Groups and Classes

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

Click Here

Group capacity:   Open to All Veteran

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. - 11:30 a.m.

Intensive Outpatient for SUDS

The group is an intensive outpatient treatment that focuses on substance use and co-occurring disorders.  The purpose of the group is focus on improving coping mechanisms, helping avoid a relapse and moving toward recovery.  The group provides safe and supportive space to learn and receive feedback from people who’ve had similar experiences.

Facilitator: Denise Lyons 

Telephone:

Group Capacity: Open to all Veterans

Format: Hybrid
 

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 . This group is being offered every other Monday.

Format: Zoom

Group Capacity: 10 (Open to Lansing HUD VASH Veterans)

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: Webex

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. – 2:00 p.m.

Housing Search Group

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: Wendy Newland

To Register: Please contact Wendy Newland at

Format: Webex

Group Capacity: 10 (Open to BC HUD VASH)
 

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
 

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 fly-tying equipment and supplies are provided. Free to Veterans!

Facilitator: Therapeutic Recreation 

Tel. /33902
 

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

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

My Recovery Plan

The goal of the My Recovery Plan Group is to help Veterans take more effective control of their lives and to feel better each day by developing Action and Crisis Plans. The group provides effective life management tools and educational topics designed to prevent problems from arising and to recover from challenges they face.

Facilitator: Jason Knight

Contact: 

Format:  Virtual/In person

Group capacity: Open to all Veterans Registered at  Battle Creek VAMC or Clinics
 

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 and Emily MacDonald

To Register: Please contact Thelmo Torrealba at

Format: Webex

Capacity: (Open to Lansing Veterans)

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

ACTIVE MANAGEMENT OF PAIN (AMP)

PAIN MANAGEMENT AMP is a group-based program that combines behavioral health and physical therapy skill-building for pain reduction and management.

Facilitator: Kristin Dart -or- Jacquie Urban

Contact:

Zoom or Onsite: In Person - Wyoming VA Clinic

Group capacity: 8 - Open to all Veterans enrolled at the medical center

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: Danyell Milton and Nydra Moore

Contact: or

Format: Webex

Group Capacity: Open to all Veterans

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

LET GO!

This group will focus on letting go of painful thoughts and memories, harmful desires and unhealthy habits. Group will provide the tools to assist in not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Concepts such as mindfulness, detachment, the removing of attachments to things that create suffering or unhappiness. Participants will be encouraged to determine matters that do not concern a person, or which make a person suffer.

Facilitator: Scott Saghy and Whitney Leininger

Contact: To reigster, please contact Scott Saghy or Whitney Leininger

Format: Webex

Group Capacity: Open to anyone seeking to develop tools to release and forgive.

12:30 p.m.

LIVING WITH ANGER (CLOSED GROUP)

The living with Anger group will meet six sessions,  In these sessions we will be talking about strategies for managing anger in our day to day lives.  The goal is to help you recognize when you are getting angry and give more options for how you handle yourself and interact with others.  Some of the skills we will talk about are mindfulness, stress management, changing our thinking, and assertive communication.

Facilitator: Jason Knight,

Format: 

Group Capacity:  This is a closed group.  Contact the facilitator to join the group.

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: Webex

Group capacity: 25

1:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m.

Veteran’s Wellness and Support Group

This is a group that will meet bi-weekly on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. We will focus on several topics like wellness in physical health, mental health, stress management, finical wellness, etc. This group is open to any veteran who is enrolled in Veteran Health Care and residing at Samaritas facility in Muskegon.

Facilitator: Jasmine Young and Lisa Mathis

To Register: 

Format: In person

Group capacity: 12

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

SMART Recovery

SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery training. This is more than an acronym: it is a transformative method of moving from addictive substances and negative behaviors to a life of positive self regard and willingness to change. model.

Facilitator: Jason Knight

To Register: Please contact Reggie Howard at

Format: Bldg 7, Room 157

Group capacity: Open to all Veterans registered at the Battle Creek VAMC and CBOCs

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.

WHOLE HEALTH HORTICULTURE

This is a hands-on group that explores the healing aspect of nature as well as the benefits of gardening and working with plants.  Participants will be introduced to and have a chance to practice horticultural skills such as propagation, pruning, repotting etc. Open to all Veterans Registered at the Battle Creek VAMC.

Facilitator: Laura Singh

To Register: Please contact Laura Singh at

Format: In-Person, at Building #127

Group capacity: 12

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Living In Recovery

Living in Recovery is focused on Recovery, Wellness and Action.  This group will cover self-care, recovery-oriented topics for Veterans currently enrolled with Battle Creek HUD-VASH.  Topics such as action planning, maintaining mental health, self-advocacy will be covered.   Group will utilize self-care educational material from SAMHSA, CMHS and other government agencies.  This group will help provide HUD-VASH participants education on ideas and concepts to help them to continue making positive progress in their recovery. 

Facilitator: Mollie Reynolds and Aaron Porter

To Register: Please contact either Mollie Reynolds at or Aaron Porter .

