For a study guide see page 22.
‘That’s what I like doing—finding these vets and letting them know we care.’
developed into a really wonderful relationship.”
Volunteers reach vets too Legacy Corps volunteers undergo 20 hours of pre-service training, which includes REST (Respite Education & Support Tools) curriculum. Topics include learning about confidential- ity, understanding disabilities across the lifespan, using good health and safety practices, planning and adapting activities, and establishing a successful relationship with the caregiver and care recipient. Saintcross customized the REST
curriculum to cover issues specific to veterans, including “hidden acci- dents” such as post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and moral injury. “Tere is not a worse thing you could say than ‘I know you are a veteran but I don’t see any- thing wrong with you,’ ” she said. Carl Dudczak understands the
challenges. As a Vietnam veteran he saw the difficulty some comrades had when they returned home. “I transitioned and did it more easily than some,” he said. “Anything [to] make vets’ lives a little easier is what I can do at this point in my life.” Dudczak became familiar with
Legacy Corps a few years ago aſter receiving transportation services through the program. He became a volunteer because of his desire to give back. Now Dudczak regularly visits a veteran at a health-care facil- ity and acts as a “go-to” person, pro- viding vets with information about possible Veterans Affairs benefits and directing them to the right depart-
Author bio: Novak is a freelance writer and a member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Naperville, Ill.
ment to process claims. Dudczak also participates in
some support groups. “Tere [is] more help for vets than ever before,” he said. “Some … are still fighting a war in their hearts and minds. Tey are still transitioning. Tat’s what I like doing—finding these vets and letting them know we care.”
He likens Legacy Corps to the
military, describing both as a “sec- ond family.” “Legacy Corps has enhanced
my life,” he said. “Te volunteers are genuine, caring people. ... Tey [were] such a good help to me when I needed service. We look out for each other—it’s unconditional love.”
Grace-Filled Florida Retirement
Living Life Fully
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Current Residents enjoy: • The Christ-centered, faith-based community where residents continue to fi nd ways to serve
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marketing@lutheranhaven.org
April 2015 35
PAUL ELLENBOGEN
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