national newsletter december 2015

Adam M. Greenwald, MBA,Executive Director

December 2015 | National Newsletter

Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Friends and Supporters, Congratulations and thanks to all for a great year!

We are in the homestretch in finishing a productive andexciting year at The Soldiers Project, with strong supportradiating from our volunteer therapists who have recordedmore than 4,500 hours of free and confidential mentalhealth services to the men and women of the U.S. armedforces serving post 9/11. As always, I am reminded that we couldn't do it without the assistance of ourvolunteer therapists, chapter leadership, headquarter staff members, supportiveboard of directors, honorary board and generous donors. We thank all of you andlook forward to another fruitful year together. I want to take this opportunity to thank all who attended Honor and Healing: 10Years of The Soldiers Project last November at UCLA. Our signature event attractedmore than 80 attendees and provided invaluable education and training for ourvolunteer therapists. It was also great to get reacquainted with our chapter leadership in November aswe took the opportunity to meet, share organization success and set goals for thecoming year. In looking to 2016, we will continue to work strategically with ourvolunteer therapists and board of directors to increase client capacity and betterserve the urgent needs of our growing veteran population. Finally, we lost a good friend here in Southern California with Jack Share, a

National Newsletter December 2015 https://ui.constantcontact.com/visualeditor/visual_editor_preview.j...

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dedicated and wonderfully supportive volunteer therapist who started shortly afterthe founding of The Soldiers Project. All will certainly miss Jack who passed away onNov. 4 but his gentle and enthusiastic spirit in helping service members will live on ineach of us. Thank you for selecting The Soldiers Project as your charitable organization ofchoice in meeting the psychological needs of service members who serve withhonor and distinction. Your volunteer hours and financial donations make ourmission whole.

Sincerely,Adam M. Greenwald, MBAExecutive Director

The Soldiers Project at a Glance

In November, The Soldiers Project had 426 therapists providing 397 hours offree and confidential psychological services nationwide.To date, in 2015 The Soldiers Project has recorded 4,872 hours of psychologicalservices to veterans and their loved ones.

National Conference Thank You


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Many Thanks to Our Event Sponsors and Supporters for MakingOur National Conference a Memorable Occasion

Honor And Healing: 10 Years of The Soldiers Project, held Saturday, Nov. 7, at UCLAwas a huge success with conference attendees gaining a greater understandingof the many issues and concerns service members face in reintegrating intosociety, reflecting 70 CEs provided to therapists. A gracious thank you to all of ourspeakers, sponsors, volunteer therapists, donors and attendees for your support!

New York State Senator and Best-Selling Author Join Honorary Board


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New York State SenatorThomas D. Croci

Senator Croci is Chairman of NewYork State Homeland Security,Veterans and Military AffairsCommittee, representing District 3encompassing Long Island. SenatorCroci also served as Senior DutyOfficer in the White House SituationRoom, National Security Council(2005-2007), and was appointed tothe Homeland Security Council Staffby President Bush where he serveduntil the end of his administration.Senator Croci spent more than 8years on duty in the U.S. Navy,earning the rank of LieutenantCommander, and later rank ofCommander in 2013.

David J. Morris,Author of The Evil Hours

David Morris is a former Marineinfantry officer who worked in Iraqfrom 2004 to 2007 as a reporter forSalon and the Virginia QuarterlyReview. His story "The Big Suck: Notesfrom the Jarhead Underground" wasoriginally published in VirginiaQuarterly Review and was includedin The Best American NonrequiredReading 2007. His writings haveappeared in The New Yorker, Slate,The Daily Beast, The Los AngelesTimes and elsewhere. His most recentbook The Evil Hours is a nonfictiontour de force examining PTSD.

The Soldiers Project is excited to welcome best-selling author and former infantryofficer David J. Morris,and New York Senator Thomas D. Croci to our HonoraryBoard. "We are delighted to have Senator Croci and critically acclaimed writerDavid Morris as members of our honorary board," said Adam M. Greenwald, MBA,executive director of he Soldiers Project. "As veterans serving in Iraq andAfghanistan, they understand the importance of helping fellow service members." Senator Croci and Morris join Honorary Board members Ted Lieu, Congressman,District 33; Sean Huze, actor, director and screenwriter; Ellen Goosenberg Kent,director and producer; Roy Jasso, Vice President, Community Development, Wells


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Fargo; Theresa Martinez, CEO, Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce; DebbieGregory, CEO, MilitaryConnection.com; Michelle Siqueiros, CEO, The Campaignfor College Opportunity; Betsy Butler, Interim Executive Director, California Women'sLaw Center; Toni Reinis, Founder, New Directions for Veterans; and former First Ladyof California Sharon Davis.

The Soldiers Project is a Great Nonprofit!

An independent advocacy group that recognizesexcellence in the nonprofit industry recently namedThe Soldiers Project as an official "Great Nonprofit."The organization of the same name recognized TheSoldiers Project online with ten outstanding reviewsby clients, volunteers and donors.

