Aproveche esta oportunidad para dirigirse a cualquier persona que escuche o vea y que pueda tener un dominio limitado del inglés:
Tiene derecho a recibir servicios de intérprete calificados sin costo alguno para usted.
No está obligado a depender de sus hijos, otros familiares o amigos para que actúen como intérpretes.
Tiene derecho a presentar una queja sobre los servicios de acceso al idioma que se le brindaron si lo desea.
See this website for co-parenting classes. Financial help is available at the website if needed.
Unified Community Services is proud to report we are one of the 17 organizations in the State of Wisconsin to receive recognition as a Vets Ready employer by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Governor Tony Evers announced the winners in a press release on November 7, 2023. Unified Community Services won a Gold Award for Small Organizations for their onboarding program that celebrates and empowers not only Veterans but also Veterans’ spouses and family members.
The Gold Award is for organizations that show “exemplary leadership in hiring, training, supporting, and advancing Veterans and their families.”
The Vets Ready Initiative encourages employers to “establish a support system within their workplace, hire and retain more Veterans, and connect with Veterans in the community and their families. Every year, DWD recognizes businesses that have gone above and beyond for the Veteran workforce. Businesses are separated into three categories – small, medium, large – and either receive a gold or silver certification.”
At Unified Community Services we are deeply grateful for our incredible staff which includes employees who currently serve in the Armed Forces, Veterans of the Armed Forces, military spouses, former military spouses, and many family members of Veterans. We are indebted to them for their commitment to continued service in Iowa and Grant Counties and for all the selfless good they do every day for our clients, coworkers, and communities.
We’re extremely proud to report we’re Veteran Ready.
Veterans often face a range of mental health challenges after their military service. These challenges can result from the unique stressors and experiences associated with military life. Some common mental health issues among veterans include:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Exposure to traumatic events during deployment can lead to PTSD. Symptoms may include intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened anxiety.
Depression: Veterans may experience depression due to a variety of factors, including the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, coping with physical injuries, or dealing with the loss of friends.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): TBIs, often caused by blasts or other head injuries, can result in a range of cognitive and emotional symptoms, including memory problems, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating.
Substance Abuse: Some Veterans turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with stress, pain, or mental health symptoms. Substance abuse can exacerbate existing mental health issues.
Anxiety Disorders: Generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and other anxiety-related conditions may develop or worsen as a result of the stressors experienced during military service.
Adjustment Disorders: Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging. Veterans may struggle with adapting to new routines, relationships, and work environments, leading to adjustment difficulties.
Isolation and Relationship Issues: Difficulty reconnecting with family and friends or feeling isolated from civilian society can contribute to mental health challenges. Relationship problems may arise due to communication issues or the emotional toll of military experiences.
Crisis: Veterans may be at an increased risk of crisis, especially if they are dealing with untreated mental health conditions.
It’s important to note that not all veterans will experience these challenges, and the severity of symptoms can vary widely. Many Veterans successfully transition to civilian life and thrive with the support of mental health services, social connections, and community resources. If you or someone you know is a Veteran struggling with mental health issues, reaching out to mental health professionals or Veterans’ support organizations can be a crucial step toward recovery.
#veteran #veteransupport #VeteransDay #veterans
Unified Community Services appreciates and honors our staff, clients, community members and their families who serve and have served- making sacrifices in this way for our country. To show support we have participated in Operation Green Light at both of our office locations. Take the time to check in on and show support for a service member or their family members!
Alyssa Wade wrote a piece recently about farmers’ mental health during harvest. She makes a lot of excellent points that may be helpful to review as so many in our communities are dealing with these stressors right now.
“To those in the throes of harvest, it’s the accumulation of all their hard-earned efforts, and with that comes an intense and stressful season. Nearly all of the stressors that affect agricultural production are beyond the control of producers. Dealing daily with excessive workload, unforeseeable weather and extreme work conditions is exhausting.
Compound that with debt burden, unpredictable markets, inflation and equipment repairs, and it can result in endless hours of physical and emotional stress. Chronic stress can lead to injuries and accidents on the farm and, if left untreated, anxiety, depression and disease.
