30 Years Behind the Badge, Now Helping Veterans and First Responders Heal
Matt Vanliere, Executive Director of John, and his younger self helping Veterans & First Responders heal.
Thirty years separate these two pictures. One represents the career that shaped me; the other represents the mission that followed. I spent nearly 30 years in law enforcement. During that time, I had the privilege of serving alongside some incredible individuals. I also saw firsthand the toll this profession and military service can take on the people who dedicate their lives to serving others.
30 Years in Law Enforcement, Now Helping Veterans and First Responders Heal
For years, I watched Veterans and first responders carry trauma, stress, grief, and addiction in silence because that’s what the culture expected. Our training prepared us to answer everyone else’s call for help, not our own. Those experiences are exactly why I poured myself into building the J.O.H.N. Program. JOHN stands for “Just One Hero Needed” and was created specifically for first responders and Veterans. It wasn’t built because they’re different from everyone else. It was built because the experiences, culture, and challenges that accompany a life of service are distinct, and mental health treatment should recognize that.
When someone walks through our doors at JOHN, they don’t have to explain why they still think about a call from years ago, why they struggle to sleep, or why asking for help feels so difficult. They’re surrounded by people who understand that world. On June 7, 2013, I made a decision that changed my own life. Thirteen years later in recovery, I get to spend my days helping first responders, and Veterans begin changing theirs.
The work we do at JOHN isn’t something I take for granted. If you’re a first responder, Veteran, family member, or leader responsible for the people who serve, I hope you’ll take a few minutes to learn about what we’re building. The need has never been greater, but neither has the opportunity to change lives.
My uniform changed, but the commitment to serving first responders and Veterans did not.
JOHN First Responders and Veterans Exclusive Programming
JOHN is a treatment center for adult (18+) individuals in recovery. The residential programs at JOHN create an atmosphere of camaraderie and trust. Licensed therapists and staff at all levels have lived experience or strong personal ties to the military or first responder community. We tailor our full continuum of programs to the strengths and preferences of each person who comes through our doors. JOHN offers its residents privacy, comfort, and respect.
Massive stone walls and a river rock foundation exemplify strength and durability. The home itself is a metaphor for the life-changing work taking place within its walls. We designed the JOHN bedrooms to ensure a great night’s sleep. There are typically two or three residents per room, providing an opportunity for residents to bond with their roommates. And because our facilities are intentionally non-institutional, the living spaces feel like home. We crafted every space in the house to promote community and generate a sense of ease. During downtime, residents can read, watch sports, and play ping-pong in the rec room.
For More Information on our Exclusive Veterans and First Responders Programs
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