Across the Nation

New York City - Community Outreach and Education Efforts Abundant

New York City Chapter Director Fay Radding-Mascioli, MA, RN, was honored as aguest speaker at the Queens Vet Center on Friday, Sept. 25, as part of an openhouse and reception. As part of the festivities, Fay shared the mission of The SoldiersProject with Vet Center staff and guests. Other community events includedspeaking at the Queens Veterans Court on Sept. 28 and to the Community Trainingand Employment Resources program on Oct. 2. Finally, Professor Joan Beder, DSW,from Yeshiva University facilitated a workshop for volunteers of The Soldiers Projectand spoke about military culture.

Washington State - Local Company Gives $1,700 A huge thank you to Dockside Cannabis in Washington for their fundraisersupporting The Soldiers Project. They raised $1,707.64 this month! With theircontribution, Chapter Director Brenda Walls, MNM, can expand services to moreveterans and their loved ones.

Chicago/Illinois - Marketing Services to Illinois, Raises $10K for Chapter

On Nov. 7, Chapter Director Kimberly Backman provided community outreach


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services and marketed The Soldiers Project to hundreds ofDuPage County Veterans at the 2015 Veterans Expo. Lessthan a week later she attended William Fremd High Schoolin Palatine, Illinois, where a school-wide fundraisercollected more than $10,000 for the Illinois Chapter.Kimberly is working to expand her market to all of Illinoisand not just Chicago! Great job, Kimberly!

Long Island - $20,000 Grant Awarded

The Long Island Community Foundation has awarded a one-year grant of $20,000to The Soldiers Project, Long Island Chapter. This is the first grant award received byThe Soldiers Project from LICF, and we are both excited and grateful to have beenchosen as a recipient of such a generous award, said Long Island Co-DirectorsAlicia Brackman, LCSW, and Linda Caginalp. LICF has three grant cycles per year,and the August one was extremely competitive.

Wyoming - Building a Plan for Expansion The Wyoming Chapter is currently working with headquarters to expand offeringsthrough a concentrated effort to recruit therapists and expand clientele in what'sknown as The Equality State. Specifically, Wyoming will be targeting the cities ofSheridan, Casper and Cheyenne. Sheridan, the location of a VA Medical Center,will be of strategic importance in growing services. A volunteer outreachcoordinator will also be retained to work side-by-side with Chapter DirectorsJennifer and Charlie Wilson, MFT.

Sacramento - Serving Vets, Growing and Educating Volunteers

Sacramento Chapter Director Shing Long, MS, reported that 14 new clients havebeen acquired since October's beginning, and that attending events like the LGBTVeterans Resource Fair, the Veteran's Day Celebration held at the state capitoland the Sacramento Valley Collaborative sponsored by the Roseville Chamber ofCommerce all help spread awareness and increase clients to support herChapter's volunteers. A Biannual Training and Appreciation Brunch for volunteer therapists andcommunity members was conducted in November with Margaux Helm, LMFT,WEAVE director of programs and services, hosting the training which provided CEsfor attendees. November was also highlighted with the Steinberg Institute, a


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behavioral health policy and leadership advocacy group recognizing The SoldiersProject with a website posting communicating how area residents can accessservices in Sacramento. Finally, volunteer therapist Merrill Powers, LCSW, wasfeatured in the Auburn Journal for her work with PTSD and participation with TheSoldiers Project. A special thanks to area supporters Douglas Ryder, Lani Stoner, and John andJacklyn Moran, all of whom stepped up, once again, in support of the SacramentoChapter by donating funds to provide additional training (EMDR and traumaticbrain injury) to volunteers.

Southern California - Simi Valley Rotary HonorsThe Soldiers Project with $2,500 Donation,Markets Services in Orange County, VolunteerSpeaks About PTSD

Throughout the months of October, Novemberand December it was all about sharing themission of The Soldiers Project with veteransand community members in the generalSouthern California area. In Ventura County on Oct. 29, The Soldiers Project was recognized with a $2,500donation from the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise as part of their year end efforts torecognize notable charities that go above and beyond in serving the community. Beth Siegel, LCSW, PsyD, Carole Gelker, PhD, and Jeremy Brewer, Volunteer &Community Engagement Coordinator, marketed services at Vets Partners in Serviceon Nov. 11. At Pasadena's Sons of American Legion on Dec. 1, Lynne Hostein, MA,LMFT, presented on the history of PTSD and its effects on veterans and families aspart of a Frontline for Veterans educational series sponsored by the local NAMIchapter. Chapter Leadership in Los Angeles extends a very special thanks tovolunteers Beth, Carole and Lynne for taking an active participation with TheSoldiers Project -- we can't do it without you!l Link

Southern California - Volunteer of the Quarter A huge thank you to David Contreras who went above andbeyond in donating his services pro bono to assist with theimage and promotion of Honor and Healing: Ten Years of The


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Soldiers Project. His graphic design work in creating theconference's logo and corresponding event program solidifiedour efforts in creating a memorable day for our participants and attendees.

