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We built Give an Hour over a decade ago to provide free mental health care to our returning troops, their families, and their communities. Over the years, we have come to understand that in order to effectively serve those who serve, we must change the culture of mental health for all Americans. A year ago, we launched the Campaign to Change Direction, designed to do just that.
Over the last several months we have seen the campaign grow at an unprecedented rate. Our new PSA running in Times Square features First Lady Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden, Richard Gere, and Prince Harry. Speaking of Prince Harry, it is my distinct honor to join the U.S. Presidential Delegation for this year's Invictus Games, the international multisport event he created for wounded warriors. In addition, one of the brightest stars in today's music scene, Chris Stapleton, is a supporter of the campaign, as can be seen from his first ever music video. And we have a new initiative--Give an Hour to Change Direction--which serves as a pathway for providers to get involved in new ways.
Although the Iraq and Afghanistan wars have moved off of the front pages, those of us in the mental health community know that for some military families and veterans, the consequences of these wars will continue to be felt for many months and years to come. We are proud to renew our commitment to those who serve and their families. Our mission is to ensure that all in need have access to appropriate care.
We are also pleased to expand Give an Hour's successful model so that other mental health professionals have the opportunity to serve additional populations in need. I want to thank our mental health association partners and our current providers, who are helping us bring other mental health professionals into our network. In the coming months you will see more information about this exciting development.
I am proud of the work we have done over the last decade to provide critical mental health care to our military and veteran communities. We continue to forge new partnerships as we serve those who have served our country.
I am also inspired and energized by the support we are seeing for the Campaign to Change Direction. New organizations and communities are joining this collective impact effort every day. I am especially pleased that over 30 of our nonprofit partners from the veteran and military space have stepped up to help us educate all Americans about the Five Signs of emotional suffering. Our partners understand that it is time to change the culture of mental health for all Americans. They understand that we must Change Direction in order to ensure that those who serve, their families, and all others in need can comfortably seek the support they deserve.
Thank you for your continued interest in our efforts.
Take care,
Barbara
Barbara Van Dahlen, Ph.D
President and Founder
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Give an Hour to Change Direction
GAH expands successful model to improve mental health care
to additional communities in need
Give an Hour's mission has always been to
"harness the expertise and generosity of volunteer mental health professionals capable of responding to both acute and chronic conditions that arise within our society."
Over the last decade, we have become one of the nation's preeminent sources of care for those who serve and their families. We are proud of the work we have done together with our network of dedicated providers, and we look forward to continuing to serve our military and veteran communiti
es.
Alt
hough
the wars have ended, the need continues.
The Campaign to Change Direction has allowed us to bring the critical conversation about mental health to diverse audiences--groups that are eager to join us in this important effort to change the culture of mental health in America. As we all know, mental health and emotional well-being concern all of us, not only those who serve.
As we interact with new populations, especially chronically underserved populations, the need for mental health support is painfully clear. Our success in providing care to the military and veteran community and our role as the backbone organization behind Change Direction places GAH in a unique position to bring help and hope to other groups in need.
We believe that in order to change the culture of mental health in America, we must ensure that all Americans have access to mental health care. Our network of generous volunteer mental health professionals will allow Give an
Hour to become part of the solution to a national concern.
We are proud to announce the expansion of our model to offer free care to others in need. And we are excited to invite all mental health professionals to
Give an Hour to Change Direction.
Mental health professionals interested in giving an hour to help those who serve and their families will be incorporated into the GAH network immediately
, upon visiting our website (www.giveanhour.org) and registering. Providers willing to give an hour to change direction by assisting other groups, including at-risk youth, first responders, the homeless, or others are asked to visit
www.changedirection.org/give-an-hour
to learn more.
Please help spread the word. Together we can change the culture of mental health in America. Together we will Change Direction.
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Give an Hour Campaign to Change Direction Partners with Award Winner Chris Stapleton on "Fire Away" Music Video
On Monday, February 29, award-winning artist
Chris Stapleton released his first ever music video. Chris chose to use a powerful song from his award-winning album,
Traveller, to tell a story about suicide.
We would like to thank Chris and Morgane Stapleton for their compassion, courage, and willingness to step up to create this important story--and the entire Stapleton team for their support of our mission. We would also like to thank actors Ben Foster and Margarita Levieva for their inspired and compelling performances. Finally, we would like to thank Tim Mattia, whose direction brought Chris's vision into focus. By lending their talent and their voices, these fine artists are helping us change the culture of mental health in America.
