The VFWC serves Veterans of all eras and their family members regardless of discharge status or VA-benefit status. We maintain separate records unless permission is expressly granted to collaborate with other providers. The cornerstone of VFWC’s services is the FOCUS model (Families OverComing Under Stress). FOCUS is evidence-based resilience training that is currently being offered at more than 30 U.S. and international active-duty military bases.Outcomes include:
- Increased communication
- Individual and family resilience skills
- More successful management of trauma and loss reminders
- Increased wellbeing
The VFWC is proud to offer services throughout the state of California via our secure virtual platform.
Consultations – offer education for parents, couples and individuals, community providers and partners, as well as to parents and couples. Consultations provide guidance and professional expertise on specific topics that impact a Veteran’s life and/or their family. These 30 to 90 minute meetings cover family- and child-centered topics such as behavioral changes and preparations for future transitions. Consultations are also provided around specific trauma, grief, and/or loss issues. Following the consultation, families can choose to participate in FOCUS (Families OverComing Under Stress) resilience training or be linked to other appropriate services at UCLA, the VA, or the community.
Skill-Building Groups – are interactive groups designed to introduce key skills that support resilience, strong relationships, and managing difficult emotions. Often presented as a series, groups are generally 90 minutes in length. Group attendees range from individual Veteran participation to the participation of parents, families, or children in specific age groups (school-aged children, teenagers). Contact the VFWC for more information on upcoming groups and topics.
Educational Workshops – focus on a specific topic, such as individual- or family-level stress management, or family reactions to trauma, stress, or other transitions. Workshops can be tailored to address different topics and/or audience needs, and are approximately 60 minutes long.
All of our groups and workshops are specifically tailored to meet the needs of our attendees. Specialized workshops for women Veterans and caregivers are also available. Some workshops are available at a distance through our TeleWellness Program.
Parents can build on current strengths and learn new skills at the VFWC through group or individual services. Individual services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each family and use interactive skill-building techniques to enhance strengths.
FOCUS for Parents is designed to strengthen parents’ ability to support each other and overcome challenges. Through multiple sessions with a VFWC Resilience Trainer, FOCUS provides personalized training in the context of each couple’s story and individual goals. It teaches practical skills to help them meet the challenges of Veteran life, such as injury, managing trauma and stress, and dealing with transitions.
Couples can find support from VFWC through group or individual services. Individual services are tailored to meet the couple’s unique needs and use interactive skill-building techniques to enhance strengths.
FOCUS for couples is designed to strengthen couples’ ability to support each other and overcome challenges. Through multiple sessions with a VFWC Resilience Trainer, FOCUS provides personalized training in the context of each couple’s story and individual goals. It teaches practical skills to help them meet the challenges of Veteran life, such as injury, managing trauma and stress, and dealing with transitions.
Families at the VFWC have many options for building on their current strengths and overcoming everyday challenges, as well as those challenges related to a parent or loved one’s past military service. Workshops, groups and individual services are available for families and children. Children are also welcome at many VFWC events.
FOCUS (Families OverComing Under Stress) for families is designed to strengthen families’ readiness for the future. Over a series of sessions with a VFWC Resilience Trainer, FOCUS provides personalized training in the context of each family’s story and individual goals. It teaches families practical skills to help them meet the challenges of Veteran life, such as injury, managing trauma and stress, and dealing with transitions.
The VFWC is pleased to offer services to those supporting Veterans, including specialized workshops and groups that focus on caregiving for a military or Veteran spouse, partner, or family member. We serve caregivers regardless of the Veteran’s ability to participate in services. We are here to support you as you support your hero.
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Supporting Survivors
TeleWellness
Grief & Loss Support Programming for Groups and Individuals The VFWC offers assistance and wellness-based resilience training, including managing trauma and loss reminders, to the family members of those who were lost to illness, injury, or suicide (intended or accidental) during active duty or Veteran status. We also provide referrals to survivor groups, qualified mental health providers and VA benefits specialists.
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TeleWellness
Many programs offered by the VFWC are also available through our TeleWellness option. TeleWellness allows families to access consultation, family sessions and support from the comfort of their home. Access to a computer and a reliable internet connection is required. Participants will engage with a resilience trainer through a secure video-conferencing application.
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