IJF Mission Brief – January 2024

IJF

Mission Brief

January 2024

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program

Illinois Joining Forces is grateful to be a grant recipient and partner of the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP). SSG Fox SPGP through the US Department of Veterans Affairs, supports community-based suicide prevention efforts to meet the needs of Veterans and their families through outreach, suicide prevention services, and connection to VA and community resources. The grant program is part of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019, signed into law on October 17, 2020. 

The Veterans Crisis line is available 24/7: Dial 988 then Press 1, Text 838255 or Chat Live at veteranscrisisline.net. A caring, qualified responder will listen and help.

About Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox

SSG Fox SPGP honors Veteran Parker Gordon Fox, who joined the Army in 2014 and was a sniper instructor at the U.S. Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia. Parker was a graduate of Dobyns-Bennett High School and a wrestler. He graduated high school in 2012 and, two years later, joined the Army. Parker then found himself stationed at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, home of the esteemed 173rd Airborne Brigade, known as the “Sky Soldiers.” After leaving Italy, he became a sniper instructor at the U.S. Army Infantry School in the former Ft. Benning, Georgia, now known as Fort Moore. But the toll of his chosen profession bore upon the 25-year-old soldier and on July 21, 2020, he took his own life.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

The new year is a great time to set intentions for healthy habits and positive changes we want to bring to our lives in the year ahead. Since most resolutions fall by the wayside by February, forget lofty resolutions! Instead consider making small changes that will keep you motivated throughout the year to feel your best. Remember each new day is an opportunity to start anew.

A few healthy tips to start the year off right:

Exercise Regularly: Engaging in regular exercise can foster a sense of community, routine, and purpose. Try exercising in a group setting, or when possible, going outdoors.
Eat Right: Nutrition plays an essential role in supporting the physical and mental health of Veterans. A balanced diet — rich in essential nutrients — can minimize the risk of common health issues Veterans face such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Get More Sleep: High-quality sleep is key for good health. Sleeping well is just as important as exercise and eating wisely. To improve your sleep, set a sleep schedule, limit caffeine and alcohol later in the day and get daily exercise.
Focus on Your Mental Health: Mental health and wellness go hand-in-hand. Prioritize your mental health in the new year. Whether this means seeking professional help when you need it, connecting with other Veterans, getting outside more, or taking a break from social media – put your mental health first.

IJF CARE COORDINATION CENTER (CCC) - Available 24/7/365

Before a problem becomes a crisis, IJF can help. The CCC is also available to family members. To request assistance, call:

833-INFO IJF (463-6453)

or online: illinoisjoiningforces.org/get-help.

IDVA NEWS & UPDATES

See what's happening at the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs here.

A Message from IJF Executive Director, Brenda Osuch

Happy New Year! I am filled with excitement about what lies ahead in 2024. As we welcome the new year, Illinois Joining Forces remains dedicated to our mission to improve the lives of Illinois Service Members, Veterans, and their families. And we have big ideas for 2024.

2023 was an extraordinary year for Illinois Joining Forces. We expanded our programming, offered support and resources to hundreds of Service Members, Veterans and their families and built new partnerships with service providers across the state – all with the singular goal of better serving our Veteran community. As I reflect on our accomplishments of 2023, I am filled with so much gratitude and honored to lead a dedicated team whose efforts supported the growth of IJF’s impact on our Illinois Service Members, Veterans, and their families.

In this newsletter, I am pleased to share a preview of our 2024 Annual and Regional Summit/ Resource Fair schedule. With programs planned in communities across Illinois, we hope you will join us to connect and collaborate with fellow Veterans, service providers, and to learn more about the ways IJF can support Service Members, Veterans, and their families and how we support and collaborate with service providers. Follow us on social media to stay up to date.

I am also delighted to introduce you to the IJF team that makes the impact we have on the SMVF possible. I feel privileged to be surrounded by this dedicated team and hope you enjoy learning a bit more about what makes them so special.

