audience: Veterans in HUD/VASH searching or needing assistance with finding/securing housing.
Capacity: N/A
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Learning to Help Others
The purpose of this group is to educate Veterans on how they can learn peer support skills to implement support groups or how to interact with a Veteran who is struggling with recovery. The group is interactive where Veterans are expected to share and examine their own experiences with recovery to better understand how to help others.
Facilitator: Russell Bell. LMSW
Tel.
Group Capacity: 10
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. **FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYS OF EACH MONTH**
Fly-Tying and Fly-Fishing
The mission of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing is to assist in the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active duty military personnel and Veterans through Fly Fishing and Fly Tying education and outings. All typing equipment and supplies are provided. Free to Veterans!
Facilitator: Therapeutic Recreation
Tel.
Tuesday
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Moment By Moment- Women's Recovery
This is a mindfulness-based group approach to relapse prevention. This group may also be helpful for women who may have experienced trauma in their lives and are struggling with mental illness. The course is nine weeks long, however, each group session is not reliant on attendance during previous sessions. Drop-ins are welcome and no pre-registration is necessary.
Facilitator: Lisa Alicea
Contact:
Format: Zoom group
Group capacity: Women's Veterans
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Anger Management
Learn about anger and how to keep yourself from making things worse when you are angry. Learn relaxation approaches, new ways of thinking, and how to deal more effectively with other people.
Facilitator: Thelmo Torrealba
To Register: Please contact Thelmo Torrealba at
Format: Video Connect
Capacity: (Open to Lansing Veterans)
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (Starting Nov 8, For 9 Weeks)
Recovery During The Holidays
This group will provide you with tools and information o how to manage stress and maintain recovery through the holidays.
Facilitator: Colleen Campbell & Kendra O'Keelean
To Register: Please contact at
Format: Video Connect
Capacity: Outpatient and Residential Veterans, capped at 12
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Relapse and Prevention group
Providing tools and strategies to help you on your recovery journey. Veterans will be presented with materials and presentations on Relapse and Prevention, Anger management, Changing Unhealthy Thinking patterns, Relationship related triggers, Changing Irrational Beliefs, and Scheduling Activities in Early Recovery.
Facilitator: Lisa Alicea,
Format: Zoom Connect
Group Capacity: Open to all Veterans
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
PTSD Education Virtual Group
This is an 8-week curriculum designed to provide information about PTSD to Veterans that are new to treatment or those interested in learning more about PTSD. please discuss a referral with your PCT provider.
Facilitator: Katelynn Kilduff,
Format: Virtual
Group Capacity: Veterans in PCT
1:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m.
Peer Support Group
Peer support groups are for people who are in mental health recovery. In this group, you will assist each other while engaging in the recovery process as well as discuss many other benefits available to Veterans. Groups are facilitated by Certified Peer Support Specialist(s) that help to promote self-determination and assist others in regaining control over their own lives while embracing the recovery model.
Facilitator: Reggie Howard
To Register: Please contact Reggie Howard at
Format: Zoom group
Group capacity: 25
1:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m.
PTSD Education Virtual Group
This is an 8-week curriculum designed to provide information about PTSD to Veterans that are new to treatment or those interested in learning more about PTSD. please discuss a referral with your PCT provider.
To Register: Please contact Reggie Howard at
2:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. (Starting Nov 1, For 8 Weeks)
BIPOC Support Group- Lansing Clinic
This is an 8-week curriculum designed to provide support for Veterans that identify as people of color/BIPOC, or as multiracial or biracial.
To Register: Please call
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Every First and Third Tuesday of Every Month
LGBTQ+ Brave Space Group (Virtual)
This is a safe space for LGBTQ+ Veterans to chat among peers, share stories, and be validated in their service, no matter what era.
For more Information, please contact:
Kat Jackson:
or
Alicia Cox:
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Vietnam Era PTSD
Facilitator: Christopher Thomas
Contact:
Format: In-Person Benton Harbor CBOC
Group capacity: N/A
5:00 p.m.
Integrative Restoration
Integrative Restoration is an evidence-based, mind-body approach that offers tools to help you relax deeply, release stress, increase resiliency, improve your interpersonal relationships, and empower you to practice self-regulation and self-care to support your health & wellness.
