HomeFront Strong Connects

WHAT IS HOMEFRONT STRONG CONNECTS?

HomeFront Strong Connects (HFSC) is a community peer support program that links military-connected volunteers to other service members, veterans, and their families (SMVF), in the community. Through these partnerships, family strengths are cultivated and barriers to resources are knocked down.

WHO ARE HOMEFRONT STRONG CONNECTS VOLUNTEERS?

HomeFront Strong Connects volunteers are people who have a connection to military service. This may mean they are a veteran, have a close loved one who serves/served, or have dedicated their lives to working with those who serve. No matter the connection, HFSC volunteers have intimate knowledge of the military lifestyle and can uniquely empathize with others connected to military service.

HOW DO HFS CONNECTS VOLUNTEERS HELP?

Volunteers with HFS Connects are trained to provide support to other SMVF who may need a listening ear, encouragement around a specific goal, access to resources, or are interested in developing and recording their service related story. When a volunteer is matched with a SMVF in the community, they check in regularly based on the needs of the individual and the mutually agreed upon schedule between the volunteer and SMVF. Volunteers also attend a monthly supervision session with the Program Director to access support for their work with SMVF.

WHAT TYPE OF TRAINING IS OFFERED TO HFS CONNECTS VOLUNTEERS?

Individuals interested in becoming a volunteer with HFSC must train either virtually or in person with the HFSC team. The HFSC training is designed to provide information specific to:

• Establishing a helping relationship
• Active listening
• Military culture
• Cultural humility
• Common military lifecycle challenges
• Skills for resilience and strategies for overcoming challenges
• Storytelling

The full HFSC Connections & Storytelling training can be completed in 6 hours, delivered in multiple sessions either online or in person.