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Diaconal Ministries Resource Manual 31 In God We Trust Ministry D eacons assist veterans through their struggles as they make their way back to God's Church. They are reminded "the Will of God will not take you where the Grace of God will not protect you," which is a source of peace in their relationship with the Lord. At an annual event hosted by the Diaconate and members of the Colorado Freedom Memo- rial, deacons help spiritually wounded veter- ans come back to their faith. Deacons plan the event which includes Mass, Confession, faith-related speakers, faith-based counseling, resources for veterans, and a social hour that includes lunch and an opportunity to share. Veterans Community Living Center at Fitzsimons Ministry T he Veterans Community Living Center serves veterans, veteran spouses and Gold Star parents. Their mission is to honor and respect those living and working at the home through companionship, empowerment, and individualized care while providing a comfort- able and safe place to live. The Colorado State Veterans Home at Fitzsimons is a facility pro- viding skilled nursing care and a specialized short-term rehabilitation unit. The center also provides long-term care, Alzheimer's care and end-of-life/hospice services. The deacons involved help veterans in every stage of their lives and work to ensure Catholic residents receive Jesus in the Eucharist each week. The apostolate is supported through the Diaconate Veterans Outreach Program and St. Pius X Parish. Deacons provide opportunities to engage in conversation, experience the Word of God, and receive the Eucharist. The deacons are working to expand the ministry to include a Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, group rosaries, and reflections on Sacred Scripture. i Deacon Darell Nepil darell.nepil@gmail.com Deacon Al Sandoval alfonsosandoval1@msn.com i Deacon Greg"Dusty" Martin gmartin2045@comcast.net Deacon Chris Tranchetti cjtnavy@gmail.com Veteran's Rehabilitation Ministry F ort Lyon is a recovery-oriented transitional housing program in Las Animas, Colorado, which allows residents to recover from sub- stance abuse in their own way and at their own pace. Residents are required to attend commu- nity meetings, New Beginnings Drug and Alco- hol Education, and do their ongoing recovery work (examples include meetings and groups). Ft. Lyon also provides referral resources includ- ing social workers, probation officers, outreach workers, addictions counselors, behavioral health specialists, primary care providers and case managers, so residents can identify needs and build an effective recovery plan. Veterans are given priority and receive addi- tional services to help them obtain VA Benefits. The deacon oversees the program includ- ing employees and contacting donors and agencies that provide other resources to the residents. He also works to build a statewide referral network so that those needing ser- vices in other areas of Colorado are made aware of Ft. Lyon. i Deacon Phil Harrington pharrington33@yahoo.com