Adopt A Hero For Christmas
http://www.adoptaheroforchristmas.org/
Adopt a Hero for Christmas is a charity comprised of people who honor and support America's Wounded Soldiers and their Families who have sacrificed so much to protect our nation and ensure our freedom. Our mission is to bring the Joy of Christmas to our Heroes and their Families. We collect Christmas gifts and needed items for our Wounded Soldiers and their Families at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Air Force Women Officers Associated
http://www.afwoa.org/
Welcome to the Air Force Women Officers Associated page. AFWOA was formed in 1975 by a group of retired Air Force women officers who wished to preserve the friendships that they had made while on active service. Membership has now grown to over 1000, including many active duty women. Active duty, retired and separated women officers of the regular Air Force and its reserve components are invited to join AFWOA.
AFWOA's purpose is to foster comradeship through reunions, maintain ties between active and retired women officers, preserve the history and promote recognition of the role of military women, and lend support to women engaged in education and training programs. We sponsor the permanent Most Valuable Swimmer Award (Woman) at the Air Force Academy.
American Widow Project
http://americanwidowproject.org/
The American Widow Project recognizes the sacrifices made by the families of our fallen and believes that no military widow should feel alone in her grief. Every military widow deserves the opportunity and tangible tools available to help rebuild her life. Because of that, the American Widow Project provides the vital peer-to-peer, emotional, and educational support necessary to maximize success, healing and hope for a brighter future.
Asset Building Network
http://www.assetbuildingnetwork.org/
Asset Building Network’s mission is to build and restore individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency through the provision of Case Management, Supported Employment, Rehabilitation, and Counseling Services Program. Asset Building Network, Inc. provides Case Management Services including Advocacy, Counseling, Education, Employment / Job Skills Training, Financial Assistance, Information and Referral to community resources.
To find solutions to problems that affect today’s families in areas of crisis, broken families, disaster, divorce, loss of loved ones, substance abuse, and to promote self-sufficiency and wholeness. Clients are connect to resources to assist with rental and utilities assistance.
Description of programs and services provided by agency: We identify the needs of the individuals or families and coordinate referrals or services in the community to meet their needs. Other services we provide to our clients include: temporary housing assistance program for ex-offenders, and information and referral.
Homeless
The grant to Asset Building Network, Inc. will be used to provide a daily average of 25 beds for homeless Veterans to promote increased housing stabilization. Housing will be provided at 12211 Fondren Road, Houston, TX.
The grants were awarded through a special program that gives Veterans the opportunity to take over payment of a lease instead of moving out after leaving certain VA programs, such as substance use counseling, mental health services, or job training. Usually, VA programs require Veterans living in transitional housing to move out after 24 months.
A Helping Hoof
http://www.helpinghoof.com/
A Helping Hoof ("HH") will provide specially trained rescue horses to qualified Wounded Warriors ('WW'). These horses will vastly improve the individual's self-esteem and, at the same time, significantly contribute to his/her ability to readjust into today's society.
HH is a variation of a therapy center concept, but instead of being a short-term solution, it is intended to be a valuable part of a long-term solution for both the WW, as well as the rescue horse. The horse will go home with the WW, similar to a Seeing Eye dog. That horse will be at their disposal for whenever the WWchooses to ride. Trainers across the U.S. will donate their time to specially train these horses to accommodate each WW's limitation.
Unfortunately, since the intent of the program is to provide horses for WW who will not require supervision, this program can only accept those WW with certain limitations. Since the WW will be riding his horse without any supervision, it is important that he/she has the ability to do the normal activities associated with horseback riding, without any assistance. These activities would include things such as, grooming, bathing, saddling, and unsaddling the horse. For those WW who do qualify for the program, it will restore an important facet of their lives, and they will enjoy countless hours to feel 'whole' and normal again. The horse becomes an extension of their body. For example, if the WW has lost partial use of his leg, when on horseback, the horse becomes his legs.
