Spartan Shield Peer Support Groups

Veteran-led peer support bringing together those who served in a safe, judgment-free environment

Spartan Shield logo

About Spartan Shield

Spartan Shield is PHAT's veteran-led peer support program designed to provide a safe, judgment-free space where veterans can connect, share, and support one another. Whether you are dealing with the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life, struggling with substance abuse, or simply looking for camaraderie with fellow veterans who understand your experience, Spartan Shield is here for you.

Our peer support groups meet weekly at multiple locations across central Illinois. Veterans from all walks of life are welcome to attend. You can share what is on your mind or simply listen -- there is no pressure and no judgment.

Led by veterans who have walked in your boots, Spartan Shield groups foster genuine connection and mutual support that goes beyond what traditional clinical settings can offer.

Weekly Sessions

Find a session near you. All groups are free and open to any veteran.

General Session

Spartan Shield General Session

Mondays at 7pm
Guardian Concepts Center
1292 W. Station Street
Kankakee, IL 60901

Veterans from all walks of life are welcome to attend, and share (or not) whatever may be weighing on them, or just find and connect with other veterans in the area.

General Session

Spartan Shield General Session

Thursdays at 7pm
Gilmore's Treats & More
505 W. Side Square
Clinton, IL 61727

Veterans from all walks of life are welcome to attend, and share (or not) whatever may be weighing on them, or just find and connect with other veterans in the area.

12-Step Program

Spartan Shield 12-Step

Wednesdays at 6pm
Guardian Concepts Center
1292 W. Station Street
Kankakee, IL 60901

A non-denominational self-improvement and self-discovery group for veterans that may be looking to live a life of sobriety. Even if you are a veteran just trying to figure out why you make the decisions that you do, this group can be for you.

Veterans Café

Spartan Shield Veterans Café

Fridays at 12pm
Uplifted Care
3115 N. 1000 W. Road
Bourbonnais, IL 60914

Veterans from all walks of life are welcome to attend, and share (or not) whatever may be weighing on them, or just find and connect with other veterans in the area.

Our Community

Spartan Shield brings veterans together through shared experience and mutual support.

Spartan Shield peer support group Veterans connecting at Spartan Shield Spartan Shield group therapy session
Crisis Intervention

Operation Rally Point

Operation Rally Point is a program under Project Headspace and Timing (PHAT), operating within their Spartan Shield initiative, and it is grounded in a powerful military concept: the rally point. In military terms, a rally point is a pre-designated, secure location where service members regroup during or after a crisis, reestablish accountability, receive support, and coordinate their next steps.

Operation Rally Point brings the military concept of a rally point to life for Veterans in crisis. When a Veteran faces an emergency, the program serves as their civilian rally point: a coordinated, trusted place where help converges quickly to ensure safety, stabilization, and support.

These connections address immediate needs in the short-term while creating a pathway toward long-term recovery, independence, and self-sufficiency.

As a leader in the community and central coordinating hub, PHAT Spartan Shield - Operation Rally Point mobilizes community partners and resources to provide immediate financial assistance and critical support, ensuring that no Veteran faces crisis alone.

Services Provided

  • Emergency housing assistance
  • Peer support and crisis counseling
  • Case management and resource navigation
  • Transportation aid
  • Rental assistance
  • Rehabilitation services

Support Our Veterans

Your contribution helps us connect veterans with their communities, nature, and the resources they need to thrive. Every dollar makes a difference.

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