I AM A FAMILY MEMBER FOR SERVICE MEMBERS or VETERAN
We understand the important role you play in your Service Member/Veteran’s life. Action Over Silence has resources to help you identify when they may be experiencing a mental health or suicide crisis and how to help them stay safe from suicide. We also offer opportunities to connect to other Service Members and Veterans:
PEER SUPPORT
Our Peer Support Specialist, also a Veteran, can provide you and/or your Service Member/Veteran a listening ear during difficult times, as well as help you connect and navigate resources. Call Kate Shull at 260-267-6532 or email her.
**If you or your Service Member/Veteran is an immediate crisis, contact the Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988 and press 1) to get help. You can text them at 838255.
TRAINING
You can learn to recognize and help a Service Member or Veteran who is having suicide thoughts by attending a SAVE (Signs, Ask, Validate, Encourage & Expedite) training. Contact us (link to our Contact Us page) if you are interested in attending one. Read more about the VA SAVE training here.
If your Service Member/Veteran has access to firearms, consider attending CALM (Conversations on Access to Lethal Means) training. The goal of this training is to increase the time and distance between someone at risk of suicide and the most common and lethal methods of suicide, particularly firearms. Respectful, collaborative conversations about keeping your Service Member/Veteran safe from suicide while you help them work through their challenges saves lives. Contact Us if you are interested in participating in CALM. Read more about training here.
Military Cultural Competency training, provides professionals with the knowledge and skills to understand and effectively serve service members, veterans and their families by explaining military structure, values, and the unique experiences of the armed services. Star Behavioral Health provides this training online for free. We plan to offer in-person training in Spring 2026.
GUN SAFTEY DURING DIFFICULT TIMES
Taking a “gun vacation” during hard times can help save a life. Action Over Silence has FREE Veteran-to-Veteran, secure, no questions asked, temporary firearm storage for Service Members, Veterans and their families/caregivers. Learn more about our firearm storage program here. To store firearms with us, email us. Want to help us promote this free service? Print, email, or post this flyer.
FREE GUN LOCKS
Gun locks can protect your Service Member/Veteran and family - we distribute free cable gun locks to reduce immediate access during challenging times and to protect kids/grandkids. You can also request them from the VA by emailing Rachael Dettling or by Contacting Us or by emailing us.
Another way to protect your Service Member/Veteran and your family is to safely get rid of any excess or expired medication you have in the house by using our free Deterra pouches. Contact us to receive either of these.
Want to learn more about helping your Service Member/Veteran? Visit the Worried About A Veteran webpage. We also list many more resources on our Resources page.
We are currently supported by a Community Challenge grant from the
The Allen County Drug & Alcohol Consortium
is our current fiscal home