Stress in agriculture is inevitable, but learning how to identify it and manage it is crucial to staying healthy. Here are some changes you can incorporate this season to lessen stress and stay healthy while harvesting.
Eat healthy and drink water
During harvest, it can be easy to forget to take care of yourself. Stress eating can be tempting, and fast food is quick and convenient. Eating well-balanced meals with proteins, vegetables, fruits and complex carbohydrates during times of stress will keep you feeling full and energized longer. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and try not to abuse caffeinated drinks to the point where you may begin to feel jittery or anxious.
Prioritize sleep
As the old adage goes, “there is no rest for the weary” and working till the job is done is something growers are all too familiar with. There are times there is no way around long days and late nights, but prioritizing sleep is crucial to staying healthy. Lack of sleep can decrease reaction times, cause poor decision making, and lead to mistakes and/or accidents that could cost you time and money. After a stressful day in the field, the best way to assure a restful slumber is to try to create a cool, dark space to lay down and unwind. Aiming for seven to eight hours of quality sleep is best, and rest whenever possible.
Get physical activity
Sitting for hours, days and weeks in machinery during harvest can lead to physical tension as well as elevated stress. Take time to walk after supper or in the morning before the day starts. A short walk can have big benefits such as improving cardiovascular health, weight loss, increased endurance and energy, and the release of endorphins to improve your mood and relax. Daily stretching releases tension both physically and mentally, increases range of motion preventing injuries, and increases serotonin levels.
Limit alcohol and drug use
As much as a beer (or several) after a long day may feel relaxing and helpful to wind down, it can also affect your ability to get a good night’s rest. It may help you fall asleep faster, but it inhibits you from reaching the REM sleep state and as a result, can leave you feeling less rested and more fatigued. Self-medicating with drugs and alcohol when stressed can lead to more serious mental health issues in the future like anxiety and depression.
Create a plan
Agriculture is unpredictable, and although unanticipated circumstances may arise, it will help you to sit down with your family and employees and develop a well-thought-out plan. In order to facilitate a smooth and efficient harvest, allow your team to give input and develop a plan of action. Assign responsibilities to everyone involved and allow others to share the workload. Have an emergency or crisis plan in place for unforeseen events. Make plans for how things would be handled in the event of machinery breakdowns, injuries, accidents or other disasters.
Build a team you can rely on
Building a team to support you and your farm is extremely important and can cut down significantly on stress during times like harvest. Your team starts with your family and employees. Discuss with them what skillsets they have that they feel would be most valuable. Clearly communicate your expectations and put each team member in a place where you feel confident with them completing the assigned task(s) safely and efficiently. If there are tasks you feel your team is not equipped to handle, seek experts to help, such as Extension specialists who can help you enlist agronomists, financial advisors or other ag experts.
Take time away from the farm
Harvest season isn’t exactly the perfect time to take a vacation, but you can still take time away from the farm even if it’s just mentally. Blocking out a small window of time every day to eliminate any sort of farm-related talk or thoughts can release tension and aid in diminishing stress associated with the day. Pray, meditate, listen to music or a podcast, watch your favorite TV show, or talk to family/friends. Ten to 30 minutes is enough to leave you feeling re-energized and newly focused. Having something to look forward to like a vacation or special plans when harvest is completed can be helpful to staying positive as well.
Seek help if you need it
The most important asset on your farm is you. If you are starting to show signs of extreme stress, it is time to ask for help no matter what is happening on the farm. It may be time to seek help if you are experiencing extreme irritability, anxiety, depression, muscle tension and pain, rapid heartbeat, exhaustion, headaches, dizziness, high blood pressure, and digestive problems. It is okay to ask for help. Your farm cannot thrive if you are not well.
Utilizing these tips may not alleviate all the stress that can arise during harvest, but they can substantially reduce it, and that will benefit both your operation and your health.”
A link to Alyssa’s full article is below if you’d like to read more.
Crisis Hotline: 1-800-362-5717 24 hours a day
If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (En Espanol: 1-888-628-9454; Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889) or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741
