Equipping communities with proven programs and supports
The Institute for Military & Veteran Family Wellness is a home-base where researchers, service providers, and community members work together to develop effective programs and practices needed by service members, veterans and their family members. The institute focuses on research and evaluation, training in evidence-based practices, program development and program implementation. In addition, we partner with local and national providers, researchers, and military and veteran community members. Our partnerships ensure that military and veteran communities have access to effective care for their mental health and community-based needs.
The Institute designs and tests programs that amplify the strength and resiliency of this community. Our programs focus on improving the communities of support on which military and veteran families depend. In addition, the Institute focuses on developing supports for veteran spouses and veteran couples that have fewer developed programs and resources.
Area of Focus
The Institute addresses the unique social support and behavioral health needs faced by military and veteran families. Our work creates a space for researchers, professionals and members of the community to collaborate and inform best practices as they relate to the wellbeing of service members, veterans and their families. We focus our work in three key areas.
Research & Evaluation
The institute’s research leg focuses on the mental health, social support, and overall wellbeing of service members, veterans and their families. Research initiatives are conducted both internally and in collaboration with other military and veteran-serving organizations, with a focus on patient-centered outcomes research, informed by stated needs and goals of our military and veteran community. In addition, the institute also supports program evaluation both in-house and supporting community partner-run initiatives, to ensure existing and pilot programs are meeting the needs of the military and veteran communities they are intended to serve.
Programs
The Institute for Military & Veteran Family Wellness provides a range of programming in collaboration with community stakeholders, providers and researchers. All of our in-house programming is run through our Veteran Spouse Network, and aims to support the overall wellness of military and veteran families, with a focus on peer support and community engagement. All programs are offered to participants free of charge and are continuously evaluated and then disseminated when programs show effective outcomes.
Engagement
The institute seeks to engage our military and veteran community through trainings and educational opportunities, as well as a number of services and opportunities to collaborate with military and veteran-serving organizations with a goal of ensuring the the wellness of military and veteran families.
Addressing Wellness
Achieving wellness is often a complex and interconnected process. Our work addresses wellness, based on 8 key dimensions: emotional, financial, social, spiritual, occupational, intellectual, and environmental. While all dimensions of wellness are important, there doesn’t always have to be a perfect balance at any given time. Instead, the goal is to find what works best for each person. All 8 dimensions are interconnected, so over time, depending on what is going on in one’s life, they may notice that certain dimensions are influencing others. In order to best serve an individual, we believe that as researchers and providers, our duty is to view each individual and family through the context of these 8 areas of their life.
Coping effectively with life and creating satisfying relationships
Satisfaction with current and future financial situations
Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a support system
Expanding a sense of purpose and meaning in life
Personal satisfaction and enrichment derived from one’s work
Recognizing the need for physical, activity, diet, sleep, and nutrition
Finding ways to honor and expand creativity, knowledge, and skills
Occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being
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