To prevent the ownership of a horse from causing any additional financial, or physial, burden on the WW, a boarding stable in proximity to the WW's home will be identified. This boarding stable will provide full care for the horse and provide the WW with a place to ride his/her horse. This removes any requirement of the WW having to own, or have access to a stable. The boarding stable will have the option to donate their facility and care, or to provide their services for a reduced fee, and to be compensated by HH.
American Widow Project
http://americanwidowproject.org/
The American Widow Project recognizes the sacrifices made by the families of our fallen and believes that no military widow should feel alone in her grief. Every military widow deserves the opportunity and tangible tools available to help rebuild her life. Because of that, the American Widow Project provides the vital peer-to-peer, emotional, and educational support necessary to maximize success, healing and hope for a brighter future.
Website:
Built to house ideas, stories, and advice, we have compiled a multitude of resources to help with the lifetime of struggles that come along with being a military widow.
The Army Scholarship Foundation
http://armyscholarshipfoundation.org/
The Army Scholarship Foundation is accepting applications for the 2014-2015 academic year between February 1 and May 1, 2014.
The Army Scholarship Foundation is a charitable, non-profit organization dedicated to providing college scholarships for undergraduate study to deserving children of current and former members of the U.S. Army, and to spouses of currently serving soldiers.
Founded in 2001 by a group of U.S. Army veterans, the Foundation is dedicated to assisting sons, daughters, and spouses of soldiers in achieving their educational dreams.
The Army Scholarship Foundation awards one-year financial scholarships (not grants or loans) on an annual basis to qualified and deserving students. The amount of each award ranges from $500 to $2000 for undergraduate studies at accredited educational/technical institutions. Scholarship recipients may apply to renew their scholarships annually for a total of four years of higher education. Renewal is not automatic, but depends on academic performance and continued academic eligibility. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic record and participation in school and community activities.
Applicants must be sons or daughters of active duty, active duty Reserve, or active duty National Guard U.S. Army members in good standing, or be the spouse of an active duty enlisted soldier, or be sons or daughters of former U. S. Army members who have received an honorable discharge or medical discharge, or who were killed or died while serving in the U.S. Army.
Please see the scholarship page for more details.
The Boot Campaign, Inc.
http://www.bootcampaign.com/
The Boot Campaign takes extra care to ensure that our vision of Cultivating Awareness, Promoting Patriotism, and Providing Assistance is financially supported. We believe that achieving our vision starts with making people aware of the needs our military faces when they come home. Awareness drives our ability to bring in the funds necessary to support much needed military assistance programs.
The Boot Campaign’s mission of Assistance is housed within five distinct programs: Career Placement, Housing, Family Support, Urgent Assistance and Wellness. These programs are funded through the sale of Boot Campaign signature combat boots and apparel, direct donations and corporate sponsorships.
Camp C.O.P.E.
http://campcope.org/
Camp C.O.P.E. provides military families with an unforgettable weekend at camp. Camp C.O.P.E. gives these children hope and patience and courage. Camp C.O.P.E lets them be just kids- again! Through therapeutic interventions, certified therapists teach children and their families how to cope with their changed world due to deployment, injury or loss of a family member as a result of their service in our country’s military. Camp C.O.P.E. provides weekend camps across the country free of charge to children and families of military personnel. This is done through generous donations and grants from individuals and our corporate partners.
Cancer Care Services
http://www.cancercareservices.org/
Cancer Care Services provides help and hope to cancer patients and their families through financial, emotional, spiritual and social support. Cancer Care Services provides support to anyone impacted by cancer living in Tarrant, Parker or Hood Counties. Services include: financial assistance for qualifying cancer patients; emotional support for everyone; social support for everyone; and spiritual support for everyone.
Capital IDEA
http://www.capitalidea.org/
Capital IDEA offers financial support to adults pursuing higher education. Our mission is to lift working adults out of poverty and into living wage careers through education.
