Partnership Between Celebrate Recovery Ridgecrest and VFW Post 963

VFW Post 963 Veteran’s Ministry We believe it is essential for Veterans and their families to talk about their issues safely and confidentially.   Our goal is Christian support and encouragement to all veterans and their families though one-on-one and small group meetings.    Through peer discussions and relationships, we offer hope and new direction to all Veterans. VFW Post 963 Veteran's Ministry Mission Statement Our mission is to help churches provide Christian services for Veterans and their families...and to offer encouragement, involvement and healing to those who served and sacrificed for our country.   We hope to accomplish this in the following ways: Help those who are struggling to share their stories with peers who had similar stories. Express appreciation for their service. Uphold the Veteran's military service - that it was, and is, still meaningful. Provide encouragement and support for their spouses and extended family. Strengthen the spirit of patriotism.  Help churces reach out to homeless Veterans by inviting them to chruch and helping them get involved. Homeless Veterans Facts "One out of every three homeless men who is sleeping in a doorway, alley or box in our cities and rural communities has put on a uniform and served this country.” - National Coalition for Homeless Veterans   (There are an estimated 400,000 homeless Veterans inAmerica) The Veterans Administration reaches only 25% of those in need, leaving 300,000 Veterans to seek assistance from local government agencies and service organizations in their communities. The VA estimates that nearly 200,000 U.S. Veterans are homeless  on any given night. In the state of Missouri it is estimated that there are over 13,000 homeless Veterans and the VA funds only 96 beds.   It is estimated there are 500 homeless Veterans in the Springfield area alone. Veteran Support Meetings Midtown Carnegie Library (lower level meeting room) 397 E Central St Springfield, MO Every Tuesday 6pm Ridgecrest Baptist Church 2210 W Republic Springfield, MO  Every Thursday 6pm Support Meeting contacts: Bob Gannon:  417-461-3470 Lynn Hebert:  417-882-7547   If you would like more info about us or just want to talk to a fellow vet, please contact us.     VFW Post 963 Meetings 2525 E Division Springfield, MO  65803 417-865-5655 Members Meeting  2nd Thursday of each month, 7pm, for members only (Women's Auxiliary meets at the same time.) Social / Potluck  4th Thursday of each month, 6:30pm, everyone is invited