Facilitator: Rebecca McCullers, Louise Mahoney
Contact:
Zoom Group Group capacity: Open to all Veterans enrolled at Medical Center
Wednesday
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Spiritual Fitness
Spiritual Fitness is critical to the Veteran's overall wellness. It impacts mental health, social interactions, and family relationships. This group allows Veterans a safe place to be vulnerable and open to different viewpoints and experiences. This group addresses spiritual injury, moral injury, guilt, and shame, and it provides an opportunity for Veterans to connect with their higher power as a major source of strength for long-term sobriety and abstinence.
Facilitator: Chaplain Hooey, Zachary F.
To Register:
Format: Zoom group
Group capacity: Unlimited
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Peer Support Life Skills Group
Peer support groups are for people who are in mental health recovery. In this group, you will assist each other while engaging in the recovery process as well as discuss many other benefits available to Veterans. Groups are facilitated by Certified Peer Support Specialist(s) that help to promote self-determination and assist others in regaining control over their own lives while embracing the recovery model.
Facilitator: Ron Henson
To Register: Please contact Ron Henson on cell phone at
Format: Zoom group
Group capacity: 20
2nd and 4th Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Vietnam Era PTSD
Facilitator: Christopher Thomas
Contact:
Format: In-Person Benton Harbor CBOC
Group capacity: N/A
Group Capacity: 10
11:00 a.m.
Women Warriors Group
This is a group that is focused on Women Veterans. It promotes a safe environment designated for our female Veterans to enhance their well-being, renew, restore and connect.
Facilitator: Katearine Jackson, Susan Lee
To Register:
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Life Skills Recovery
This is an opportunity to learn and foster daily life skills related to sustaining and strengthening recovery from addiction and/or mental health challenges.
Facilitator: Sean Stallworth
To Register:
Format: Zoom
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Death of a Loved One Group
Learn about the stages of grieving and the potential impacts on life during each stage. There is no pattern and the grieving process is unique to the individual. Learn to identify symptoms and characteristics within each stage and how to cope through the process.
Facilitator: Ebony Crane
To Register: Please contact Ebony Crane at 269.873.2236.
Format: Zoom
Group Capacity: 10
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Relapse Recovery
This is an opportunity to learn and foster daily life skills related to sustaining and strengthening recovery from addiction and/or mental health challenges.
Facilitator: Sean Stallworth
To Register: Please contact
Format: Zoom (Grand Rapids Vets)
Group Capacity: 10
1:00 p.m.
Codependent Peer Group
The purpose of this group is to help change codependent patterns of thoughts and beliefs.
Facilitator: Susan Lee and Kat Jackson
To Register: call
1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
VA Calm: Mindfulness Meditation
A series of groups focusing on cultivating awareness of the present moment with kindness and compassion. Through mindfulness, the group will notice, without judgment, preoccupied thought and time spent thinking of the past or the future, and work with sensory experiences to guide the mind into the present. Be prepared to learn and practice in a safe environment and take your practice with you. For all levels that bring a beginner’s mind.
Facilitator: Nicole Najar
To Register: 269-966-5600 ext. 32963
Format: Video Connect
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Race-Based Stress/Trauma and Empowerment
A weekly group, tailored to our Veterans of color, to address race-based stress and trauma in a safe and validating environment.
Facilitator: Cecilia Rush, Devon Clark
Contact:
Online
Group Capacity: Open with a referral.
1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Military Women’s Empowerment Group
Zoom Group focuses on issues facing today's women including topics on Addictions; trauma; relationships; sleep disorders; child-rearing; and more. A specific topic will be covered each week using videos and or handouts and time for Group support.
Facilitator: Valerie Butler
To Register: Valerie Butler, Valerie.Butler@va.gov call:
Format: Video Connect
2:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Art Group
Now more than ever, we need to make time to be creative. From wherever you are, we are going to do art together! If you have supplies, great! You can do any project you want. You can also do crafts, knitting, whatever is your form of positive creativity! If you don’t have supplies, I can send some to you. No experience is needed!
Facilitator: Allyson Bolt
To Register: Please contact Allyson Bolt at
Format: Video Connect
Thursday
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Open Gym
Veterans have access to the gymnasium to play basketball, lift weights, or exercise on the cardio equipment.
