Vet-led Counseling, Group & 1-1

Veteran-Led Peer Support Program at AboutFace-USA®

At AboutFace-USA^®, we are proud to offer a transformative peer support program, expertly facilitated by veterans Keegan Merritt and Mike Brooks. This initiative is designed to empower and assist veterans by providing a platform for shared experiences and mutual support. Our sessions aim to foster a supportive community, offering both individual and group counseling tailored to the specific needs of veterans.

Our Mission

The mission of our Veteran-Led Peer Support Program is to provide a safe and consistent space where veterans can find guidance, support, and community. By leveraging the lived experiences of our leaders and participants, we aim to address the unique challenges faced by veterans during and after their service.

Program Leaders

Keegan Merritt
Keegan Merritt, a dedicated Veteran Peer Counselor at AboutFace-USA^®, brings extensive experience from his service in the United States Army and his subsequent role at the Georgia Department of Public Safety Office of Public Safety Support. Specializing in crisis intervention, Keegan understands the complexities of post-service life and is committed to guiding fellow veterans through their adjustment and mental health challenges. His approachable demeanor and comprehensive training make him a cornerstone of our peer support program.

Mike Brooks
Michael Brooks has nearly two decades of service as a State of Georgia Law Enforcement Officer, with the last eight years dedicated to the State’s PEER Support Team. A certified PEER through the ICISF, Mike has a robust background in suicide prevention, critical incident response, and peer support for both law enforcement and military personnel. His experiences in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom and extensive post-service career provide him with unique insights into the challenges faced by veterans. Mike’s leadership is pivotal in facilitating our peer support sessions and ensuring they are both impactful and empathetic.

How We Help

Our program meets bi-monthly in Cumming, providing structured yet flexible sessions that focus on:

Individual and Group Counseling: Tailored sessions that address the varied mental health needs of veterans.
Stress Intervention and Management: Immediate support and strategies for dealing with acute stress and post-traumatic responses.
Long-Term Supportive Community: An ongoing network of peers that understands and supports each veteran’s journey toward recovery.

Join Us

If you’re a veteran seeking support or you wish to contribute to a community that deeply understands your journey, we invite you to join our peer support program. Participation is open to veterans from all branches of the military, regardless of service history.

For registration details click here, or for more information, please contact us at programs@aboutface-usa.org.

Together, we navigate the path toward healing and resilience, bolstered by the strength of our shared experiences and the support of peers who truly understand.

We look forward to welcoming you into our community and working together toward a brighter, more supported future.

“Joining the Veteran-Led Peer Support Group at AboutFace-USA® has been a life-changing experience. Keegan and Mike’s understanding and guidance have helped me navigate my struggles with PTSD. Their support and the camaraderie in this group have been my anchor during tough times.”

– James R., U.S. Navy Veteran

James R., U.S. Navy Veteran

“Finding a group that understands exactly what you’re going through is priceless. The peer support group has not only provided me a safe space to share my experiences but has also equipped me with practical strategies to manage daily stressors. I am immensely grateful for the supportive community I’ve found here.”

– Maria E., U.S. Army Veteran

Maria E., U.S. Army Veteran

“I was skeptical about joining at first, but this group has truly become a part of my family. Mike and Keegan are incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely care about each of us. Their dedication is evident in every session, and their leadership has inspired me to take positive steps in my life.”

– Sam T., U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

Sam T., U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

“The peer support group has been a cornerstone of my week. Every session helps me feel less isolated and more understood. Sharing stories and solutions with fellow vets has greatly improved my mental health and overall outlook on life.”

– Lisa G., U.S. Air Force Veteran

Lisa G., U.S. Air Force Veteran

Connect and Thrive with Our Veteran-Led Peer Support Group

Thank you for exploring the Veteran-Led Peer Support Program at AboutFace-USA^®. We hope the stories and testimonials shared here have illuminated the profound impact that peer support can have on a veteran’s journey towards healing and stability. Led by veterans for veterans, our program is designed to offer both guidance and camaraderie, tailored to address the unique challenges faced by those who have served.

If you or someone you know could benefit from joining our community, or if you are inspired to support our mission, we warmly invite you to get involved. Participation in our program offers a pathway to resilience and recovery, enriched by the strength of shared experiences and mutual support.

Join Us
Becoming a part of our program means gaining access to a network of support and resources. Here, every veteran has the opportunity to both give and receive support, engage in meaningful discussions, and develop lasting friendships that enhance personal growth and well-being.

For more details on how to register, volunteer, or support our efforts, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Your involvement can significantly impact the lives of many, providing them the much-needed support to navigate their post-service lives.

Together, let’s continue to build a supportive environment where every veteran has the tools and community necessary to thrive. Your journey is important, and at AboutFace-USA^®, you never have to walk it alone.

Contact Us Today
Email: programs@aboutface-usa.org
Phone: 1-888-766-0222
Visit: www.AboutFace-USA.org

Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans. Together, we can achieve more.