Illinois Joining Forces (IJF) announced they are partnering with the Roosevelt-Aurora American Legion Post #84 and the Kane County Veterans Assistance Commission and other area stakeholders to provide Veteran Peer Supporter Training. IJF is recruiting veterans to be professionally trained as Community Veteran Peer Supporters to assist area Veterans. Community Veteran Peer Supporter Training – for ten Aurora region veterans to serve their brothers and sisters in arms. Based on the principle of shared experience, peer support has proven to be an extremely effective way of assisting fellow veterans’ transition back into civilian life and address the many challenges they face along the way.

• The Course – Three days of virtual Veteran Peer Supporter Training provide by DBSA where Veterans will learn: Problem Solving, Effective Listening, The Art of Asking Questions, Facing Our Fears, Cultural Competency, Understanding Intervention Strategies, The Importance of Accomplishing Goals. One additional day of Mental Health First Aid training will be offered as part of the overall training.

• The Requirements – Prior military Service. Internet connection to support ZOOM video conferencing (webcam). Computer, laptop, or smartphone with the functionality to access a ZOOM link.

• The Commitment – Applicants must be available for all-day training on each of the following Days: November 18th, 19th, and 20th (2021). Be willing to serve fellow Veterans in the Aurora Region for a period of 12 months after completion of training. Be willing to dedicate at least 10 hours a month to Veterans seeking peer support.

• How to Apply – If you would like to receive training to become a Community Veteran Peer Supporter, please complete the application here: https://forms.gle/tiNWkqBN3ifJQfJ98 or you can contact IJF by email at info@illinoisjoiningforces.org with “PEER TRAINING” in the subject line.