Finding My Way Back Home – November 7
Together with James Cahill, a Veterans Advocate, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church invites you to an afternoon of information and community on Saturday November 7, 2015 at 2:30 PM. A panel of veterans from the Armed Forces will share their stories of service and the transition back into civilian life. This afternoon will highlight for the community a soldier’s point-of-view and even bring insight as to what the community can do to support this process.
“The transition from armed servant to civilian is difficult and emotional for everyone,” Pastor Tina Reyes said. “It is important that all parts of the community listen to these stories and to work together as our men and women come home.”
This afternoon is brought by the effort of James Cahill, a fierce advocate for all Veterans in Sussex County. Cahill, a Vietnam Veteran, facilitates New Dawn, a peer-led PTSD support group for veterans. “22 plus veterans a day commit suicide due to chronic depression and struggles with re-entry into civilian life. This group is one place where they can share their experiences and struggles,” Cahill said. New Dawn meets at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church on Wednesday evenings at 7 PM.
Donations will be accepted to benefit the Sussex County Community College Veterans Emergency Relief Fund. More than 100 veterans are currently enrolled at SCCC.
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church is honored to host this community forum. “Our call is to support all of God’s children, especially those on the edges of society. Too often, our veterans have answered a call to serve, experience gruesome things, and are forgotten on those edges. This is one small way to bring light to an enormous concern here in Sussex County and elsewhere in the nation,” said Reyes.
For more information about accompanying veterans, contact James Cahill at 973-704-3817.
Shepherd of the Hills is located at 246 Woodport Rd. in Sparta. For directions or more information about church activities, visit http://www.sothnj.org/ or call Pastor Tina directly at (973) 729-7010.