Service Learning Summary

Service Learning Summary

I did not know what to anticipate at the beginning of the semester when I started working with displaced veterans at Three Hots and a Cot. I was unsure as to how to introduce myself with the goal of developing a trust with the residents so that I might learn more about how they came to be in their situation. Fortunately, my Honors in Nursing  instructor gave me tools and advice as to breaking the ice with the residents and developing therapeutic communication skills. I can honestly say that I was nervous in the beginning, mostly because I did not want to seem intrusive or give the residents an opinion that their personal experiences were solely an academic concern that was painted in a cold light.

As time went on, I realized that I was making progress in getting to know the veterans by simply showing up and talking with them about their everyday activities and interests. I gave classes on various topics ranging from nutrition to STI’s and they often demonstrated their willingness to participate by asking questions and giving examples of their own personal life’s experiences. This interaction eventually led to a trust that began developing and allowed some of the residents to share how and what they thought placed them in the situation they were in. This process of letting the residents share and review their personal actions that allowed substance abuse to control their lives seemed to open their eyes to a negative pattern of behavior. My hopes were and are that once some of these residents identified their priorities that through education and support they could move on to happy productive self-sustaining lives.

Now  that my Service Learning Project is coming to an end, I feel as though I have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience as  well as self confidence from  working with these men and women.  I learned that PTSD is not always combat related and many of these displaced veterans “felt lost” after being discharged from the military. There are various factors that play a role in the “not so perfect storm” of displaced veterans and their substance abuse issues. Being exposed to abuse of every level and type is a contributing factor in some cases. Lack of social support and infrastructure is another, but there is hope. Time, patience, education, and most importantly a desire to improve their lives are the greatest positive factors contributing to their success. I am thankful for the opportunity to have gotten to know this organization and to witness the true service that Three Hots and a Cot provides to homeless veterans. I look forward to working with them in the future as they continue the mission of providing a warm, safe, and healthy environment for those that served this country.

Drugs Destroy

Some people are concerned about passing finals, some people are concerned what to wear for Halloween and still there are others who are concerned about what they want for lunch. The residents at Three Hots and a Cot (THC) have given me more insight into the everyday struggles that people face that many of us take for granted. Where am I going to sleep? What can I find to eat? How do I keep warm and safe? These are questions and fears that many people face each night in this country and roughly up to 25 percent of them are veterans.

One resident at THC that I spoke with was homeless for eleven days and he told me that was the first time that he had ever been homeless. In fact, he once owned a home, car, and had a wife and kids but as with so many other homeless veterans he struggled with substance abuse. He lost his home, his job, and eventually his family because of drugs; specifically methamphetamines. This man served in the armed forces and was highly trained and skilled but for one reason or another, drugs took hold of his life . The question that keeps running through my head is “why?” Was he predisposed to substance abuse due to his environment prior to joining the military or did combat related situations play in a role for his substance abuse? These are questions that I hope I can come closer to understanding and I do realize that my time resources are limited but have already learned so much from residents. I look forward to working with them in the future.

Enjoying My Time

These past two weeks have been exceptionally exciting in that I have met with The Red Barn organization with the hopes of getting the veterans that I work with some equestrian therapy. After visiting The Red Barn’s beautiful and tranquil facilities and meeting with Mrs. O’Neal, I feel as though this would be a wonderful experience for everyone involved. The veterans are definitely interested in going; it’s only been a matter of scheduling. Every week that I go to Three Hots and a Cot I seem to learn something new about the human condition that amazes me.

It’s easy for people to get wrapped up into the negativity that can often times bring someone down. Substance abuse, PTSD, and homelessness just to name a few but with that said, the courage, resolve, ingenuity, and hope that these veterans are instilled with is equally amazing and encouraging. Even after the life altering experiences these men and women have experienced you can see the goodness and kindness in their eyes. I feel blessed every time I work with them and I hope that I am helping them as much as they are helping me.

 

HOMELESS VETERANS ON THE STREETS OF AMERICA

The path to recovering from PTSD

 

 

Recovery homes make a difference in the lives of displaced veterans. These “group homes” or “recovery homes” create an atmosphere that is conducive to helping veterans who are suffering from substance abuse issues receive appropriate therapy and in turn can remain abstinent longer. Recovery homes are a great place to assist these veterans into reintegrating back into mainstream society by becoming independent. Statistics show that abstinent rates are greater in these settings than returning combat veterans trying to “go it alone”. Support is crucial for these veterans and therefore the financial and spiritual support that anyone can offer to any of these facilities are truly appreciated. These group homes are often started up by recovered veterans who wish to make a difference and offer the best assistance because they know what these veterans are going through from first hand experiences. I’ve seen the good that Three Hots and a Cot has done, and is still doing for displaced veterans and I look forward to contributing in any way I can in the future. I encourage anyone else who wishes to support the men and women of the armed forces by remembering these various organizations.

 

 

Reference:

Millar, J. R., Aase, D. M., Jason, L. A., & Ferrari, J. R. (2011). Veterans Residing in Self-Governed Recovery Homes for Substance Abuse: Sociodemographic and Psychiatric Characteristics. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 35(2), 141-144.

 

Hello, my name is Joseph Davidson and I am a Honors in Nursing student at the University of Alabama Birmingham. On any given night in the United States, there are estimated populations of around 200,000 homeless veterans living on the streets in this country. I am curious as to why veterans make up such a large segment of the homeless population, especially when you consider that the men and women of this specific segment of homeless were able to receive training, perform specialized tasks, and live within a structured regimented environment while serving in the military.

 My hope is that my academic learning experience will enhance my understanding of trying to discover common factors that may lead to veteran homelessness. My service learning partner is Three Hots and a Cot, which is an organization devoted to assisting displaced veterans with housing, food, and other crucial resources and programs that will hopefully lead back to their own self sufficiency. There are group homes for these veterans located throughout the Birmingham, Alabama metro area. I will be working with the group home located on the north side of town. I would also like to invite anyone interested in this topic to feel free to communicate any ideas or experiences that they feel may be beneficial to this subject. I look forward to updating this blog periodically and am excited to hear back from you.

Helping Our Heroes

The United States of America has had a rich history of military service for over two hundred years. The men and women that have served in the armed forces have come from all walks of life and have sacrificed their time, sweat,  blood, and for some, their very lives. Sadly, there is an ever growing epidemic spreading through the veteran community. Homelessness is a disparity that affects people from every sociodemographic background without regard to race, religion or creed, but according to various research articles on the subject, veterans make up to twenty-five percent of the homeless population. There are questions that need to be asked as to why veterans are over represented in this population, but more importantly what answers can be found by studying  this travesty and more over, what services and programs can promote their self-sufficiency.(Helping Our Homeless Heroes,Davidson,2012)