Ceridian To Play Integral Role In Reintegration Program for Minnesota Army National Guard Members Returning From Iraq
Initiative in Minnesota is first-of-a-kind in the nation and is serving as a model for other states
Minneapolis (August 27, 2007) – Ceridian LifeWorks announced today that it has been awarded a contract to lead a newly established military health education program for the nearly 2,600 Minnesota Army National Guard soldiers returning from Iraq this summer and their family members.
As part of the program, 40 parent educators and behavioral health professionals representing Ceridian and Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota will facilitate more than 500 classes in September and October for service members, spouses and parents of single soldiers. Classes will be offered on a variety of topics such as reconnecting with their spouse, parents and children. Single soldiers are invited to bring their parents and join a class with tips to ease the single soldier’s return to life out of a combat zone. The 30-day and 60-day events allow the service member a chance to experience the support the families were extended while the soldier was deployed. A job fair with 100 employers will also be integrated into these weekend programs and representatives from many government and non-profit organizations will staff booths at the event to help connect soldiers and family members to support in their own communities.
This is the first initiative of its kind in the U.S. to extend support to service members and family members when service members return home from serving in Iraq.
The Minnesota National Guard’s First Brigade Combat Team, 34th Division (1/34 BCT), mobilized in October and November 2005, had their tour in Iraq extended an additional four months. During deployment, lives have been changed, families, businesses and communities throughout Minnesota have been impacted, and jobs, education and dreams have been put on hold.
“These Guard members are returning home this summer, ready to rejoin their loved ones and, hopefully, resume the lives they led before going to Iraq,” said Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel John Morris, Army National Guard. “But for some members of the Guard, as well as U.S. military men and women throughout the country, the transition from the combat zone back to home communities can be difficult. This program is designed to ensure that they can be successful for the rest of their lives.”
To address the needs of returning Guard members and their families, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty formed the “Governor’s Yellow Ribbon Task Force.” The Task Force was charged with identifying and addressing needs of Minnesota military members, and their families, during deployment and during reintegration and integrating government and non-government organization support, at all levels, to meet those needs. The success of the Minnesota approach is now looked at as a model for other states and the federal government in implementing successful reintegration strategies. The Minnesota National Guard Reintegration Program, in which Ceridian will have an integral role, came as a direct result of the work of the Task Force.
“Ceridian is extremely proud to be given this opportunity to work with the dedicated men and women of the Minnesota National Guard who put their personal lives on hold to serve their country,” said Ceridian LifeWorks senior vice president, Zachary Meyer.
Added Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Morris, “In previous conflicts, returning warriors and their families were often left to fend for themselves. Fortunately, National Guard leadership in Minnesota, along with political, civic and religious leaders, recognized the challenges reintegration can pose.”
Ceridian LifeWorks was the nation’s first provider of fully integrated EAP, work-life and wellness services. Today, Ceridian’s EAP, work-life and health and productivity solutions are used by more than 37,000 organizations of all sizes in virtually every industry as well as federal, state and local government entities.
Source: Ceridian