Chronic Disease Fund
http://www.cdfund.org/
The Chronic Disease Fund works closely with healthcare providers, including specialty pharmacy, to provide immediate access to financial assistance for expediting therapy management.
Combat Marine Outdoors
http://www.combatmarineoutdoors.org/
Our goal is to allow these heroic warriors the opportunity to have an outdoor adventure of a lifetime. Also, to make sure that they understand that their service and sacrifice to our country are deeply appreciated. It is our hope that our outdoor fellowship will aid in their vision for an exciting future.
Defenders of Freedom
http://defendersoffreedom.us/
"Defenders of Freedom" is a 501c3 Non Profit Organization committed to supporting deployed Troops around the world with personalized care packages, aid wounded Troops in their transition to civilian life and empowering all Veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation New Dawn with life & career mentoring, job search assistance and general transitioning to the civilian sector..
88% of the profits are used to:
- Send care packages to men and women deployed
- Assist Veterans and wounded Soldiers with emergency financial assistance as they transition to civilian life
El Paso Lawyers for Patriots
http://eplp.txltxv.org/
El Paso Lawyers for Patriots aims to develop a solid network of local lawyers assisting veterans, active duty military and their families who otherwise could not afford or don’t have access to legal services.
Services are offered through the El Paso Bar Association, other local bars, similar entities and veterans service providers. The network also assists the justice system by helping meet the mental health needs of combat veterans and active military personnel who find their conduct can be attributed directly to post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries or other mental diseases and disorders as a result of military service.
GallantFew
http://www.gallantfew.org
The core focus of GallantFew is one-on-one mentoring by a veteran with a veteran. The perfect match is one where both veterans:
- live in the same hometown
- were in the same branch of the service
- had the same Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
- had the same units of assignment (this is ideal)
- were deployed in the same combat theaters
- have similar injuries
Grace After Fire
http://www.graceafterfire.org/
Grace After Fire is ready to expand our program through teaching, developing, and listening to the woman Veteran and her needs upon returning home. We commit to assisting in her transition back into family life, achievements in the work place, and her pursuit of happiness.
Grace After Fire's program, Table Talk™: Color Me Camo, serves as a peer support system designed specifically for women Veterans. Table Talk™ focuses on gender specific aspects through structured interaction with trained facilitators and fellow peers while identifying and addressing barriers women Veterans face on the path to positive change.
The program provides educational materials and activities that promote self-knowledge, self-understanding, self-development and self-renewal for the woman Veteran. The purpose of the program is for peers to help peers with the objective to get Veterans well by talking to each other and to establish a bond amongst the Veterans in their local areas. Results of the program will be healthy women, healthy families, and healthy communities.
For additional information on the Table Talk™ program or upcoming training opportunities, please email: [email protected].
Grace's GardenGrace's Garden is the social networking website tailored to connecting women Veterans with one another and with support services. Grace's Garden has been created by women Veterans for women Veterans to offer a safe and confidential venue. Women can share common experiences and offer unique peer support for wellness.
A Grace After Fire mission is to help carry the word that the silent wounds of being a women servicemember, both in war and peace time, does not have to be experienced alone. Many of our members have experienced tragedy. We never leave a soldier behind, even after service. When women hurt, women help - women Veterans help women Veterans.
The Internet creates outreach to the silent homes of those struggling, 24/7. It allows women to confidentially connect when they need to, when they are available, and increases the ability to access services or a friend anytime day or night.
Many women Veterans live isolated in urban cities, or in rural communities without any ready access to support. Often, access to mental health services in rural and underserved locations can be strained. Working with all of our partners, Grace is working to develop online pre- and post-adjunct mental health services by using telemedicine. For example, while a woman is waiting to be seen by a VA clinician, Grace can offer online Beyond Trauma therapeutic support services available to her 24/7, overcoming barriers of work, childcare, and transportation. This would allow her to engage in more healthy behavior and begin self-care in preparation and following mental health services, if needed.