(
Please note:
This video may be difficult to watch and contains images related to suicide.)
You can also link to the video here: Rolling Stone Article.
We also encourage you to check back
here on Thursday for a new special feature from Chris!
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Prince Harry and Richard Gere Featured in Change Direction PSA in Times Square
The Campaign to Change Direction, led by Give an Hour, is proud to announce that Prince Harry of Wales and acclaimed actor Richard Gere are featured in a digital public service announcement (PSA) running on a Times Square jumbotron for three months.
Prince Harry has been a steadfast supporter of members of the military, both in the United Kingdom and around the world, and an advocate for the physical and mental well-being of those who serve and their families. The campaign applauds his efforts and is pleased to have his help in encouraging everyone to recognize the Five Signs of emotional suffering and the importance of caring for one's emotional well-being.
Richard Gere has been an active spokesperson for combating the problem of homelessness in the United States and abroad. The campaign welcomes Mr. Gere's contribution and the engagement of organizations working to prevent and ultimately end homelessness, which is in many cases is related to emotional suffering and mental health.
Prince Harry and Mr. Gere join First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden in the campaign's new video PSA. The First Lady and Dr. Biden have been longstanding supporters of our nation's military families, through their Joining Forces initiative, as well as of the Campaign to Change Direction.
Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, Founder and President of Give an Hour, the backbone organization behind the Campaign to Change Direction, said, "Changing the culture is difficult and requires many voices. We are proud and honored that so many impressive leaders are standing with us to meet this challenge, and we are pleased to welcome two new supporters to this vital cause."
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Give an Hour Enlists Nearly 200 Providers at 39th Annual Psychotherapy Networker Symposium
On March 19, Give an Hour attended the annual Psychotherapy Networker Symposium held in Washington, D.C. This year, the Campaign to Change Direction was a highlight of the conference. Give an Hour Founder and President, Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, addressed the audience, noting the progress that has been achieved and the significant work that still must be completed. Among the key stakeholders Give an Hour has engaged on this campaign is First Lady Michelle Obama. The First Lady made a surprise presentation to the audience, via video, urging all
providers to join the Campaign to Change Direction and help Americans learn the Five Signs.
Dr. Van Dahlen and Give an Hour staff also had the chance to exchange ideas with providers, talk to participants individually, and outline how providers can Give an Hour to Change Direction.
As a result of this effort, 196 conference participants expressed interest in joining th
e Give an Hour network.
While 131 of the providers chose to work with the veterans and the military community through the current Give an Hour network, others also expressed an interest in working with at-risk youth, at-risk seniors, Native Americans, first responders, homeless individuals and families, and several other groups that would benefit from mental healthcare and support.
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Give an Hour Teams Up with Alex and Ani during May/Mental Health Awareness Month
Give an Hour was excited to host an Alex and Ani Charmed by Charity event on May 3, 2016, in the D.C. metro area stores to help highlight Mental Health Awareness Month. Friends, family, colleagues, and supporters enjoyed refreshments and conversation while shopping for Give an Hour.
At each of the locations (Georgetown, National Harbor, Fairfax, Bethesda, and Annapolis), Alex and Ani donated 15% of all sales to Give an Hour, to support our mission to provide free and confidential services to veterans, the military, and those who love them.
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Sally Charney from GAH at the Alex and Ani store in
Fairfax
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A big thank you to Alex and Ani, and all the volunteers and shoppers who supported us!
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(Left to right) Store employee Sydney Axelrod, GAH volunteer Lisa Jacob, and store employee Nikita Mutter at the Alex and Ani store in Montgomery Mall, Bethesda |
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Give an Hour display at Alex and Ani store in Fairfax |
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Give an Hour Seeks Providers to Support Army National Guard and Army Reserve
Give an Hour's Reserve Component Programming (RCP) is focused on providing additional support to the Army National Guard (ARNG) and the Army Reserve (USAR) across the nation. Through this program we are able to provide free, confidential, mental health services to ARNG/USAR service members and their loved ones. Providers also engage in outreach and educational opportunities that enhance the local comprehensive system of care for the Reserve Component.
Give an Hour is seeking additional providers to join our effort.
To sign up or request more information, cli
ck
here
to fill out a brief web form or use this link:
Stacy York, LCSW, is a Give an Hour provider and a National Guard Behavioral He
alth
Officer in Wyoming.