Location: Gym Bldg. 134
1st and 3rd Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Vietnam Era PTSD
Facilitator: Christopher Thomas
Contact:
Format: In-Person Benton Harbor CBOC
Group capacity: N/A
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
GWOT Buddy Check
This is a check-in support group for Veterans that are currently processing current events in Afghanistan and the war on terrorism.
Facilitators: Russel Bell and Bill Valonkhuyzen
To Register: Please contact
Format: Virtual or in-person
Target Audience: All Veterans
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Seeking Safety Group
This group will cover topics such as trauma, substance use, coping skills, honesty, setting boundaries, healthy relationships, healing from anger, etc.
Facilitators: Deb Brunner (ext. 30073)
To Register: Please contact Kendra O'Keelean at
Format: Video Connect
Target Audience: Residential Veterans
Capacity: 12
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Therapeutic Horticulture for Whole Health
A weekly group where recovery and growth meet. Horticulture Therapy is designed to get Veterans engaged in nature and experience the health benefits of caring for plants. Engage in activities such as in-ground, raised, container, and indoor gardening as well as educational topics related to gardening and plant care.
Facilitators: Laura Singh,
To Register: Please contact Laura or ask your Provider
Format: In Person, Greenhouse, Building 127
Target Audience: All Veterans
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 2nd and 4th Thursday
Employment Support Group
This group will cover topics such as resume building (resumes that get interviews), interviewing skills, Schedule A Authority, navigating USA Jobs, Michigan Talent Bank, networking skills, understanding job postings, translating military MOS to civilian skills, available jobs in different cities (will be based on who is on the call), job fairs, etc.
Facilitator: Dwayne Kelly
To Register: Please contact Dwayne Kelly at
Format: Zoom video
Target Audience: HCHV Veterans in 22 county catchment area
Capacity: 20
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders (Ionia Co. Courthouse)
This group is for Veterans identified as having substance abuse disorders. CBT is a well-researched, efficacious, and time-limited psychotherapeutic approach that has been used to treat several mental and behavioral health conditions. CBT involves a structured approach that focuses on substance use disorders and relationships among cognitions.
Facilitator: Brenden Wright
To Register: Please contact Lisa Alicea at
Format: Video Connect
Target Audience: Veterans in the Ionia County area seeking outpatient substance abuse treatment.
Group Capacity: Open to all Veterans
1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
OEF/OIF/OND PTSD Group
This group is for all Veterans who have PTSD symptoms related to their time spent in Afghanistan, Iraq, or Kuwait. This is a place to share your experiences and how you are coping with them. The group will be moderated and will include education about PTSD, anger, and the challenges of fitting back into the civilian world.
Facilitator: Thelmo, Torrealba
To Register: Please contact Thelmo, Torrealba at
Format: Video Connect
Target Audience: (Open to OEF/OIF/OND Veterans)
1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Nurture Parenting Virtual Group
This group is to support Veteran parents at any stage of their parenting journey. Group will look at parenting fundamentals, building communication skills, problem-solving for families, and creating a space for ourselves
Facilitator:
To Register: Please contact
Format: Video Connect
Target Audience: (Open to OEF/OIF/OND Veterans)
1:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m.
Peer Support Group
Peer support groups are for people who are in mental health recovery. In this group, you will assist each other while engaging in the recovery process as well as discuss many other benefits available to Veterans. Groups are facilitated by Certified Peer Support Specialist(s) that help to promote self-determination and assist others in regaining control over their own lives while embracing the recovery model
Facilitator: Ron Henson
To Register: Please contact Ron Henson at
Format: Zoom group
Group capacity: 25
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Tackling the tough stuff
This is a group that will meet weekly to help each other work through problems that each of us faces every day. It might be a difficult landlord or figure out how to cope with Depression. Every week the group will choose a new topic to tackle together. This is an open group to anyone in the VA.
Facilitator: Amanda Briggs
Contact:
Format: Zoom Group
Group Capacity: 10- Open to all Veterans enrolled at the medical center
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Mindfulness and Timeless Trivia
Join this group for a little relaxation and fun! Don’t forget to bring your thinking caps.
Facilitator: Cheryl Krzeminkski
To Register: Please contact Cheryl Krzeminski at
Format: Video Connect
Target Audience: All HCHV veterans
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Advance Care Planning via Group Visits Workshop
Advance Care Planning via Group Visits is a group discussion and workshop centered on creating healthcare goals that will inform your family and providers about YOUR preferences for care.