Women as a whole are naturally resilient, strong, enduring, and nurturing. Not all women Veterans have been hurt, whether silently or physically. Many of the women Veterans that come to our sites may be experiencing difficulties with the VA services. Grace's Garden provides an opportunity to reach out to sister Veterans and offer a hand, an ear, a story of support, and direction to wellness – together.
Guardian Angels For Soldier's Pet
http://guardianangelsforsoldierspet.org/
National all-volunteer 501(c)3 Military and Veteran Support Organization assisting active duty service members, wounded warriors, veterans, and their beloved companion animals or assistance service canines through various assistance programs.
Hearts of Valor
https://www.heartsofvalor.org/
Hearts of Valor is a network of people caring for wounded, ill or injured service members, created and maintained by Operation Homefront.
Operation Homefront seeks to support these caregivers in their own journey of healing by facilitating an online community that provides social connections to other caregivers in similar situations, fostering support groups by geographic area to encourage resource sharing and friendships, and sponsoring annual retreats to provide education on relevant issues.
Additionally, we recognizes each person's personal sacrifice by sending a welcome gift upon their acceptance to the program.
Throughout the year, we host retreats in cities around the United States. There is no cost to attend and it's an opportunity to come together and gain additional tools for successful care-giving. Additionally, those who attend spend time sharing stories, networking and connecting to other caregivers in their area.
Helping A Hero.Org
http://helpingahero.org/
Helping a Hero is a 501(c)(3) non profit, non-partisan organization providing support for military personnel, severely injured in the war on terror. Our principal activity is to provide specially adapted homes for qualifying service members as well as engaging the community to provide services and resources for our wounded heroes and their families.
Wounded Hero Home Program
HelpingaHero.org is the 2nd largest national organization building homes for our severely wounded heroes injured in theater during the War on Terror. HelpingaHero.org is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to building adapted homes for our heroes who are missing limbs, are paraplegics, quadriplegics, severe burn victims, suffer from severe TBI, etc. We have awarded 90 homes in 21 states and are committed to helping our brave and courageous wounded warriors on their road to recovery.
Support Program
Marriage Retreats:
HelpingaHero.org is committed to providing our wounded warriors and their spouses with the tools to face the crisis and learn day to day skills that will make their marriages stronger and able to survive for the long haul. HelpingaHero.org has partnered with Dr. Gary and Barb Rosberg of America’s Family Coaches to provide intense retreats that include a marriage assessment and teach skills that can be implemented immediately. Ongoing webinars also keep the couples engaged and challenged as they strive for an awesome marriage.
Caregiver Retreats:
HelpingaHero.org knows the critical role our wounded warrior spouses, parents and other caregivers play in the recovery of our warriors. Many of these caregiver heroes are never thanked and often forgotten. HelpingaHero.org believes that providing respite, fun and a retreat from the daily grind is imperative to ensure the caregiver is supported and has a place to share best practices, find support from others in similar situations, and have a little bit of “Me” time. Our retreats combine fun with classes, tools for support, massages and other pampering, shopping, entertainment, etc.
Recreational Activities:
HelpingaHero.org understands that once the rehabilitation is complete and our heroes move into their amazing HelpingaHero.org homes, real life begins. There are good days and there are bad days. Some of our heroes are able to get a job and work. Others are not able to work and struggle to find purpose. HelpingaHero.org has many activities that help our wounded warriors find that purpose and sometimes just to get them out of the house and out with their friends who truly know what the day to day life and challenges are. We take them hunting, fishing, to sports events, concerts, rodeos, golf outings, etc.
Emotional Support:
Provides opportunities to connect with support groups for periodical, social or educational gatherings. We also do area BBQ’s and other outings that just get our wounded warrior families together so they can share and support one another on their life journey.
