FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
02-03-2020
Contacts: Ebony Shamberger
(703) 416-1441 x115
communications@divinemercy.edu
Taylor Henry
(202) 719-3643
publicaffairs@milarch.org
STERLING, VA — Divine Mercy University (DMU) is excited to announce its partnership with the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS). DMU will offer tuition reductions to AMS for its online psychology and counseling degree programs.
The purpose of this partnership is to provide financial support to chaplains and laity who desire to provide mental health services for military personnel and their families.
“This new collaboration with Divine Mercy University emphasizes the importance of sustaining the particular pastoral needs for those serving in the military,” said Dr. Mark Moitoza, AMS Vice Chancellor for Evangelization. “The focus on psychological and spiritual healing, through the lens of our Catholic tradition, promotes both individual and communal growth.
“Extending tuition discounts prepares men and women who understand the culture of military life to care for those in need. Through compassion, experience, and knowledge they will serve to bridge the multiple experiences of alienation caused by trauma. The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, is grateful to the Divine Mercy University staff and donors who generously support these crucial efforts.”
This partnership comes at a time of high concern for service members.
According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website, “More than 1.7 million Veterans received treatment in a VA mental health specialty program in fiscal year 2018.” The National Alliance on Mental Illness website cites a study, published by the American Medical Association, that shows the rate of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for active duty service members 15 times higher than civilians and the rate of depression five times higher.
Furthermore, the 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report shows that out of 45,390 American adults who died from suicide in 2017, 6,139 (almost 14%) were U.S. veterans.
“Our mission at DMU is to educate the general public about mental health and train students who are passionate about helping heal the wounds of those living with a trauma or another emotional or mental struggle,” said Fr. Charles Sikorsky, L.C., J.D., J.C.L., president of DMU. “This partnership with the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, is an attempt to provide the necessary resources for active and non-active service members to flourish after serving our great country. By increasing access to our online degree programs to chaplains and laity who come in regular contact with veterans, we are one step closer to satisfying the great need for mental health care across the world.”
In addition to tuition reduction available through this partnership, all degree programs* offered at Divine Mercy University have been approved for:
- Veterans Educational Benefits
- GI Bill Funding Eligibility
- Yellow Ribbon Enhancement Program
*Please note these reductions do not include workshops or programs offered by the Center for Trauma and Resiliency Studies or the Spiritual Direction Certificate Program.
The university also offers the Patriot Scholarship for students enrolling in a new program of study who are eligible veterans, spouse/dependents, active duty military, reservists, and/or retired military.
If you or someone you know is a veteran in crisis, support is available 24/7 through the Veterans Crisis Line [dial 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1] or via chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
For additional information on the partnership and how to apply to receive the tuition reduction with Divine Mercy University, contact our Admissions Representatives at 703-416-1441 or admissions@divinemercy.edu. You can also request specific degree information at enroll.divinemercy.edu/?frm=AMS.
