The Veterans Back to Life Program

Transitioning Combat Stressed Veterans Back to Work.

MISSION

To create a model for a national network of programs that is recognized to be the best source of occupational training, human development, and transitional assistance. Back to life Programs will be delivered through institutions of higher education.

PILOT PROGRAMS

We aim to initiate pilot programs in Pocatello Idaho in partnership with Idaho State University and Prescott Arizona in partnership with Yavapai College, Prescott College and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. These programs are designed to assist traumatized veterans suffering the debilitating effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),traumatic brain injuries (TBI), depression and/or physical disabilities.

Veterans Back to Life will assist veterans in the transition from military to civilian life by helping them overcome incapacitating emotional and psychological effects of combat related trauma. We will provide them with aptitude testing, vocational or professional training in the field of their choice and placement services once they have completed their training. Once the veteran is employed we will keep in contact, follow up with employees and track results.

What Makes Veterans Back to Life Unique?

Veterans Back to Life, is a career focused collegiate program for veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Chronic Depression, Traumatic Brain Injury and Physical Disabilities that utilizes best practices in cohort transitional services. As the only one of its kind, the Veterans Back to Life Program, combines preparation for 'the world of work' with critical elements of holistic health and wellness education in a human development curriculum that is tailored to the needs of the individual. In addition, it incorporates mentoring and peer support in hands-on lifetime sports and adventure recreation program.

Unlike anything currently offered to veterans in post secondary education, Back to Life combines three potent and proven strategies for successful integration:
• Career preparation in a fully accredited collegiate, academic or vocational, program.

• Lifetime sports and outdoor adventure recreation training delivered for university academic credit.* This "Lab of Life" is part of the customized recovery/human development/wellness curriculum.

• Transitioning veterans into a successful collegiate experience through student centered cohort mentoring and peer support leading to significantly increased student retention and academic success.

• Service Learning

* Research results from Sports and Employment Among Americans with Disabilities, February 2009 shows disabled veterans, participating in lifetime sports and recreation, have a 48% increased likelihood. of employment.
www.dsusa.org/DSUSA-Srv09.pdf

How Does Back to Life Work?

All students begin their occupational training by taking a 15 credit course delivered in two (2) parts.

A 14-day orientation (3 credits) designed to provide veterans the immediate opportunity to engage with their peers through a). Group Retreat and b). Bonding Experience
1. Group Retreat: Provide a mentored new student support experience, including: registration, financial aid, housing and a cohort experience designed to integrate veterans into the educational community.
2. Bonding Experience: An 8-day White Water, Wilderness River expedition. In which participants will plan and execute the experience under expert professional supervision that includes daily debriefings and journaling.
This is followed by a semester of prescribed course work (12credits) delivered as a blend of cohort seminars and traditional academic classes designed to create a successful transition from military to university life. Individual coping skills, values and goals are developed in a supportive peer group, and reinforced throughout the mentored university experience. While they complete their occupational training, students receive professional support and guidance to maximize retention and ensure success.

Who Qualifies to Participate?

Fourteen (14) veterans with disabilities
They must be eligible for Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation or the Montgomery or the New GI Bill.

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Call to Duty's Long-Term Goal

Ten College Campuses in Six Years

Our goal is to establish "Veterans Back to Life" programs on ten College Campuses over the next six years. It is our intention to have 2,000 veterans enroll in the Veterans Back to Life Programs throughout the US within that 6 year timeframe. This will be accomplished through the creation of the "Call to Duty Foundation" which will initially consist of an Executive Director, Director of Development, two staff positions and an office. We are building a team that will not only deliver a high quality program, but will also further the "multiplier effect" of the mission.

It All Begins with the Pilot Program at Idaho State University and Prescott/Yavapai College, September, 2010.

A pilot program will be implemented at Idaho State University and Prescott College/Yavapai College with assistance from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. It is designed to integrate disabled veterans so they can lead fulfilled and productive lives with dignity. This career focused program will provide veterans the support needed to successfully transition from military life to the world of work in a collegiate environment. Assessment and research will assure best practices and track results.

What's Needed to Start?

Initial funding of $350,000 will enable Tom Whittaker to form the "Back to Life" pilot at Idaho State University.

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