The United States Rescue REEF program provides support for veterans struggling to maintain a consistent level of rational thought, measured responses to varying stimuli, and healthy relationship communication.
What is the REEF Program?
Using the combined experience of veterans that have made significant progress, the REEF program consolidates that knowledge base into support for veterans encountering transition and/or reintegration into civilian populations, or PTSD symptoms.
What are the Mentor Responsibilities?
Situational awareness is key for the USR REEF Mentor. First and foremost, the Mentor is responsible for keeping themself safe. Additionally, the supervision of 3-5 REEF Protege is a major priority for the REEF Mentor. They assist (through performance) their Proteges with VA familiarity, PTSD symptoms, and other needs of their assigned Proteges. The Mentor also maintains a high degree of operational and personal information security, so as not to embarrass the protege.
Why become a REEF Mentor?
Recovery from PTSD is a process, one of which rarely has an ending. Most veterans struggle with PTSD symptoms for the remainder of their lives. However, with the help of a Mentor that has an inherent understanding of a variety of PTSD triggers and experience with managing reactions to stimuli, the tools the REEF Mentor possesses can be passed along to the REEF Prodigy.
Much like support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Gamblers Anonymous (GA), REEF Mentors do not bear licensing requirements to be a “sponsor,” or what USR calls a “Mentor.”
Who will I mentor?
REEF Mentors are assigned between three and five REEF Prodigy Members. Prodigy members are those individuals struggling to manage their symptoms of PTSD, to include depression, anxiety, anger, guilt, and other related symptoms.
What are the limitations of mentoring?
Mentoring those suffering from PTSD and the varying symptoms is something each REEF Mentor is expected to perform, as needed, for the REEF Prodigy members they have been assigned. It is important that Mentors are reliable and punctual.
A United States Rescue REEF Mentor may not assist an intoxicated and/or armed REEF Prodigy
Mentors are encouraged to interact with their assigned REEF Prodigy Members on a daily basis. Group texts are a great way to check in with their assigned Prodigy members. However, individual status checks should be conducted daily. This affords the Mentor to gain a daily snapshot of the Prodigy’s response, so as the Mentor might piece together a decline or improvement, based on a series of responses. Evaluating tone, mood, sobriety, etc., over a period of time is an important measure that must be taken by the Mentor to ensure that their Prodigy has the best chance for success.
What do I need to become a REEF Mentor?
Each REEF Mentor must have been diagnosed with PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, Panic Disorder, or other psychological disorder as a direct result of their service in the United States Military, also known as “service connected disability.” The causes of these disorders need not be disclosed, however, United States Rescue REEF Mentors are required to transmit their diagnoses during their application process.
How often do I provide support for REEF Prodigies?
REEF Prodigies needs will vary, so each REEF Mentor’s need base will be different. However, REEF Mentors should plan on setting aside roughly 15-20 hours per week in order to assist their Prodigy members. United States Rescue will restrict the numbers of Prodigies assigned to a Mentor. While ideally the number of assigned Prodigies will not fall below three, it will never exceed five, as the model follows a span of influence of 3-5, so as not to micromanage too few or lose the ability to assist too many.
Do I need a degree or certification?
REEF Mentors do not need to possess a degree or certification. REEF Mentors are simply “sponsors” who guide those not as far along in their PTSD/MDD/PD/etc. recovery as they are. Mentors should possess a variety of tools they have acquired through years of personal growth that they can share with their Prodigy or Prodigies. REEF Mentors also advise Prodigies regarding VA resources to submit claims, appeals, obtaining legal counsel, and other aspects of the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
What are the limits of Mentorship?
REEF Mentors may not intervene when dealing with a Prodigy in emotional crisis that is either intoxicated by substances regardless of their legality, nor with a Prodigy in possession of a dangerous weapon while actively in crisis.
For intoxicated Prodigies, medical personnel and/or immediate family members must be present prior to arrival of the REEF Mentor. Additionally, a second REEF Mentor must be present during the crisis. This is only the case for in-person REEF Mentor support requests. During crisis’s involving intoxication, at no time will the REEF Mentors enter the residence of the Prodigy.
Instances in which the Prodigy may be armed with a dangerous weapon, local law enforcement must be on site prior to REEF Mentor arrival for support. REEF Mentors may assist law enforcement with disarming requests and other functions, however, no REEF Mentor shall place themselves at risk of harm, as other Prodigies rely on their assistance. Additionally, a second REEF Mentor must be present during the crisis. This is only the case for in-person REEF Mentor support requests. During crisis’s involving possession of a dangerous weapon, at no time will the REEF Mentors enter the residence of the Prodigy.
None of this prevents the REEF Mentor from communication with the Prodigy remotely, such as voice calls and texts.