Essential Resources
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
- Don’t be quick to refer. Release your desire to “fix” the situation.
- Be a concerned listener.
- Most people do not follow-up on referrals.
- Your moment together is what is most important as the veteran continues the path of dealing with their issues.
- When your conversation gets to the point of suggesting referrals, ask them what they’ve tried.
- Ask them what they were told/given about this at their debriefings.
- If you do suggest the person try a resource, follow-up with him/her to see how it went.
Military-Related Resources
- You’ll find lots of good ideas on the Minnesota National Guard Web site.
- Liaison at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center for recent returnees: Diane Peterson 612-467-3757
- County Veterans Service Offices:
- Ramsey 651-266-8489
- Hennepin 612-348-3300
- Anoka 763-323-5294
- Carver 952-442-2323
- Washington 651-430-6895
- Carver 952-442-2323
- St. Paul Vets Center, Army Readjustment Counseling, 651-644-4022
- National networks: Military One-Source, 1-800-342-9647
- New National Vets Mental Health Information
- Veteran’s Affairs
- LinkVet: 1-888-LINKVET (546-5838) (a State of Minnesota agency)
- LinkVet is a 24-hour, toll-free customer service line providing information referrals, immediate crisis intervention, and psychological counseling for Minnesota veterans and their family members.
- TRICARE: 1-888-TRIWEST (1-888-874-9378) Tricare is a military insurance program that reimburses selected civilian providers.
Community Counseling Resources
Lutheran Social Services, 612-879-5320 (same number for all sites)
2414 Park Avenue South, Minneapolis
590 Park Street, St. Paul
Veteran's Specialists: Donna Mayotte, John Manz, Dwayne Bjerke
Walk-In Counseling Center, 612-870-0565, provides free, confidential, no appointment professional counseling. Afternoons: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 1-3 p.m. Evenings: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
2421 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis MN 55404
Jewish Family & Children’s Services, 952-546-0616
13100 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka
Catholic Charities, 612-664-8500
215 Old 6th Street, St. Paul
1200 2nd Avenue South, Minneapolis
Crisis Connection, 612-379-6363, 24 hour a day, 7 day a week phone counseling
Men’s Line - for men and those who care about them, 612-379-6367
Family and Children’s Service, 612-728-2061
414 South 8th Street, Minneapolis
There are also branches in Brooklyn Park, East Lake St., and Bloomington.
Family Service, Inc., 651-635-0477
Sites in Roseville, South St. Paul, St. Louis Park, Downtowns of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Individual and family counseling.
Chrysalis Center for Women, 612-871-0118
4432 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis
Domestic Abuse Project, 612-874-7063
Neighborhood Involvement Program (NIP), 612-374-3125
Rape and Sexual Abuse Helpline 24 hour, 612-825-HELP
Community University Health Care Center, 612-638-0670
For general help call United Way at 2-1-1 (on landline phone) or 1-800-543-7709