IJF Mission Brief – December 2024

IJF

Mission Brief

December 2024

HEALTH & WELLNESS: WINTER WELLNESS

As the days grow shorter and the cold weather sets in, many of us experience changes in our mood and energy levels. For some, these changes can be more severe, manifesting as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a form of depression triggered by changes in daylight and weather that occur primarily in the fall and winter.

A few ways strategies for coping with the ‘winter blues’:

Stick to a schedule - A regular sleep schedule improves sleep and alleviates symptoms of seasonal depression. Start going to bed and waking at times that will allow you to take advantage of daylight hours once the days become shorter.
Maximize sunlight exposure – Plan time to get outside daily – even a brisk 20-minute walk in natural light will do wonders for your mood. And consider purchasing a ‘happy light’ as artificial light can help regulate your circadian rhythm and boost mood when natural light is lacking.
Stay connected with others – It can be tempting to stay indoors once the cold weather sets in, but interacting with friends and family can help with symptoms of seasonal depression. Consider arranging something requiring regular meeting times, such as a book club.
Implement a nutrient-dense diet - Like other forms of depression, seasonal depression may be exacerbated by a diet high in sugar, fat, processed foods, or fried foods. Further, low vitamin D levels have been linked to SAD.

IJF CARE COORDINATION CENTER (CCC) - Available 24/7/365

Before a problem becomes a crisis, IJF can help. The CCC is available to Service Members, Veterans, and their families, regardless of discharge status. To request assistance, call:

833-INFO IJF (463-6453)

or online: illinoisjoiningforces.org/get-help.

IDVA NEWS & UPDATES

See what's happening at the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs here.

A Message from IJF Executive Director, Brenda Osuch

As the holiday season begins and 2024 draws to a close, it’s hard to believe how fast the year has flown by. This time of year, often brings us together with family and friends, as we cherish traditions that create lasting memories. At Illinois Joining Forces (IJF), we encourage you to reach out to the Service Members and Veterans in your life, recognizing that some may be facing unique emotions and challenges due to their service.

In this edition of our newsletter, we are excited to highlight IJF’s Operation Connect-A-Vet, an initiative now in its second year. This program was designed to help friends and family connect with Veterans by arranging support calls, ensuring that no Veteran feels alone, particularly during the holiday season. We hope you will consider reaching out to the Veterans in your life—sometimes, all it takes is a simple phone call to show your support.

We are also thrilled to share the results of Illinois Joining Forces' recent “Thank You for Your Service” survey. The survey offers valuable insights on how we can express gratitude to Veterans in meaningful ways, not just during the holidays but throughout the entire year.

Finally, I am proud to share IJF’s Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report. This report provides a snapshot of the impact we have had over the past year. As you read it, I hope it highlights that your collaboration, support, and actions have made a positive difference on the lives of our Illinois Service Member and Veterans. You can download the FY 2024 Annual Report here.

On behalf of the entire Illinois Joining Forces team, thank you for your collaboration, generosity, and your dedication to improving the lives of Illinois' Veterans, Service Members, and their Families (SMVF). We wish you and your loved ones a peaceful and joyful holiday season.

Warmest wishes,

Brenda Osuch

No one organization can do it all. But together we can do anything.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

Operation Connect-A-Vet

It is essential to make sure Veterans feel connected and supported this holiday season. We encourage you to reach out personally and give a Veteran in your life a call- it is a simple gesture that can make a significant difference. If more support is needed, Illinois Joining Forces’ Operation Connect-A-Vet offers an easy way for friends and family to arrange support calls for Veterans. Through this program, Veterans receive check-ins from a dedicated team, ready to assist with any needs, connect them to resources, and ensure they’re well-supported throughout the season.

Accessing Operation Connect-A-Vet is simple:

Reach Out: Call a Veteran in your life and ask them how they’re doing. A simple conversation can be a meaningful gesture of appreciation.
Submit a Connect-A-Vet request: If you feel a Veteran in your life needs more, IJF is here to support. Your request can be submitted by calling the IJF Care Coordination Center at 1-833-INFO IJF (463-6453), sending an email to referrals@illinoisjoiningforces.org, or filling out the Connect-A-Vet form on our website at illinoisjoiningforces.org.
Identify Services: Our dedicated team members are skilled at connecting Veterans with the services they need. We work with our partners statewide to ensure that Veterans are connected to housing, food, employment, mental health and any other critical needs.

Providers, click here to access the Operation Connect-A-Vet toolkit, social media graphics and sample written content.

Thank You: How Veterans Really Want to Be Appreciated

When thinking of a meaningful way to thank a Veteran, it is customary for many of us to share a kindhearted, “Thank you for your service.” While this is appreciated, IJF wanted to learn from Veterans how they about being thanked and some of the best ways we can show gratitude to those who served.

This summer, IJF conducted a survey with feedback from nearly 300 Veterans from various backgrounds and branches of service. The input we received shines a light on the importance of intentionality in how we express our appreciation.

What we Learned:

73% of Veterans are neutral or prefer not to personally be thanked for their service.
+2/3 Veterans say donating to a Veteran Service Organization is how they want to be thanked.

While a verbal "thank you" is well meaning, Veterans who completed our survey shared that they value more substantial expressions of gratitude. Many say they want to be thanked through actions like donations to Veteran service organizations, access to job opportunities, and receiving tangible discounts and benefits. These meaningful gestures truly honor their service and show lasting appreciation.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Northern Illinois Regional Summit and Military & Veterans Night Out

We had an exciting day at our Northern Illinois Regional Summit and Military & Veterans Night Out at the Rock Island Arsenal on September 27th. The day started out with 34 resource providers coming together to collaborate and discuss ways to improve the lives of Illinois SMVF. Rock Island Arsenal Garrison Commander, Colonel William “Joe” Parker III, addressed the event attendees, provided a historical perspective of the grounds and shared all the recreational resources that are available to both the SMVF community as well as civilians. That evening, IJF was pleased to welcome Rock Island Area SMVF to enjoy a resource fair of local providers. A highlight of the evening was the presence of several Red Cross therapy dogs. It was an impactful day in support of our SMVF community.

Join Us! Our work at Illinois Joining Forces is made possible thanks to our generous partners and supporters. Help make a difference in the lives of our Veteran community by giving a gift today.

Give a Gift Today

ILLINOIS JOINING FORCES | www.illinoisjoiningforces.org