Operation Resilient Families

Operation Resilient Families (ORF) is an eight-session peer-led program for Veterans and their families. While openly acknowledging difficult post-deployment issues, this program uses a strength-based and strategic approach. ORF focuses on enhancing family resilience through a process designed to help prevent overwhelming readjustment challenges. Through a series of facilitated discussions and exercises, ORF participants identify their own family's strengths, resources and challenging situations. With the support of peers sharing similar experiences, participants also learn to utilize a number of communication and problem-solving skills, and develop a personalized Family Resilience Plan for use in proactively addressing their specific family circumstances.

What topics are covered?

The following topics are covered over the course of the 8-session program::

• Introductions, "Returning to Family Life after Deployment"
• "Reuniting Our Civilian Family"
• "Communication Skills - Communicating Feelings"
• "Communication Skills - Listening/Soft Start Ups"
• "Communicating (and Dealing with Anger) in Your Family"
• "Building Family Resiliency/Understanding Potential Risks"
• "Facing Family Challenges with Strength"
• "Together: Building Understanding, Empathy and Resilience"

Who can participate?

Operation Resilient Families is designed for all Veterans and their adult family members or close friends. Mature adolescents may also participate. While Veterans and their family members are encouraged to jointly participate in ORF, this program equally welcomes Veterans or family members who attend alone

Who are the facilitators?

Operation Resilient Families is led by two trained peer facilitators, consisting of both a Veteran and a family member who have firsthand war-zone post-deployment readjustment experiences. In addition to working with the entire group, peer facilitators also lead separate break out sessions with the Veteran and/or family members during the program.

Where are groups offered?

ORF groups are offered throughout the State of Texas in natural (non-stigmatizing) community settings, such as libraries, community centers, church meeting rooms, etc. For more information or interest in finding a group in your area, please contact the NAMI ORF Coordinator at (512) 693-2000.

What does it cost?

ORF is free of charge to Veterans and their family members

ORF Program Goals:

• To share information about the common experiences of returning combat Veterans and their families
• To explore resources and resiliency strategies for adjusting to life after deployments
• To empower veterans and their families to overcome the common challenges which arise following periods of military deployment
• To foster a confidential community where participants can benefit from mutual learning, shared experiences and peer support
• To teach self-advocacy skills and link Veterans and their families with additional opportunities for assistance and support

For more information, contact Lynne Tucker, ORF Program Coordinator at coorinator@resilientfamilies.org or call 512-693-2000.