New Veterans & Family Service Center Now Open in McHenry

The Veterans & Family Service Center of McHenry County is Now Open !!!
 
The drop in center (currently called Firehouse Alpha) is located 5330 W. Elm Street in McHenry, Illinois and is opened 9am-5pm Monday-Friday. 

All active duty Military, Veterans AND their families before, during and after deployment are welcome. No matter which conflict they served in, or which branch of service the drop in center is a community resource to connect with those who have shared experiences. Military families can share their unique stories with other families, with a counselor on staff or with the 4 peer-to-peer specialists. 

The services offered include - but are not limited to:

1.  Facing emotional challenges of all phases of deployment or with the transition to civilian life
2.  Children having issues with siblings or parents.
3.  Having a place to share stories with other military families
4.  Assistance with the financial pressures associated with deployment or the current economy.
5.  Supporting other military/veteran families just by having a cup of coffee with them.
6. Read a book, rent a movie, research local jobs.
7. Connect with other that share similar experiences and challenges and to local services available.
8. Peer-to-Peer, Family, Group and Individual counseling.
* All services are CONFIDENTIAL

The Veterans & Family Service drop in center (VFS) for veterans and their families is one of the services offered under a federal grant awarded to Lake and McHenry Counties to transform the way local services are delivered to veterans. The terms of this grant are that the veterans and their families guide the development of the services.  It is not associated or funded by the VA but by a federal grant from SAMHSA in partnership with Pioneer Center, TLS and Family Services specifically for McHenry County and Lake County veterans and their families.

In addition to monthly educational programs designed for military families, peer-to-peer mentoring and professional counseling are also available.  There will also be a monthly mobile food pantry, support groups and events.

The center is located at 5330 W. Elm Street in McHenry, Illinois
Opened 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.
(815) 322-2621 or (815) 322-2620

Do you know me?? GIVEAWAY

So it is time for a new GIVEAWAY

HOORAY - We've reached 2200 fans on Twitter 650 ♥ on Etsy and we're almost at 1400 "Likers" on Facebook (if you like as a page it counts as -0-)

Each person that enters will have a chance to win my camera necklace, a hand stamped Tree of Life necklace, and an ImageBlok from Magnetic BlokHaus 

Once a winner is chosen for one item then everyone gets another chance for the next item :)

There are several chances for you to enter and some people have already earned 1 entry via last week's game  called "What is this Creation?"

Here are the rules:  1 items from each category = ONE entry 

Example: Category #1 item #3 and Category #2 and #2 = 1 entry

You can choose any combination and as many times per day.

#1 DO YOU KNOW MY SOCIAL SITES & STATUS?? 

(post reply on Facebook or  Twitter or Blog).

1. Become a fan on Facebook or  Twitter and repost/retweet this blog post. (Don't forget to TAG me or POST link below or I won't know you did it)
2. Visit my Etsy Store and post what is you favorite item.
3. Visit my ArtFire Store and post what is you favorite item.

#2 DO YOU KNOW ME?? (post replies on Facebook or  Twitter or Blog).

1. Tell me what Branch of the U.S. Armed Forces I served in.
2. Name at least 1 Organization I support and donate to.
3. What is my 1st name?
4. What other language (s) do I speak??
5. What was the answer to "What is this creation"

Most of the answers you will find on my bio on social sites or by just "listening in" 
Many of you are fans already so that is easy just add from category #2 and you have an entry, :)


Good Luck----oh and it will run until I reach 1400 "Likers" on Facebook (if you like as a page it counts as -0-) then a winner will be chosen by Random.org.
So hurry spread the word and hope you answer faster then most. (Entries will not be accepted after 12:00afternoon or 12:00midnight the day we reach 1400 (central US time) -this is to help the delay with international posts and new fans)


and Thank You!!!

Anna

Addy to send to

All donated items - Celeb pics - artwork - letters can be sent to

ARTIBILITY
PO BOX 7213
ALGONQUIN, IL. 60102-7213

Next deadline for donations is Nov 15th, 2010
for the Nov 21st Marine Corps Toys for Tots fundraiser
which will be held at the Holiday Inn at
The Handmade Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories show in Chicagoland.

THANK YOU,
Anna

Donations are coming in - still looking for more items

Hello Everyone,

It is still almost 2 months before my fundraiser & Toys for Tots dive at the HJFAS (show) but I have a big goal-very BIG.  I want this to be the largest collection of donated items, toys and funds by an individual ever! Ok at least in our Marine Corps League LOL.  Yea I am a bit of an overachiever. :) 

I have big plans for the items that will get donated too.  I have received many beautiful and creative things and will post pics and links as well.  There is a surprise though.  I will take some awesome pics of your items - as best as I can - original and maybe edited and I will send them to you to use in your Etsy shop, ArtFire shop or Website or just for fun.  All I will do is write my name on the bottom so that I copyright the images for your use.  What do you think of that?

I am hoping more people will be willing to donate items if they get something in return and then there are the ones that just want to because well.....they want to.  Either way I just wanted to do something for you all!

I will be a vendor at this show and so the Show producer donated an extra table just for your goodies.  I really need to just get a P.O. box opened to make it easier as well.   If you are interested in donating a craft or item you made just let me know.

So far we have items coming from all over the US & the world.  Some from TX, VA, CA, NJ, NY, Chicago, MI, MT, FL (4 diff. items), as well as Canada & Estonia.
I just can't believe it.

My FAV QUOTE of the Day

QUOTE OF THE DAY! via FACEBOOK

"Excellence doesn't just happen. It must be forged, tested and used. It must be passed down... and woven into the very fabric of our souls - until it becomes .....our nature." 

~ General Charles C. Krulak ~ 

31st Commandment of the Marine Corps (he put on my chevrons for my meritorious mast & promotion-not as Commandant)

SEMPER FI!!!