Veterans will learn how to complete a VA Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare and Advance Directive(s), as well as, discuss stressors/barriers related to healthcare and end-of-life conversations. Available for ALL Veterans, Spouses, and their families.
Facilitator: Brandon Snyder, LLMSW
To Register: Call
Group Capacity: 7
Friday
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Open Gym
Veterans have access to the gymnasium to play basketball, lift weights, or exercise on the cardio equipment.
Location: Gym Bldg. 134
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Peer Support Group
Peer support groups are for people who are in mental health recovery. In this group, you will assist each other while engaging in the recovery process as well as discuss many other benefits available to Veterans. Groups are facilitated by Certified Peer Support Specialist(s) that help to promote self-determination and assist others in regaining control over their own lives while embracing the recovery model.
Facilitator: Reggie Howard
To Register: Please contact Reggie Howard at
Format: Zoom group
Group capacity: 25
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Communication within Relationships
Learn how to have effective communication within relationships. This can be any type of relationship, professional or personal. Communication skills will be learned based on Cognitive Behavioral principles.
Facilitator: Laura Gilley
Contact: (269) 300.-316
Zoom group
Group Capacity: 10 – Open to ALL Veterans enrolled at the medical center
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
8 Dimension of Wellness
The 8 Dimension model illustrates the idea that all eight dimensions are interconnected. Join us as we discuss the aspects of stress, problems, and purposes of life.
Facilitator: Devon Clark or Valerie Butler
Contact:
Zoom group
Group Capacity: Open to Veterans.
Sunday
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Spiritual Growth Bible Study
Interactive Spiritual Growth Bible Study. Come learn the meaning and message of the word and scripture, as guided by your Chaplains!
Facilitators: Zachary Hooey (ext. 36598)
To Register: Email Chaplain Zachary for the link. Zachary.hooey@va.gov
Format: Virtual (Microsoft Teams).
Target Audience: Veterans, Family Members, and Staff.
Ongoing
2 Hours for 10 Weeks
Strength at Home for Couples
A couples-based program to enhance relationships and prevent problems from escalating to abuse. Goals of the group:
-develop effective conflict resolution skills
-increase intimacy and closeness
-improve communication with one another
Facilitators: Alison Mencarelli
To Register: Call
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: Open to all Veterans enrolled at the medical center.
2 Hours for 10 Weeks
Strength at Home
This is a comprehensive program to assist Veterans struggling with anger and conflict in current or past relationships.
-Understanding abusive behavior and taking responsibility for abuse
-Understanding anger and trauma
-Learning ways to deescalate situations that may lead to conflict and aggression
Facilitators: Alison Mencarelli
To Register: Call
Format: Mixed
Target Audience: Open to all Veterans enrolled at the medical center.
Gerofit
Gerofit offers strength, balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular training in a group setting.
Facilitator: Kara
Contact:
Group Capacity: Open to ALL Veterans enrolled at the medical center
Other resources and support
- Veterans Crisis Line - If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 988, then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
- For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local VA medical center24/7 regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care.
- Vet Centers - Discuss how you feel with other Veterans in these community-based counseling centers. 70% of Vet Center staff are Veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you.
- VA Mental Health Services Guide - This guide will help you sign up and access mental health services.
- MakeTheConnection.net - information, resources, and Veteran to Veteran videos for challenging life events and experiences with mental health issues.
- Download VA's self-help apps - Tools to help deal with common reactions like, stress, sadness, and anxiety. You can also track your symptoms over time.
- VA Women Veterans Call Center - Call or text 1-855-829-6636 (M-F 8AM - 10PM & SAT 8AM - 6:30PM ET)
- VA Caregiver Support Line - Call 1-855-260-3274 (M-F 8AM - 10PM & SAT 8AM - 5PM ET)
Every 4th Thursday
iREST Mindfulness Meditation Monthly Drop-In
This is a monthly drop-in group for Veterans to participate in a guided meditation practice. iREST helps you see what is present in your body and mind. People who practice iREST report reduced levels of depression, anxiety, insomnia, stress, and chronic/acute pain. This group will help you relax more deeply and increase overall resilience.
Facilitators: Nicole Najar, PsyD, ABPP and Rebecca Preston, PsyD
To Register: Call
Format: Video Connect
Target Audience: Open to all Veterans enrolled at medical center.