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Online Caregiver Network

In recognition of the vast geographic areas where Maine caregivers reside, Embrace A Vet invites you to tap into an on-line military caregiver peer network spearheaded by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.  This three-pronged program includes community-based peer support groups, peer mentoring, and an online peer community program, accessed via internet.  It is expected to provide emotional support and resources to approximately 50,000 caregivers by mid year 2016.   It is especially suited to help reduce caregiver isolation, which is very challenging to address in rural states such as Maine.

We are optimistic that this confidential new peer network will enhance the lives of our military caregivers, “the hidden heroes” who give so much to our veterans.  Please visit milvetcaregivernetwork.org for more information about caregiver peer support, caregiver fatigue, isolation, and to increase caregiver connectedness, engagement, hopefulness, wellness, knowledge and skills.

 

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Recent Blog Posts

Our new caregivers group meetings at the retreat

“The caregivers group gave me the tools I need to begin to see I am worthy of something and can stand up and say what I feel. I am going home with these tools and work very hard so my husband and I can begin to communicate. Thank you all!”

 

 
2015-10-07T10:59:55+00:00
“The caregivers group gave me the tools I need to begin to see I am worthy of something and can stand up and say what I feel. I am going home with these tools and work very hard so my husband and I can begin to communicate. Thank you all!”    

Second Honeymoon

slideshow-horse-therapy-veteran-eventAfter our recent retreat, a Vietnam era veteran spouse remarked: "it's like we are on our second honeymoon! Thanks Joy for bringing Joy back into our lives."
2015-02-15T09:47:30+00:00
After our recent retreat, a Vietnam era veteran spouse remarked: "it's like we are on our second honeymoon! Thanks Joy for bringing Joy back into our lives."

Words from a Veteran who attended a retreat

 

“I was not going to have anything to do with this program. However, after coming I feel like a new person. I would recommend to any person who served their country., You will never regret it.”
2015-10-07T10:47:59+00:00
  “I was not going to have anything to do with this program. However, after coming I feel like a new person. I would recommend to any person who served their country., You will never regret it.”

From a male veteran at recent retreat

“I think that every vet should come to one of these retreats. It helped me and my wife reconnect for the first time since 2011. She says 'I have the old you back, the man I married.' Thank you for everything.”
2015-10-07T11:00:56+00:00
“I think that every vet should come to one of these retreats. It helped me and my wife reconnect for the first time since 2011. She says 'I have the old you back, the man I married.' Thank you for everything.”

I now feel supported

“I felt that no body understood what I was coping with. This retreat gave me support, practice tools and contact persons to assist in healing.”
10861082_10206194805013523_7508654961646471409_o
2015-04-15T09:23:29+00:00
“I felt that no body understood what I was coping with. This retreat gave me support, practice tools and contact persons to assist in healing.”

from the daughters of a veteran who attended our retreat

"If it was not for Embrace A Vet, I don't know how much my sweet Carol and kids could have taken.  Joy and all of the Embrace A Vet staff  have a way to deal with PTS(d)  Dr. Fred helped me a lot and I now have a service dog.  They may have saved my life"  This was written by a veteran who has made multiple suicide attempts.

 

And from his daughters:

 

I wanted to thank you for all the work that you as an organization do.  Since my father attended your retreat recently, I have seen so many positive changes in him.  Not only in him but in the relationship my parents share.  I can not thank you enough and am excited for the relationship he will continue to build with all of you.  And now we have welcomed Sammie into the family as my dad's service dog!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

 

