Services to the Armed Forces - American Red Cross - Twin Cities Chapter

Deployment Services

• Coping With Deployments Course: Spouses, parents, siblings and significant others learn skill-building techniques that help them respond to the challenges of the deployment cycle

• Mind-Body Workshops: Offer an alternative method of healing that engages both the mind and body to address common stress reactions that occur within military families and communities

• Post-Deployment Support Resources: Information and workshops to help families re-adjust to being together after a loved one's deployment

• Pre-Deployment Preparedness Tool for Family Members: Makes sure families are prepared with information they may need throughout the deployment

• Reconnection Workshops: Enhance the likelihood of positive reconnections among family members and successful re-engagement of service members and veteran in civilian life

Emergency Communications?

• The American Red Cross independently verifies an emergency, enabling the service member's commander to make an educated decision regarding emergency leave and then provides transportation assistance and/or financial assistance if needed

Financial Assistance?

• The American Red Cross works in partnership with Military Aid Societies to provide financial assistance which includes funds for emergency travel, burial of a loved one, emergency food and shelter, etc. Aid Societies determine the financial assistance package that will be offered - a grant or loan. The Red Cross is the mechanism to expedite access to these financial resources.

Information and Referral Services?

• Offers confidential services to all members of the military, veterans and their families by connecting them with local, state and national resources through the network of American Red Cross chapters. Local chapters develop and maintain relationships with community partners. Military families rely on the local chapter to help them identify their needs and connect them to the most appropriate chapter and community resources. These services range from responding to emergency needs for food, clothing and shelter; referrals to counseling services (e.g. financial, legal, mental health, etc.); respite care for caregivers; and other resources.

Military and Veteran Caregiver Network?

• Peers engage to exchange experiences, empathy, education and encouragement

• Connect Online: Connect with caregivers in a secure, custom, peer-moderated online community

• Share With a Mentor: Share with caregivers in an understanding, one-on-one, peer mentor relationship

• Join a Support Group: Join caregivers in confidential, peer-facilitated support groups in the community and online

Veteran Services?

• Veterans Claims for Benefits: Assists veterans and their families in preparing, developing and obtaining evidence to support applicants' claims for veterans' benefits. Also assists claimants seeking to appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA).

10/01/2025