Troops returning home to South Dakota from Iraq or Afghanistan now have a place to turn for help in coping with what they saw and the work they had to do.
Catholic Family Services has received funding to design a two hour program to promote awareness and understanding of the psychological impact that affects all members of a family when the troops return home from war.
This program is available to communities and parishes throughout South Dakota.
Sister Mary Carole Curran, Ph.D. and Dr. Marcie Moran will be the faculty for the programs.
Both presenters have expertise in providing mental health education and services in rural settings.
“Emphasis will be placed on coping with this disruption in life that may interfere with previous emotional connections and supportive relationships,” said Sister Martin Mergen, OSB, of Catholic Family Services.
“Ineffective communication, attitude and behavior changes and persistent unhappiness may prevent a satisfactory adjustment and re-entry into previous lives. Parental roles have changed. Trust can be an issue after trauma,” she added.
This program is funded by the “Sowing the Seeds of Hope” project, a federally funded multi-state network that responds to challenges facing rural families and communities.
There will be no cost to a parish or community for sponsoring this program.
Call 1-800-700-7867 for more information and to schedule a program in your community.
“This educational program is a great way to help the troops, their families, friends and neighbors deal with re-entry,” said Sister Martin.