Do Your Holiday Shopping Online withAmazon.com and Support The Soldiers Project

When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you'llfind the exact same low prices, vast selectionand convenient shopping experience asAmazon.com, with the added bonus thatAmazon will donate 0.5% to The Soldiers Project.

Thank you to our donors!(September 15 - December 15)

Agua Fund of the Community Foundation of Collier County - Alexsandra Martin - Alima Sherman- Amanda Czik - Arlene & Richard Dunaetz - Atol Charitable Trust - Barry Ringelheim - Bill & SueRoen - Bill and Lynn Lustig - Brenda Oliver - Burt Goldstein - Caroline Rose Eschbach - CarolynRasch - Charlene V. Reid - Cheryl Benun - Claire Green - Cole Wilson - Curt Pehrson - DaniellePeckham - Danny & Jennifer Lerner - Dawn Stremel - Deborah House - Delia Ramsey - Diane L.

Mclusky - Don and Peggy Gustavson - Donald S Eisenberg - Donna Benjamin - Donna L. Burrows- Doris A. Hurt - Dorothy Wolpert - Doug McLemore - Douglas Almon Ryder - Elaine Leader - Emily

Gold - Florence Lipsman - Fred, Kate and Megan Doucette - Fremd High School - GerardoGomez - Heather B. Cheshire - John and Jaklyn Moran - Janet Hesson - Janet Oberman -Jennifer Clark - Jeremy Lawson Brewer - Jimmy Hara - JoAnn Devlin - Jordan Weiss - Jose

Camargo - Joseph and Sheri Share - Judith Hyman - Judith R. Boyd - Justin Romandy - KarenBeard - Karen Kohl - Karen Norton - Kathryn J. Koch - Kathy Buck - Kazuko Huey - Keith

Wojciechowski - Kenneth Paul Watson - Kennon M. Holton - Lani Stoner - Larry & Debbie Greene -Larry Kraemer - Larry Schechtman - Laura M.L. Rinset - Laura Thomas - Laurie Jacobs - Lavanna

Zaman - Lawrence Golf Club - Lawrence M. Dinovitz - Lee Lainer - Leroy Egenberger - LeslieGranowitz - Lisa Moss - Long Island Community Foundation - Lore Unt - Lori Holm - Louise

Steinman - Luis Flores - Lynne Jacobs - Marie Rudden - Mark and - Shirley Bilfield - MarleenUrbaitis - Mary L. Espinoza - Matthew ONeal - Maureen Wattelet - Megan Davis - Melanie Kay -

Michael Baus - Michael Lee Ebel - Michelle Dong - Michelle Goddess - Nancy Gunzberg - NancyJ Auger - Nancy R Forbes - Nicole McConlogue - Novo Nordisk International - Patsy King - Paul

Kouri - Paul Lewis - Paul M. Hittelman - Paul Schmitt - Penny Toomim - Richard and SharonGranowitz - Richard Dettorre - Richard Lindner - Richard Orkand - Robbie Heacock - Robert

Green - Roberta Howard - Robin Stoll - Ronald M Cross - Ronald S Beard - Rose Kattlove - Rotary


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Club of Simi Sunrise - Rudy and Stephanie Hoffman - Sharon Crane - Sharona Katan - StacyWasserman - Susan A. Zarakov - Susan Elmore - Susan Willett - Susanne and Fred Hersh - Ted

Tenorio - Temple S. Richardson - The Ahmanson Foundation - The Albert Parvin Foundation - TheGenentech Foundation - The Herb Alpert Foundation - The Howard and Nikki ApplebaumFoundation - The James Irvine Foundation - The McKently Family Trust - The Mental Insight

Foundation - The Pyramid Foundation - The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust - The Strauss FoundationLtd - The STS Foundation - The Yen Family Charitable Foundation - Theodore C. Snyder - Theresa

Geary - Theresa Tisdale - Thomas R. Von Der Ahe - Timothy Francis Stefanoski - Tracy A. Off - TylerGillum - Tyler Thomas - Verbena Family Fund - Virginia Alexander - Wendy Rosenstein - William

Treadway

For more information on how to make a donation to The Soldiers Project, or with any gift-relatedquestions, please contact Andrea Schmitt at [email protected] or call (818)

761-7438 x 209.

Articles of Interest

Dealing with PTSD has made me even stronger

Senate Approves Research Into Combat Effects on Mental Health

Givingmakesadifferenceinthelivesofthemen&womenthatweserve.Everyday,TheSoldiersProject

receivescallsfromPost9/11Veteranswhoareseekingmentalhealthsupport.Wearealwaysheretotakethosecalls.PleasejoinusandmakeagiF

today.

TheSoldiersProject818-761-7438

[email protected]://www.thesoldiersproject.org


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[email protected]://www.thesoldiersproject.org

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