Format: Webex

Group capacity: 12 (Open to BC HUD VASH)

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:  / rebecca.mccullers@va.gov.  / louise.mahoney2@va.gov

Zoom Group Group capacity: Open to all Veterans enrolled at Medical Center

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:  Webex

Group capacity: 20

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Reach Out Stay Strong Essentials (ROSE)

ROSE program discusses skills to prepare for your new baby, manage stress, improve communication and relationships and build social support. Open to pregnant Veterans.

Facilitator: Rachel Newcomb

To Register: Please contact Rachel Newcomb at ext.  31650

Format:  Virtual

Group Capacity: 10

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Soulful Harvest Cooking

As we stroll into our Fall season some struggle with seasonal affective disorder. We plan to focus on harvesting comfort foods to alleviate symptoms. Follow us on our journey into the deep south and explore Southern Cuisine. Healthy alternative recipe substitutions will be provided.

Facilitator: Nydra Moore

To Register: Please contact Nydra Moore at

Format:  In person at:
620 Century Ave. SW
Grand Rapids, MI  49503

Group Capacity: 4

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: Danyell Milton or

Format: Webex

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 or

Format: Zoom (Grand Rapids Vets)

Group Capacity: 10
 

1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Walking Group            

This group is dedicated to educating Veterans on the importance of healthy exercise as we take our walk from 620 Century Ave SW. Walk at your own pace as we enjoy the weather. Please wear good sneakers and proper attire for this group.

Facilitator: Regina Dukes-Noble

To Register: Please contact Regina Dukes-Noble

Format: In Person

Target Audience: HUD-VASH & Residential Veterans

Capacity: 10

1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Budgeting and Bills Group            

Learn how to spend your money intentionally while working toward goals such as getting out of debt, saving for retirement, or just managing household expenses. Learn how to create a budget, the value of a credit score, and how to improve credit to achieve financial freedom. Open to all Veterans in Lansing area.

Facilitator: Tyler Langoni

To Register: Contact Tyler at:

Format: In person Lansing Conference Room 105

Capacity: Open
 

1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Cognitive Skills Group           

Cognitive skills group will provide several mental strategies and external aids designed to help people manage problems with memory, attention/concentration, and problem-solving. Group sessions will focus on improving cognitive abilities and applying skills to real-life problems and goals.

Facilitator: Chris Fought

To Register: Contact Tyler at:

Format: In person for Residential Veterans

Capacity: 
 

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.

Cognitive Skills Group            

Cognitive skills group will provide several mental strategies and external aids designed to help people manage problems with memory, attention/concentration, and problem-solving. Group sessions will focus on improving cognitive abilities and applying skills to real-life problems and goals.

Facilitator: Chris Fought

To Register: 269-966-5600 ext. 31155

Format: In-person, Building 7, Mental Health Clinic Waiting Room

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.- 3:00 p.m.

Stage of Life Group  (VIRTUAL every other Wednesday)        

The Home Based Primary Care Psychology Stage of Life group focuses on the physical and emotional challenges of aging. Group members are encouraged to reminisce about past/current successes and struggles in the context of aging. This group occurs online/virtual at 2:00 p.m. every other Wednesday. It is an open group format, so members may drop in/out as needed.

Facilitator: Dr. Scott Kerby

To Register: Dr. Scott Kerby at .

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

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

9:30 a.m. 

Relaxation Through Bi-lateral Movement

Explore the relaxing benefits of bi-lateral movement through walking, drum playing, qigong, and taiji elements.

Facilitators: Danyell Milton or

To Register: Danyell Milton or

Format: Webex

Target Audience: Open to all 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.

ACTIVE MANAGEMENT OF PAIN (AMP)

PAIN MANAGEMENT AMP is a group-based program that combines behavioral health and physical therapy skill-building for pain reduction and management.

Facilitator: Kristin Dart -or- Jacquie Urban

Contact: -or- 38047

Zoom or Onsite: Virtual and Wyoming CBOC

Group capacity: 8 - Open to all Veterans enrolled at the medical center

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: Webex

Target Audience: HCHV Veterans in 22 county catchment area

Capacity: 20

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 

Seeking Safety

A group for Veterans with substance abuse and trauma that acknowledges the interplay between the two, that helps develop skills to feel more "safe".

Facilitator: Nathan Derengowski

To Register: 

Format: In person Bldg. 7, Room 142 and Webex

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

Intensive Outpatient for SUDS

The group is an intensive outpatient treatment that focuses on substance use and co-occurring disorders.  The purpose of the group is focus on improving coping mechanisms, helping avoid a relapse and moving toward recovery.  The group provides safe and supportive space to learn and receive feedback from people who’ve had similar experiences.

