News

 by Staff Member

OC Veterans Report Reinforces Critical Need for Outreach

Last week, the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) issued a compelling report demonstrating military veterans coming home to Orange County have powerful obstacles when adjusting to civilian life.  In the worst cases, returning veterans faced great challenges in securing adequate employment, finding stable housing and meeting physical and mental health needs. OCCF unveiled the report to 250 donors and business and community leaders, preceded by an address from Admiral Mike Mullen, 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and 28th Chief of Naval Operations.

 

Sixty-one percent of post-9/11 veterans report adjustment challenges; compared to 30 percent of pre-9/11 veterans.

View the full report here: oc-cf.org/veterans

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Tender Touch Ministries currently offers Veterans assistance through the openARMs Program.
Please visit this link for how you can assist.

in News / Veterans
 by Staff Member

National Geographic Magazine ‘Un-Masks’ Soldiers Suffering From Traumatic Brain Injuries

The FeNational Geographicbruary 2015 Issue of National Geographic features a cover story, “The Invisible War on the Brain,”  on soldiers returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan with incredible challenges, not the least of which is the mysterious and devastating effects of traumatic brain injuries from the force of nearby blasts.

While the evidence for brain injury is very real, veterans are often challenged in their ability to describe the psychological effects, which include confusion, anger and depression, but in ways that defy words. In an effort to promote healing and communication, some soldiers have tried a program that encourages them to paint masks where words cannot articulate the pain.

The article, written by Caroline Alexander, goes on to explain the main problem with diagnosing and treating the blast force injuries, “Despite the prevalence of the condition, the most fundamental questions about it remain unanswered. Not only is there no secure means of diagnosis, but there are also no known ways to prevent it and no cure. Above all, there is no consensus within the medical community about the nature of blast-induced injury or by what mechanism blast force damages the brain.”

Meanwhile, Tender Touch Ministries is currently assisting Orange County, CA veterans of all ages with transitioning back into civilian life, including connecting them to resources to help with medical and psychological needs via the openARMs Program.

Links:
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/
https://www.tendertouchministries.org/openarms-program/

Citations:
Alexander, C. (2015, February 1). The Invisible War on the Brain. National Geographic, 35.

 

in News / Veterans
 by Anthony Miller

2015 Tender Touch Ministries Initiatives

During 2015, Tender Touch Ministries will reach out to serve the homeless, like never before.  We truly understand the challenges they face on a daily basis, and we are prepared to work tirelessly, to make their lives less burdensome.

  • First, we will implement our We Care Program (WCP). This program entails distributing small care packages to the homeless that reside on the unforgivable streets of Orange County CA.
  • Secondly, we look to partner with other non-profit charity organizations, and business entities that can provide the essentials to the homeless, that we so often take for granted: Shower facilities, personal grooming facilities, transitional living facilities and financial support.
  • Thirdly, Buy-A-Meal Day (BAMD).  During the month of May, we will take our passion to the streets of Orange County, and buy as many meals for the homeless as possible.
  • Lastly, get as many churches involved as possible, to offer faith services, counseling, encouragement and possible employment to the homeless.

Anthony Miller
Founder
Tender Touch Ministries

in News