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Area church to host ‘Partners in Care’ training

PARKERSBURG – The “Partners in Care” regional training day for area faith partners will be held Jan. 25 at the First Lutheran Church, 19th and Plum streets.

“Partners in Care” is an initiative of the State Chaplain’s Office of the West Virginia National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters. The program coordinates support for and assistance to West Virginia National Guard service members, veterans, and their families, working through partnerships with local faith communities.

The Parkersburg session will begin with registration at 9 a.m. and continue through the day with a wrap-up session ending at 2:30 pm. Lunch will be provided.

All interested churches in the area are encouraged to call 1-304-561-6490 to register by Jan. 22. Late registrations will be allowed if space permits.

For more information or to become a “Partners in Care” congregation, contact Chaplain Gary Coffey, JFHQ-WV Chaplain, 1703 Coonskin Drive, Charleston, WV 25311, at 304 561-6490, at cell 304 545-4576 or email Gary.D.Coffey.mil@mail.mil.

Referrals for these services are made through the commanders and units, the national guard Family Program Office and the headquarters Chaplain’s Office.

Participating congregations identify the resources and abilities they will provide in a Memorandum of Understanding, signed by the headquarters chaplain and each participating congregation. These services are provided free of charge without regard to the recipient’s religious affiliation.

The training, titled “Military 101,” is being conducted throughout the State in participating churches in cooperation with the national guard, West Virginia Partners in Care and the West Virginia Council of Churches.

All churches are invited to attend this meeting. Catholic, Episcopalian, Methodist, Lutheran churches throughout the state are participating and encourage members and other churches to join the initiative.

Presenters will include: Chaplain Col. Gary Coffey, National Guard Army; Jerry Harman, National Guard Air Force; Dennis Tonkin, director Psychological Health; Kim Griffey, Military One Source; Amy Long, Family Readiness; and Chaplain Maj. Mike Allen, Army National Guard.

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