Partnership
Give an Hour and the VFW are working together to ensure those in need
receive the care they deserve and to change the culture of mental health for Veterans and their loved ones.
Through a national network of licensed mental health providers, Give an Hour offers mental health care to Active duty, National Guard and Reserve, Veterans, and their loved ones.
If everyone is more open and honest about mental health, we can prevent pain and suffering, and those in need will get the help they deserve.
Awareness & Impact
Last year we reached over 1 million Veterans via the VFW Magazine, email, and print communication to VFW members and our annual worldwide effort, A Day To Change Direction
Join us, Saturday, September 18th, 2021 to Help us Prevent Suicide by Connecting, Spreading and Giving Hope
This annual event, which combines action and compassion, allows VFW Posts and Auxiliaries to help the communities in which they live and their members. Start the day off with an act of service and close by hosting a conversation about mental health and emotional wellbeing.
As we continue to adjust and learn to live in a world that recently experienced a global pandemic, a lot of us may be experiencing concerns, anxiety, and fears that we have never had before. To help navigate those feelings and emotions, we have created a series of one-page “Coming Out of the Pandemic” papers.
If you are looking for a fresh idea for your Day to Change Direction, download our papers and discuss them with your members. By discussing how they are feeling they may come to realize that others are feeling the same way and that it is okay to feel apprehensive, excited, scared, happy, etc.
Connect to Hope
If you recognize that you, or someone in your life is suffering, now what? Check out this one pager on how to reach out, connect, and get help.
For active-duty military, veterans, loved ones of service members or survivors of man-made and natural disasters with no access to other care, Give an Hour’s network of licensed mental health professionals can help. Visit (link) to find care.
Learn How to Access Mental Health Care
Spread Hope
Learn: The Five Signs Of Emotional Suffering and Healthy Habits Of Emotional Well-Being give us a common language to identify when someone is suffering and how we can stay emotionally healthy.
Share: Create a post or image telling others what makes you feel hopeful or about a time when you felt hopeful. Share it with us below.
Download an Emotional Wellbeing Resource from Give an Hour
Give Hope
Licensed mental health providers can join our network to participate in various programs providing mental health services, support, and education to populations in need.
Your generous contribution helps us provide free mental health care to those in need and continue our efforts to change the culture of mental health. By increasing access to care and by removing cultural barriers, we ensure that someday all in need will receive the support they deserve.
Tools & Resources to Use in Your Virtual or In-Person Event
Give an Hour/Change Direction Point of Contact is Nickie Silverstein: nsilverstein@giveanhour.org.
VFW Point of Contact is Lynn Rolf: Lrolf@vfw.org.
Additional Information
About Give an Hour
Give an Hour’s mission is to develop networks of skill-based volunteer professionals capable of responding to both acute and chronic conditions prevalent within society. Since 2005, the nonprofit organization has provided free mental health services to U.S. service members, veterans, and their families. In 2015, Give an Hour expanded efforts to address the mental health needs of other populations including at-risk teens, survivors of gun violence, and those affected by natural and man-made disasters. In addition, Give an Hour is now working internationally to provide information and services to address the needs of those who are in emotional pain around the world. Through the generosity, compassion, and expertise of Give an Hour’s skilled volunteers, we are able to increase the likelihood that those in need receive the support and care they deserve. Thus far, the U.S. network of nearly 4,500 licensed mental health professionals has provided more than 340,000 hours of care and support to those in need. Learn more at www.giveanhour.org.
About The Campaign to Change Direction
The Campaign to Change Direction, a public health initiative focused on changing the culture of mental health, encourages everyone to care for their mental wellbeing just as they do their physical well-being. The campaign is led by Give an Hour, a US-based nonprofit organization providing free mental health services to those in need including our military and veteran community. Change Direction addresses common barriers to understanding mental health and raises awareness about Five Signs of Emotional Suffering that may indicate someone is in emotional pain and needs help: change in personality, agitation, withdrawal, decline in personal care, and hopelessness. Over 700 partner organizations are using their unique skills and opportunities to spread awareness. Organizations and individuals who are interested in learning more or making a pledge can visit giveanhour.org/changedirection.
About the VFW
VFW is a nonpartisan, congressionally chartered 501(c)(19) veterans’ service organization that was founded in 1899. Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., it is the nation’s largest organization of combat veterans from all services, and the nation’s oldest major veterans’ organization. The VFW Washington Office was created in 1919 to advocate for legislation that enhances the programs and services provided to America’s veterans, service members, and their families. www.vfw.org
