Veterans and First Responders Exclusive Programming – JOHN Opening October 27, 2025
JOHN Opening October 27, 2025, for Veterans and First Responders’ exclusive programming.
JOHN Executive Director Matt VanLiere has waited patiently for an exclusive first responders and Veterans program at Sanford Behavioral Health. He first raised the idea nearly four years ago, after joining Sanford to build its safety team. Matt has a BA in Criminal Justice and 29 years of experience in law enforcement. He also has a personal journey with addiction recovery. Given that, it’s not surprising Matt is passionate about forwarding the cause of fellow first responders and Veterans who are seeking care for addiction, PTSD, and mental health conditions. He will get his opportunity to realize his dream with the JOHN opening this month.
At Sanford Behavioral Health, responding to the needs of our clients and community is part of who we are. Our Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus brings together expert psychiatric and medical providers who deliver personalized care for lasting mental health recovery. When we recognized the unique challenges faced by Veterans and first responders, we created JOHN – a dedicated residential program designed with their culture and experiences in mind.
Matt says, “We had our Open House in July. However, when you open such an important program, you want to be sure you are ready to put the plan into action. In the past two months, we have fine-tuned an experienced team that understands the challenges faced by Veterans and first responders. We’ve also built strong relationships with treatment and insurance providers, collaborated with key leaders in the Veterans and first responders communities, hosted numerous tours, and finalized our schedules and programs. We now stand ready to help those in need.”
Veterans and First Responders – JOHN Opening October 27, 2025
Matt VanLiere on Suicide Awareness Day 2025
J.O.H.N. (Just One Hero Needed) is located in a restored historic home designed to provide trauma-informed, mission-aligned care in a secure and respectful environment. Hidden in plain sight on a quiet street, the JOHN environment fosters camaraderie and trust. JOHN is a residential facility, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and accommodates 18 adults (18 years and older). We treat addiction, PTSD, mental health, and eating disorders.
Amenities
- EZ Admissions and Clearances
- Private Chef; meals supporting physical and emotional wellness
- On-site fitness center
- Promoting physical and mental well-beingÂ
- Service animals welcome
- On-site support meetings
- A town and country neighborhood for excursions and rigorous walks
- Veterans and former First Responders on staff
- Beautiful surroundings that can reduce stress, enhance mood, improve cognitive function, and increase social connection
Mental health treatment doesn’t have to be sterile — comfort is part of the care.
One of the benefits of coming through the doors of JOHN for treatment (aside from the fact that it is peaceful and homelike) is the group therapy and peer support. Residents comprise fellow Veterans and first responders who understand the journey. Our specially designed, trauma-informed support restores connection with loved ones and helps develop healthy communication patterns.
Specialized Process Groups
Coping and Resilience
1. Managing stress and anxiety
2. Building resilience in high-stress environments
3. Mindfulness and self-care techniques
Trauma and PTSD
1. Understanding trauma and its impact
2. Coping with traumatic memories
3. Rebuilding trust and relationships
Transition and Reintegration
1. Transitioning from active duty or first responder roles
2. Reintegrating into civilian life
3. Building a new sense of purpose
Relationships and Communication
1. Effective communication in relationships
2. Building and maintaining healthy relationships
3. Conflict resolution and problem-solving
Substance Use and Recovery
1. Understanding addiction and recovery
2. Coping with cravings and triggers
3. Building a support network
Anger and Emotional Regulation
1. Managing anger and aggression
2. Emotional regulation techniques
3. Healthy expression of emotions
Purpose and Meaning
1. Finding purpose and meaning after trauma
2. Building a new identity
3. Setting goals and achieving success
Peer Support and Community
1. Building peer support networks
2. Creating a sense of community
3. Sharing experiences and lessons learned
VA and other referral packages are sent for clearance as soon as they are received.
Programs and Services
- Psychiatric & Medical Assessments
- Psychiatric & Medical Management: Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) & SPRAVATO (esketamine)
- Collaborative Care Teams
- 24/7 On-Site Nursing Staff
- Medical Detox (at Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus)
- Residential Programs Day Programs (PHP)
- On-Site Supportive Housing
- Individual Therapist
- Group & Family Therapy
- Eye Movement and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)Â and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ACT) to reduce the impact of trauma
- Long-Term Planning
- Free Family Education/Support Programs
- Free Alumni Programs
- We tailor each client’s length of stay to their care needs and progress toward treatment goals. Most clients stay between 14 and 45 days.
- Eating Disorder Treatment (at Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus)
Take the Virtual Tour or Call for an In-Person Tour Before the JOHN Opening October 27, 2025, 616.202.3326 ext. 1
For a Printable Flyer with all our Programs and Services, CLICK HERE.
Not sure where to start? Call us 24/7 for information, admission to JOHN, or to talk. Our team will help you find the right care, even if it’s not with us!