Together, we look forward to supporting our Veteran community in the year ahead. Wishing you and your family a year full of new adventures and many new blessings.

Warm regards,

Brenda Osuch

No one organization can do it all. But together we can do anything.

Meet the Illinois Joining Forces Team

Illinois Joining Forces is dedicated to serving Veterans, Service Members, and their families across Illinois by helping them navigate the “sea of goodwill’ to find the support they need, when they need it. The IJF team has grown over the past year. As we look forward to 2024, we are pleased to introduce the wonderful people making our work possible.

Meet the dedicated team answering calls to the Care Coordination Center. Our Community Care Coordination Specialists help Veterans and families statewide, with resources and support. Get to know the voices on the line!

Michael Pedroza, Community Care Coordination Specialist

Navy Veteran

Michael P. joined IJF in December 2022, adding some much-needed support to our Care Coordination Center. Michael P.’s calm demeanor, non-judgmental approach, and passion for helping Veterans is evident from the moment he answers the phone. Read Michael Pedroza's full bio here.

Michael Smith, Community Care Coordination Specialist

Navy Veteran

Mike S. has been the voice when you call IJF’s Care Coordination since it started and officially joined IJF in January of 2022 when IJF took the Care Coordination Center in house. Mike S. has years of building connections and navigating resources to serve the Illinois SMVF community. Read Michael Smith's full bio here.

Katie Revell, Behavioral Health Care Coordination Program Manager

Katie joined IJF in May of 2023. Katie manages the Care Coordination Center. Katie develops processes and supports the dedicated staff on the front lines taking calls to assist SMVF. Katie fills in when volume or need arises answering calls and is the go-to for cases that need escalation. Read Katie's full bio here.

Kevin Burke, Education, Outreach and Community Engagement Manager

Army Veteran

Kevin joined IJF in October of 2023. Kevin and his team lead IJF’s efforts under Operation Connect Illinois. At the center of Kevin’s role is connection, collaboration, and engagement. These are vital to developing and supporting the strong partnerships and Veteran Support Communities needed to ensure all SMVF know where to turn when support is needed. You will meet Kevin at stand downs, resources, fairs, community meetings, and so much more. Read Kevin’s full bio here.

Courtney A. Sanders, Program Manager

Military Family Member

Courtney joined IJF in April of 2023 and has been full steam ahead ever since. Courtney holds the keys to keeping the IJF trains running. She ensures that IJF’s initiatives (grants, programs, and activites) are successful by developing infrastructure, managing projects, and collaborating internally and externally with key stakeholders. Courtney’s role is vital to carrying out IJF’s mission. Read Courtney’s full bio here.

Brenda Osuch, Executive Director

Military Family Member

Brenda joined IJF in June 2020 as the Chief Operating Officer before advancing to the Executive Director position in November of 2021. Brenda guides the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of IJF - navigating ways to enhance services and impact to carry out IJF’s mission to bring public, private, and government stakeholders together to collaboratively support Service Members, Veterans, and their families. Read Brenda’s full bio here.

IJF FEATURE

On the Horizon in 2024

IJF is pleased to host four Regional Summits and Resource Fairs in 2024. The events bring together industry leaders and service providers for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and collaboration around support for the military community – followed by an evening of networking, resources and fun for Veterans and their families.

Service providers can register today for our Southern Illinois Regional Summit & Resource Fair taking place on February 23, 2024.

Service Members, Veterans, and their families can register for the Night Out and Resource Fair as well! Click the link below to register.

Dates and exact locations for upcoming events will be announced soon. Follow us on social media for updates!

Join Us! Our work at Illinois Joining Forces is made possible thanks to our generous partners and supporters. Help make a difference in the lives of our Veteran community by making a gift today.

Make a Gift Today

ILLINOIS JOINING FORCES | www.illinoisjoiningforces.org