ACMF is a non-profit organization in Arizona that works with public and private partners to build the state’s capacity to support Arizona’s 500,000+ service members, veterans, and their families with a collective impact model that uses an upstream approach to suicide prevention. 

Coaching Into Connection

Transforming Lives: Veterans Helping Veterans through the Coaching Into Connection Program

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I am pleased to share with you the remarkable journey and successes of our Coaching Into Connection program. Since the program launched, our coaches have connected veterans around Arizona with people, activities, and events that have helped them overcome isolation and social disconnection.  

Coaching Into Connection was launched with support from the VA’s Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP), which engages community-based organizations to complement the VA’s clinical care. Recently, at a convening of all 80 grantees, the SSG Fox SPGP Director shared two success stories, including one from our Connection Coaching team.

A World War II veteran received services through the Coaching Into Connection program. During the screening process, the connection coach learned that the veteran just wanted to talk with someone in person. The connection coach set up in-person meetings with the veteran and met with him multiple times. After a meeting, the veteran said, "This is exactly what I wanted and needed." The veteran's spouse noted that since her husband started talking with the connection coach, she saw a significant improvement in his mental health.  

Meanwhile, the Connection Coach was working with another client, a Korean war veteran. They both missed the camaraderie of the military from their generation and that’s when it clicked for the connection coach – “Why not introduce them?” The connection coach did just that. Since one of the veterans could no longer drive, the connection coach arranged transportation and all three of them met for lunch. The lunch was a success, and since then, both veterans have been keeping in touch with one another. They were thankful for the opportunity to connect, and they enjoy talking with each other about "the good old Army days."

If you know someone who you think might benefit from this program, we invite you to get started by visiting ConnectVeterans.org/Connection or calling 866-4AZ-VETS. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those who have served our country.

Warm regards,

Thomas Winkel

Coaching Into Connection Success Stories

Coaching Into Connection is about veterans helping veterans, creating a ripple effect of positive connection across Arizona. Learn more about the program, offered at no cost, at ConnectVeterans.org/Connection.

We Are Hiring!

Join Our Team or Refer a Friend

Connection Coach - Phoenix, AZ

We are expanding our exceptional team! The Arizona Coalition for Military Families is looking for the right person to join our team as a Connection Coach based in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Qualified candidates will have a trauma-informed perspective and experience working sensitive trauma issues. Interested? Read the job description, learn what a typical day is like and discover what benefits this position comes with at ArizonaCoalition.org/Careers.

We’ve put together an exciting agenda for the 14th Annual Statewide Symposium in Support of Service Members, Veterans & Their Families. We hope you will join us on April 17 & 18 at Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix. Register by March 20 to take advantage of the early bird rate. Scholarships are available. Find details at ArizonaCoalition.org/Symposium

Last Chance: Take the Arizona Veteran Survey

Don’t miss your chance to take the Arizona Veteran Survey before it closes on February 29. The information collected through the Arizona Veteran Survey informs and shapes future programs and services in Arizona. We hope you'll take a few moments to participate if you haven't already…8,000+ service members, veterans & their family members have already participated.

The 2023 VA Be Connected Mental Health Summit took place in October. Everyone with an interest in and concern about the mental health and wellness of our military, veteran, and family population is invited to watch the event replay of the online portion of the hybrid event. Learn more at: https://www.acmfeventcenter.org/2023mentalhealthsummit/ 

Get ready for a series of exciting upcoming events that promise to bring the community together. From important historical observations, thought-provoking discussions to engaging activities, there's something for everyone to look forward to – mark your calendars and join us for memorable moments ahead! Visit ConnectVeterans.org/events for more information on these and other events.

Follow Us on Social Media!

The Arizona Coalition for Military Families works collaboratively with government agencies, community members, and partner organizations to form an Ecosystem of Support that Arizona's service members, veterans, and their families can access through the Be Connected support line, 866-4AZ-VETS, and ConnectVeterans.org. Be Connected offers no-cost support and connections to resources and has trained more than 6,000 community members to provide resource navigation services.