Empowering Veterans Through Story

The Veteran R.E.A.D.S. Program harnesses the profound power of storytelling and story analysis to build resilience, enhance education, drive advocacy, foster meaningful dialogue, and promote service among veterans (Carless & Douglas, 2016; Cleave, 2023; Pavlacic et al., 2022).

By addressing the unique challenges faced during the reintegration into civilian life, this program not only supports individual well-being but ultimately strengthens the fabric of our communities (Willsey, 2022; Indiana University School of Medicine, 2023).

Program overview

Program participants

Free for any veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Program participants receive a free copy of the anthology Standing Down: From Warrior to Civilian by The Great Books Foundation.(Non-veteran groups and non-MU faculty/staff are asked to refrain from attending).

Program mission

To offer veterans, active-duty service members, and their family’s story and story analysis as a strategic means of developing perceptive communication, powerful camaraderie, and potential catharsis.

Program goals

1. Develop skills of inquiry and critical analysis for unpacking fiction and nonfiction narratives.
2. Investigate story’s significance in relation to individual experience and differing perspectives.
3. Cultivate a space of authentic dialogue, where participants may speak freely and truthfully.
4. Foster a sanctuary-culture that begets trust, belongingness, camaraderie, and community.
5. Strengthen participants’ networks, resource familiarity, and support systems.
6. Create opportunities for community service, projects, and/or development.

Program objectives

1. Reinforced understanding of narratives, both public and personal.
2. Strengthened skills of inquiry and critical analysis for understanding both story and self.
3. Engaged conversations, meaningful interactions, and sustained relationships.
4. Increased feelings of trust, belongingness, camaraderie, and community.
5. Improved awareness of and access to resources and support systems for veteran communities.
6. Established connections and/ or opportunities in the community for service and/ or projects.

Events

The remaining 2024 Monday Night Meeting Schedule at Truman Habitat for Humanity's Hiram Young School: 501 N. Dodgion St., Independence, MO 64050:

1. July 29, 1700-1830
2. Aug. 5, 1700-1830
3. Aug. 19, 1700-1830
4. Sept. 9, 1700-1830
5. Sept. 23, 1700-1830
6. Oct., 7, 1700-1830
7. Oct. 21, 1700-1830
8. Nov. 4, 1700-1830
9. Dec. 2, 1700-1830

The remaining 2024 Saturday Morning Meeting Schedule at the Dorthy Day Cabin: 4730 N. Green Hills Rd., Parkville, MO 64152:

1. July 13, 1000-1130
2. Aug. 24, 1000-1130
3. Sept. 14, 1000-1130
4. Oct. 12, 1000-1130
5. Nov. 9, 1000-1130

Contact us for more information on Veteran R.E.A.D.S. events

Partners

• The Great Books Foundation
• Platte County Parks and Recreation
• UMKC
• Missouri Veterans Commission