On this Veterans Day, and every day, we are so grateful for those who have served our country – and for their families. There are many wonderful programs out there, but these are a few that I personally know of and wanted to share, whether you are in search of opportunities to support veterans, or are yourself a veteran in need,
OPERATION GRATITUDE
When I was teaching, my students and I loved writing letters to active duty service members and veterans via the non-profit, Operation Gratitude. Over the years, I’ve continued to write, and sometimes send packages, now doing so with the girls. There are many other ways this organization provides support and lots of opportunities to get involved. To learn more, read HERE.
FOLDS OF HONOR
Since 2007 Folds of Honor has provided scholarships to spouses and children of fallen or disabled military. And they are proud to report that over 90% of donations go directly to the scholarships. They’ve recently expanded their offerings to include families of first responders as well. You can read more about supporting Folds of Honor, or apply HERE.
K9s FOR WARRIORS
Born from determination to fight the Veteran suicide rates, K9s For Warriors, “… provides highly trained Service Dogs to veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma.” Even more incredible – this innovative program primarily trains rescues! Veterans who graduate this program report significantly reduced ideation and a reduction of medication. To learn more about the program and support their endeavors, click HERE.
COHEN VETERANS NETWORK
I’ve recently come to learn about the Cohen Veterans Network that started in just 2016 and is already impacting so many veterans, active service members, and their families. Though they make every effort to help all veterans, they prioritize post 9/11 service members. Their clinics offer, “… specialized, confidential therapy for depression, anxiety, PTSD, adjustment issues, anger, grief and loss, transition challenges, and other concerns … (they) also offer marriage counseling, relationship counseling, and help with children’s behavioral issues.”
By the end of 2023, they will have 25 total clinics open, thanks to a network of support from local government, private donations, as well as grants and funding, when eligible. All in addition to the initial $275 million given by Steven A. Cohen. In order to make this care as accessible as possible via more clinics, I’m sure they’d be grateful to discuss philanthropic inquiries and you can learn more here.
I mainly wanted to share about this network for anyone who may find themselves in need. This is not only for veterans, but for their spouses, significant others, children, and/or other members of their household who may not be eligible for mental health care within the VHA.
VETERANS ART CENTER OF TAMPA BAY
This innovation non-profit provides alternative therapies for Veterans, Military, First Responders and their families to support mental health, healing, and suicide prevention through various programs. And coming up November 23rd – December 26th is their annual art supply drive at Blick Art Materials in Tampa. Click here for more on that including the store’s contact information if you’d like to support from afar. For other opportunities to give back and learn more about Veterans Art Center of Tampa Bay, click HERE.
OPERATION SHOWER
Since 2007, Operation Shower has worked to provide not just necessary donations, but joy, for military moms-to-be and new moms. From “showers in a box” to virtual showers to group celebrations – they’ve provided over 8,300 military moms with baby showers to date. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, donate or apply you can learn more about this organization HERE.