Facilitator: Denise Lyons

To Register: Please contact Denise Lyons

Format: Hybrid

Group Capacity: Open to all Veterans
 

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Strength At Home (closed group, online, participation in all 12 sessions expected)

This is a comprehensive program for Veterans who want to stop using violence in their relationships and improve communications with their partners There are 12, two hour sessions, that focus on understanding abusive behavior and taking responsibility for abuse, understanding anger and trauma, learning ways to deescalate situations that may lead to conflict and aggression, learning how to view situations in a less hostile manner, managing anger and stress more effectively, and communicating in more assertive ways.

Facilitator: Allyson Bolt, LMSW and Thelmo Torrealba, LMSW

To Register: Please contact Alison Mencarelli, LMSW .

Format: Webex

Group Capacity: 10

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.

CODEPENDENCY

The purpose of this group is to help change codependent patterns of thoughts and beliefs.

Facilitator: Jason Knight

To Register: Please contact Jason Knight at extension 31719.

Format: Bldg 7 Rm 204 and Webex

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.

Post Traumatic Stress

This group will meet weekly, this group is for all Veterans who have PTSD diagnosis.  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 LMSW and Co-facilitator Emily MacDonald LMSW

To Register: Please contact Thelmo Torrealba at

Format: In Person at the VA Clinic in conference room 192 in the HCHV hallway.

Target Audience: Open to all 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
 
 

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

WHOLE HEALTH HORTICULTURE

This is a hands-on group that explores the healing aspect of nature as well as the benefits of gardening and working with plants.  Participants will be introduced to and have a chance to practice horticultural skills such as propagation, pruning, repotting etc. Open to all Veterans Registered at the Battle Creek VAMC.

Facilitator: Laura Singh

To Register: Please contact Laura Singh at

Format: In-Person, at Building #127

Group capacity: 12

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Muskegon HUD-VASH Group

This group will be open to veterans enrolled in Veteran Health Care who currently hold HUD-VASH vouchers. We will focus on several topics related to maintaining a HUD-VASH voucher such as searching for housing, tenancy skills, program expectations, and community resources.

Facilitator: Jasmine Young

To Register: Please contact Jasmine Young at

Format: In-Person or Virtual (Closed group and registration is required)

Group capacity: 

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

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

8:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Insomnia Workshop

Session workshop to learn skills to treat insomnia related symptoms.

Facilitator: Julie SRE or Natalie Hogue

Contact:

Zoom or Onsite: Virtual 

Group capacity: Registration required

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

ACTIVE MANAGEMENT OF PAIN (AMP)

PAIN MANAGEMENT AMP is a group-based program that combines behavioral health and physical therapy skill-building for pain reduction and management.

Facilitator: Kristin Dart -or- Jacquie Urban

Contact:

Zoom or Onsite: Virtual and Wyoming VA Clinic

Group capacity: 8 - Open to all Veterans enrolled at the medical center

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Intensive Outpatient for SUDS

The group is an intensive outpatient treatment that focuses on substance use and co-occurring disorders.  The purpose of the group is focus on improving coping mechanisms, helping avoid a relapse and moving toward recovery.  The group provides safe and supportive space to learn and receive feedback from people who’ve had similar experiences.

Facilitator: Denise Lyons

Contact:

Format: Hybrid

Group capacity: Open to all Veterans enrolled at the medical center

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: Webex

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

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

SMART RECOVERY

SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery training. This is more than an acronym: it is a transformative method of moving from addictive substances and negative behaviors to a life of positive self regard and willingness to change.

Facilitator: Jason Knight

Contact: ension 31719

Zoom group: Virtual/In Person (Bldg. 7 Room 204)

Group Capacity: Contact Facilitator For More Information

 – 

INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT FOR SUDS

The group is an intensive outpatient treatment that focuses on substance use and co-occurring disorders.  The purpose of the group is focus on improving coping mechanisms, helping avoid a relapse and moving toward recovery.  The group provides safe and supportive space to learn and receive feedback from people who’ve had similar experiences.

Facilitator: Deb Monroe

Contact: 316

Zoom group: Via Webex - Open to ALL Veterans enrolled at the medical center

Group Capacity: 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: or

Zoom group

Group Capacity: Open to Veterans. 

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Vietnam Veterans Group I

PTSD - The focus of the group is on current issues and the group utilizes a recovery-oriented approach. The group provides Veterans the opportunity to process issues and obtain feedback. Sessions take place in Building 7, Room 114/115

Facilitator: Hannah Lankheet, ext. 33455

Contact: or

Group Capacity: Open to Outpatient Vietnam Veterans with PTSD 

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. 

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

• 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.

• Active Management of Pain (AMP) - Active Management of Pain (AMP), is a group-based program that combines behavioral health and physical therapy skill-building for pain reduction and management. AMP is available Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays, and is open to all Outpatient Veterans enrolled at Battle Creek VAMC and outpatient clinics. 

  Contact and Phone: Kristin Dart, PT, ext. 38049, Jacquie Urban, LMSW, ext. 38047

• 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)

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 or ext. 30235

Format: Video Connect

Target Audience: Open to all Veterans  enrolled at medical center.