Financial Support:
Provides money to cover unexpected expenses. We also conduct Operation Merry Christmas to ensure hundreds of our wounded warriors have presents under the tree and food on the table during the holidays. Especially when our heroes are in the hospital and struggling to make ends meet, our support is critical to provide even a meal out, a fresh set of clothes, etc. We also provide grants for emergency financial needs.
Help Our Wounded
http://www.helpourwounded.org/
Help Our Wounded delivers much needed support, direction and assistance to the caregivers of seriously wounded soldiers and the troops themselves. We do this in a variety ways including:
- Emergency Phone Cards for troops to call home from hospital beds overseas
- Guidance on Navigating the Assistance Maze from other organizations and the government
- Education about caring for the wounded and the caregiver
- Financial Assistance with small grants for travel, equipment and other necessities
- Clearing house of resources to find what you need, when you need it
- Constant dissemination of DoD, VA and other organizations’ efforts to help the severely wounded
- Connections to local resources as well as national resources to improve the lives of the wounded and their caregivers
Homes On The Homefront
http://www.homesonthehomefront.org/
After helping to secure the freedoms all Americans enjoy, we want to help our warriors and their families realize their own American dreams. That is now possible through our Homes on the Homefront program. We continue to receive donated homes to award to deserving military families around the country through amazing partners like Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Meritage Homes.
The homes that are donated to Operation Homefront are bank owned homes. Our donors do basic, renovations on the homes, such as new flooring, paint and repairs so that they are “move in ready”. However, keep in mind that, as a home owner, the home recipients will be responsible for basic home repairs that may arise while in the home. Your Caseworker will be a guide during your time in the program to learn how to maintain and address the repair issues in the home. It is ultimately the responsibility of the home recipients to take initiative and ensure the home is well maintained.
Hugs4Smiles USA
http://www.hugs4smilesusa.org/
Send packages, correspondence, or other goods to both the soldier and family, Send packages, correspondence, or other support to individual troops. Correspond with troops on an ongoing basis or as a one-shot thing during the holidays or a special group project. Our troops tell Hugs repeatedly that the single most important thing for them is hearing from folks back home who support their efforts.
Impact A Hero
http://impactplayer.org/
Provides immediate and ongoing emotional and financial support for our severely-wounded post-9/11 combat veterans and their families.
Impact A Hero is seen as the most effective and accountable wounded veteran organization by our Heroes and their families, and the community.
Impact A Hero serves, appreciates, and empowers our wounded heroes to continue to lead impactful lives.
Emotionally our wounded heroes need to know that every American appreciates the sacrifices our wounded heroes have made – it’s our turn to fight for them. Financially our wounded heroes deserve every American’s support to help pay for everyday living expenses, not to mention their new special needs such as retrofitting a house for a wheelchair. Our programs include helping our heroes through: Impact A Hero Day at Sporting and Entertainment Venues, Impact A Hero Emergency Financial Aid and Impact A Hero Mentoring as well as our Annual Impact a Hero Weekend.
Emotional Support:
In this program wounded heroes meet their athletic and entertainment heroes. Moreover, our wounded heroes are also introduced to stadium crowds before professional sporting and entertainment events.
Emergency Financial Aid:
Many times mothers, fathers, husbands, wives become caregivers to our wounded heores and are forced to leave their jobs. Emergency financial aid is needed to pay bills including mortgage, rent, utilities, food and home and vehicle disability retrofits. Impact A Hero is their to provide unbiased financial aid to our wounded heroes and their families.
Holiday Support:
Many of our wounded heroes are unable to get home during the holidays. Impact A Hero has designed a holiday support program where we host Christmas and holiday parties for our wounded heroes at: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD; James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, FL; and Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. Our program partner is Dave and Busters.
Business Aviation Support:
Thank our wounded veterans for their service by donating the use of your business aircraft.
