Northeastern Center’s Dan Sorrell works as a case facilitator for the Emergency Solutions team. But twice a month, you can find him serving in a different capacity: helping to run a veterans’ support group.
About the group
Created by the DeKalb County Veterans’ Treatment Court, the group meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 4-5:30 p.m. It’s hosted at the Northeastern Center Community Health and Outreach Center, where Dan happens to work.
The group is completely voluntary and non-therapeutic, meaning that it’s not therapy. It’s also open to all veterans. You don’t need to be referred by the veterans’ court or anyone else – you just need to be a veteran and show up.
“It’s a group for us to just come and talk about whatever’s bothering us,” Dan said, explaining that no notes are taken, and the members just sit and talk. “It could be anything from discussing family issues that we’re going through to, ‘Someone upset me, and I don’t know how to deal with it.’”
Dan served 18 years in the Army National Guard. He says participants in the support group have served in multiple branches of the military and range from Vietnam-era veterans to younger veterans like himself.
One of the benefits of this support group is its location at the Community Health and Outreach Center. Other veterans’ groups are commonly held at locations with easy access to alcohol, Dan explained, which can be difficult for those struggling with substance use or related concerns.
“In this group, we’re focused on finding solutions that don’t involve alcohol or drugs as support for the issues we have,” Dan said.
How to attend.
Any area veterans interested in joining the support group are encouraged to drop in any time. Meetings are 4-5:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of every month at the Community Health and Outreach Center, 1752 Wesley Road, Auburn, Indiana.