"am loving all that Embrace A Vet has done for my dad...He is a changed man.  I don't see him often but all the pictures I am seeing the post he has been making on facebook are great...So glad that Embrace A Vet cares about our Veterans and works with helping them as they struggle from results of serving our country..."
2014-04-07T10:18:47+00:00
"If it was not for Embrace A Vet, I don't know how much my sweet Carol and kids could have taken.  Joy and all of the Embrace A Vet staff  have a way to deal with PTS(d)  Dr. Fred helped me a lot and I now have a service dog.  They may have saved my life"  This was written by a veteran who has made multiple suicide attempts.   And from his daughters:   I wanted to thank you for all the work that you as an organization do.  Since my father attended your retreat recently, I have seen so many positive changes in him.  Not only in him but in the relationship my parents share.  I can not thank you enough and am excited for the relationship he will continue to build with all of you.  And now we have welcomed Sammie into the family as my dad's service dog!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!"   "am loving all that Embrace A Vet has done for my dad...He is a changed man.  I don't see him often but all the pictures I am seeing the post he has been making on facebook are great...So glad that Embrace A Vet cares about our Veterans and works with helping them as they struggle from results of serving our country..."

I finally have a battle buddy

After our most recent retreat, a spouse says of his spouse: "I finally have a battle buddy!"
2015-02-15T09:45:14+00:00
After our most recent retreat, a spouse says of his spouse: "I finally have a battle buddy!"

This was truely a time of healing and relaxation. Thank you Joy, Dr Shotz and crew. My wife and I both enjoyed our days with the people of embrace a vet. We would encourage any and veterans to take advantage of this healing experience.

2014-10-11T08:57:19+00:00

From a retreat participant regarding the relationship with spouse.

“This retreat helped save my relationship. I can’t even put into words how grateful I am for the opportunity to have come here and experience this retreat. It is something that can not be explained or described. This retreat changes lives and you have to experience it to understand. God bless Joy and her staff, without them none of this would be possible” Moving forward I will be seeking out an acupuncturist and revisiting Dr. Shotz”
2015-10-07T10:52:05+00:00
“This retreat helped save my relationship. I can’t even put into words how grateful I am for the opportunity to have come here and experience this retreat. It is something that can not be explained or described. This retreat changes lives and you have to experience it to understand. God bless Joy and her staff, without them none of this would be possible” Moving forward I will be seeking out an acupuncturist and revisiting Dr. Shotz”

“What an incredible week!”

"Thank you for supporting us and providing such life changing activities."
2013-03-05T09:45:02+00:00
"Thank you for supporting us and providing such life changing activities."

Leaving with a lighter “load”

One veteran, in talking about the recent retreat said: It's nice to leave without WHAT we came in with!"
2015-02-15T09:49:06+00:00
One veteran, in talking about the recent retreat said: It's nice to leave without WHAT we came in with!"

My Service Dog Roco

“I have needed a service dog for several years, but would never violate the bond Roco and I have built by bringing an outsider(a trainer) into our relationship. EAV made it possible for us to work together, raising the quality of life for us bothThe Graduates
2015-04-15T09:40:18+00:00
“I have needed a service dog for several years, but would never violate the bond Roco and I have built by bringing an outsider(a trainer) into our relationship. EAV made it possible for us to work together, raising the quality of life for us both

“My feelings at this point defy my abilities. I am, however, at a different level and place.”

2013-03-05T09:58:57+00:00

From a female veteran who attended a retreat

“I can not describe this experience. I truly came here desperate. I am leaving her refreshed, rejuvenated and excited to move forward. “Thank you” is not enough to say. The techniques Dr. Fred taught are priceless. I don’t know why the world doesn’t know this. Sitting down with Judy opened my eyes. She really made everything about me positive when I had only viewed it negatively. She said part of my healing need to be that I have a purpose and I am giving the world something. She is completely right!!!”

 
2015-10-07T10:50:01+00:00
“I can not describe this experience. I truly came here desperate. I am leaving her refreshed, rejuvenated and excited to move forward. “Thank you” is not enough to say. The techniques Dr. Fred taught are priceless. I don’t know why the world doesn’t know this. Sitting down with Judy opened my eyes. She really made everything about me positive when I had only viewed it negatively. She said part of my healing need to be that I have a purpose and I am giving the world something. She is completely right!!!”  

© 2015 Embrace A Vet