Coming Home is non-partisan and non-denominational; and welcomes all with an accepting and non-judgmental spirit, regardless of gender, religious and political belief, and marital status.

Here are some of their upcoming workshops:

The Road Home: From Combat to Community College and Beyond

When: September 19 2008

Where: Holiday Inn Sacramento NorthEast
5321 Date Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95841-2512
916-338-5800 - voice | 916-338-2118 - fax

Link: http://arc.losrios.edu/roadhome/

Community colleges across America are witnessing a wave of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. American River College alone has over 400 Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans. “The Road Home” forum’s goal is to increase community awareness and understanding and to foster greater collaboration among colleges, communities and veteran service providers.
Who should attend?
• Administrators • Faculty and staff from all academic disciplines • Disabled Student Service Program staff • College Veteran Program coordinators and administrators • Instructors and Coordinators of student success programs • Counselors and Staff from all student service programs • Outreach and retention specialists • Veterans and family members • Community service agencies servicing veterans.

Register at http://arc.losrios.edu/roadhome/

River Rafting Retreat For OIF & OEF Veterans

When: September 25 2008 - September 28 2008

Where: South Fork American River, north of Sacramento, California

Link: http://www.etctrips.org/website/about.html

One of California’s most celebrated whitewater runs, the South Fork American River offers a blend of relaxing Class II and exciting class III rapids. In the heart of Gold Country, the river winds through golden hills and a beautiful gorge. This river is suitable for beginners or seasoned whitewater veterans. ETC’s accessible campground at the river’s edge provides a great home base for our retreat. (ETC is Environmental Traveling Companions, our river guides and hosts; see link above). Coming Home Project staff and volunteers will facilitate the retreat.

Activities:
Rafting, hiking possible, reflection and journaling, sharing stories, experiences and community with other OIF and OEF veterans.

Who’s Eligilble:
OIF or OEF veterans, active duty, reserve or National Guard. Wounded warriors welcome. (Family members: please consider joining us for our next veteran’s and family member’s retreat in 2009.)

Deadline for Applying:
September 10 - Those needing air transportation.
September 15- All others.

Cost:
Free, including transportation for those from outside Northern California.

Lodging & Food:
Camping. Simple, wholesome fare provided.

Equipment:
Rafting gear provided. Bring your own camping gear. if you don’t have any, let us know and we will provide it.

Applying:
–Select application type and press “Next.”
–Read the retreat guidelines carefully. Only if you agree, check the box and click “Proceed to next step.”
–Fill out the application form, all fields, and click “Done.”

** All fields under Service Information are required.
Since this trip is just for vets, the fields regarding family and children do not apply.