Click
here
to read her testimonial about the value of Give an Hour's
partnership with the Army National Guard.
Thank you, Stacy,
for all that you do for Give an Hour and the National Guard!
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Free Video Counseling Allows You to Reach More Give an Ho
ur Clients
Have you ever considered offering video counseling, but didn't know where to start? Have you been waiting for a Give an Hour referral?
Give an Hour receives requests daily for assistance from the military and veteran community who are not able to get to in-person counseling.
That is why Give an Hour has partnered with
Regroup Therapy to
o
ffer their HIPAA- compliant video counseling platform
free
to Give an Hour providers who want to use this technology with Give an Hour referrals.
Please consider expanding your practice in order to reach individuals who might otherwise not receive the mental health services they need.
We need you!
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New Online Give an Hour Calendar to Find Volunteer Events in Your Area!
Want to volunteer to attend a local military affilia
ted event on behalf of Give an Hour? Check out our new events calendar
here
. From there you can find out details about where an event will be held, what day and time, and sign up to volunteer! We support all types of events including Yellow Ribbon Reintegra
tion Program events, regul
arly reoccurring Joining
Com
mu
nity Forces and ISFAC meetings, awareness events and more. Attending events is a great way to give your hour, learn about other resources in your community, and most importantly, learn about the needs or gaps within your local military community.
Don't see an event in your area? Email Kristen Hedrick at
khedrick@giveanhour.org
and she will find one for you!
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Provider Profile: Wm. John Gass III
Wm. John Gass III is a licensed independent clinical social worker and has been a Give an Hour provider since 2014. John started out in the U.S. Army Special Forces as an Operations Sergeant, prior to earning his master's degree in social work from the University of Washington.
John describes himself as "a listener" and says his "purpose is to be of service to others." His actions reflect this sentiment. John is typically working with three Give an Hour clients at any given time, assists with outreach events, has given one presentation at a Give an Hour conference, and will be giving two more presentations for Give an Hour later this year. Furthermore, twice a month he goes to the office of RP/6, one of Give an Hour's community partners in Tacoma, Wash., and provides consultation to the staff.
When asked why he became a Give an Hour provider, John says, "I have a strong affection for, and appreciation of, our military community. I appreciated that Give an Hour recognized the need for support, not only for our veterans, but for their families as well. I am aware that I have received a gift to be on the journey I find myself on, and this is a way to be of service and put my gratitude into action."
"There is a moment when the person sitting across from me realizes, and internalizes, that they are being heard, seen, valued, and accepted . . . for who they are . . . [and] when that client is a veteran, or a military family member, there seems to be a 'rightness' in that moment, almost like balance is being restored in the universe."
John is currently in private practice in Olympia, Wash., where he works with individuals and couples. He hopes to soon finish his certification as a Hakomi therapist and to provide additional workshops and trainings. His long-term goal is "to be either running, or working with, a small retreat center that incorporates multiple healing modalities (Hakomi, sound healing, mindfulness practices, and somatic therapies) for couples."
"I hope to continue to find ways to be of service to our veterans and their families-- with integrity, authenticity, and compassion--to help them regain the fullness of their lives."
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Give an Hour and Change Direction Launch Bravelets Donation Page
Give an Hour and the Campaign to Change Direction recently launched a Bravelets page. There's a variety of Bravelets styles for you to choose. Bravelets donates $10 to Give an Hour for each item you purchase. Pick our colors to show your support or design one of your own. What's more perfect than a Give an Hour Time to Be Brave watch! It's time to shop:
https://www.bravelets.com/bravepage/give-an-hour.
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Buy Your Give an Hour
Apparel!
Give an Hour apparel, and other cool items, are available at our online shop. Whether a water bott
le, coffee mug, tote bag, t-shirt, or Give an Hour
ba
seball cap, you can purchase it at our
Cafe Press shop
and help us raise awareness and funds for the valuable work we are doing all over the country.
Click here to start shopping!
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Give an Hour At-a-Glance
- Increased volunteer provider network by 600% from 1,000 in February 2008 to nearly 7,000 currently.
- Increased number of volunteer hours donated by mental health providers by more than 10,000% from 1,415 in August 2008 to over 184,000 hours today.
- Increased non-mental health volunteers over 6,000% from 15 in 2008 to 1,000 currently.
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If you are a provider and considering Unsubscribing,
please know that you will no longer be able to receive
any communications from GAH to all providers.
Please also know that we try very hard to keep our
group e-mails to a minimum.
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