Veterans in Lake and McHenry counties who enjoy writing now have a place to share and explore their work with a community of fellow veteran writers. The Lake-McHenry Veterans and Family Services program will begin hosting a veterans’ writing workshop in conjunction with the Voices of Veterans Creative Writing program on Thursday, November 17, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The workshop will take place at the Lake-McHenry Veterans and Family Services Drop-in Center, 5330 W. Elm Street in McHenry.
The workshop, which will be lead by volunteers, is free of charge and will offer participants the opportunity to express themselves on paper, convey their experiences, and explore the basics of writing. After November 17, the workshop will continue every other Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the same location through February 23. For more information or to register, please contact Kevin Russell at (815) 322-2620 or email him at: Kevin.russell@mcvfs.org.
The Lake-McHenry Veterans and Family Services initiative is being led by a consumer-driven governance council in conjunction with the Lake County Health Department and the McHenry County Mental Health Board. It is funded through a five-year, $3.6 million grant from the federal government's Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration to transform the way services are provided to veterans, service members and their families across both counties. The process involves training providers and working with area community-service agencies to develop a strong, trauma-informed network of care that will continue to provide services after the grant ends.
Find out what's happening in Crystal Lake-Carywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The program is entering its second year. Objectives are to reduce homelessness, prevent suicide and reduce hospitalizations among veterans and active military personnel. Also, referrals for veterans who return with mild to moderate traumatic brain injury will be available. A primary focus is to support families of service members or veterans who have been deployed or who are experiencing adjustment issues upon return.
