NORTHEAST MICHIGAN – Lately, we all hear plenty about loss, grief and ongoing fears and uncertainties regarding the COVID-19 crisis.
Shy of closing off from reality, we are unable to totally escape from the barrage of depressing news of infection and deaths, each loss impacting a circle of friends and loved ones. These times can challenge one’s sense of personal mortality, their spirituality and belief in the world around them. Thus, it is vitally important that we take the time to care for ourselves, express our love and care for family and friends in any manner safe and within our abilities and recognize the good that not only remains, but often flourishes during times of crisis.
To be helpful to others, however, it is important to also take care of ourselves. Supportive services, accessed through internet or simply your phone, have grown significantly out of our current crisis.
These may be helpful to ongoing substance abuse recovery or other personal mental health care needs, including coping with family and employment related stressors.
Services include those that are based in our local communities, as well as others available nationally. The volume of programs and their contact information is too extensive to list here in our limited space. The important thing is to know that they do exist and that there are individuals who can still connect you to services, despite windows being dark and most lobbies being closed in service agencies.
For those struggling to maintain abstinence in recovery from substance abuse, there are AA, NA and other support meetings and activities available by phone and through Virtual computer formats. Similar supports are available for those suffering situational stress or coping with long-term mental health challenges. Available support programs can provide assistance with continued learning/educational needs for current duty service members and veterans of the Armed Services, including the Guard and Reserve components and include free programs for K-12 and college age students currently home-bound. Services remain available for housing assistance, food assistance and other emergency needs.
If you would like guidance in locating specific assistance in your area, please contact the Northern Michigan Veteran’s Coalition through its Facebook page, email address NMVCRegion3@gmail.com or by phone at 989-272-3855 and leave us a message including your contact information, community of residence and the nature of assistance you seek.
We will contact you and provide assistance in connecting you with the resources available. You are not alone.
There are troops in reserve.
VETERAN EVENTS
1st Tue- Montmorency Co. Veterans Coffee hour 9 a.m. Atlanta VFW Hall
1st Wed– Otsego Co. Veterans Coffee hour Gaylord Regional Airport 9 a.m.
1st Thu- Roscommon Co. Veterans Coffee hour 9:00am Roscommon Co.- Blodgett Airport Houghton Lake 1st & 3rd Thur Alcona Co. Veterans Coffee & Donuts, 9 a.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, 201 N 2nd St, Harrisville
2d Mon- NMVC Board Meeting 9:30 a.m. Chemical Bank 521 W Main St. Gaylord
2d Wed—Gaylord Bowling Center (LZ-282), 11:30 a.m. To 1 p.m. Veteran’s Lunch
2d Thu- Crawford Co. Veterans Coffee 9 a.m. American Legion Post 106 Grayling.
3rd Tue– Oscoda Co. Veterans Coffee & Donuts 9 a.m. at Ellie’s 12 Tables in Mio
3rd Wed- Gaylord Elks Veterans Lunch noon.
4th Wed-Cheboygan Co. Veterans Coffee 9 a.m. McDonald’s S. Main St. Cheboygan
4th Thu— Alpena Co. Veterans Coffee Hour, Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary in Alpena, 9 a.m. – 10:00am
4th Thu—Iosco Co. Veterans Coffee Hour (Oct—Apr) 9:30-10:30 a.m. American Legion Post 211, 900 E. Lincoln St, East Tawas