From Laurie Marechaux

Starting Over Strong (SOS) – Vermont, a Crisis Counseling and Assistance and Training Program, provides short-term support for individuals, groups, and communities impacted by flooding from Tropical Storm Irene.

Starting Over Strong (SOS) Vermont deploys teams of crisis support workers throughout the hardest hit communities to conduct community and home-based outreach and psycho-educational services. The Program offers free, short-term interventions that promote individual and family recovery to those individuals experiencing distress and/or related emotional and behavioral difficulties from the flood. It is designed to assist individuals of all ages to better understand why they feel the way they do and how to begin to feel safe and confident again going forward. The Program is also designed to identify and refer individuals who may be in need of more intensive supports.

S.O.S. Vermont is actively coordinating with existing community-based organizations and service agencies in identified communities to support ongoing local and state recovery efforts. S.O.S. Vermont services are available through the anniversary of the Tropical Storm in 2012. Our staff are available to meet with individuals, groups, and other concerned Vermonters to promote resiliency and recovery through the rebuilding process.

S.O.S. Vermont is supported by FEMA grant funding and is administered by Washington County Mental Health Services in conjunction with other designated mental health agencies and community services in the hardest hit regions of our State.

For more information contact S.O.S. Vermont through their toll-free number: 855-SOS-VT00 (855-767-8800).