Trackchair Program:
Trackchairs provide freedom to roam in all types of terrain, giving Heroes the freedom to hunt, fish, paintball, enjoy family beach outings, camping, and other types of outdoor activities they would not normally be able to participate in with the limitations of a traditional wheelchair.
Veterans can reserve a Trackchair To Go! Qualified applicants may borrow a Trackchair for personal use. Our team will coordinate logistics and will deliver and pick up the chair within the greater Houston and Galveston areas.
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT)
http://www.tarrantbar.org/For%20the%20Community/LegalAid.aspx
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT), a 501 (c) (3) non-profit charitable organization, handles a wide range of civil cases which address the survival needs of low income individuals and families. Its MISSION is "to provide high quality, legal aid to low-income people of the 114 counties served by Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas through the combined efforts of legal services staff and volunteer attorneys, to communicate the availability of the services to the targeted community, and to make the services accessible to the people eligible for the services."
WHAT KIND OF CASES ARE HANDLED BY LANWT?
LANWT provides help to income eligible individuals and families in matters of civil law, including family law and domestic violence cases, access to benefits, housing issues, consumer finance problems, employment, wills and probate, and problems of disabled persons among many others..
Lone Star Lawyers for Lone Star Veterans, Lone Star Legal Aid
http://www.probono.net/oppsguide/organization.365879-Lone_Star_Lawyers_for_Lone_Star_Veterans_Lone_Star_Legal_Aid
LSLA honors Texas veterans and service members by prioritizing their unique civil legal needs through our initiative, "Lone Star Lawyers for Lone Star Veterans". We engage LSLA staff, community partners and pro bono attorneys to provide free legal services, advocacy and education to veterans and service members. LSLA is the fourth largest legal service organization in United States; we provide free civil legal services to low income individuals and families who have immediate civil legal needs but cannot afford an attorney. LSLA offers a broad range of free civil legal services to qualifying individuals, including aiding survivors of domestic violence, child advocacy, education and civil rights, public benefits, health care access, consumer issues, home ownership, tenants' rights, employment, estate planning, probate matters and disaster relief. LSLA serves one-third of Texas, our service area spans 76 counties throughout Texas and Arkansas and includes Fort Hood, Houston and Waco, regions which have high concentrations of veterans and military families.
Lone Star Warrior Outdoors
http://lonestarwarriorsoutdoors.com/
First let me say to all veterans who read this, Thank You, For Your Service! It is because of you that we are free today. Because of your sacrifice Lone Star Warriors Outdoors, a Texas non-profit organization (LSWO) is offering Hunts and Fishing trips throughout the year. This is our way to say Thank You for your physical and mental sacrifices to our freedom and country. Many of you were avid hunters prior to the military; some of you might have hunted a little and yet others may never have hunted. These opportunities are for you all. Every day new ranches want to offer a hunt for 3 warriors, another for 5 warriors and the list goes on. As we finalize the details of the hunt with the land owners, we will post the hunt on the Calendar of Events tab of this page for you to see. If you have never been a part of a program like this, you are missing something! This is a time where you not only get to hunt or fish, but you get to spend time with others who support everything you do and consider you modern day heroes. It is also a time when you can talk to others who have been through the same things that you have and simply a time to relax. To be selected for one of our hunts or fishing trips we need you to download an application. This application is important for several reasons. Some of the ranches want to know who is coming and would like a bio from you so they know a little about you when you get there. We also want to keep a bio from you as we may use it on the web page. The application allows up to know more about you, medical needs, limitations and hunting experience.FOR THOSE WHO ARE STILL ACTIVE, you MUST have a doctor's signature on the application stating that you are cleared to hunt. Without this signature, we cannot accept your application. Once again, thank you for your service to this great nation and for your sacrifices. We hope that you will take the time required to fill out this application. It is the only thing standing in your way to have a good time.
Military Child Education Coalition
http://www.militarychild.org/
To ensure inclusive, quality educational experiences for all military-connected children affected by mobility, family separation, and transition.
Military Warriors Support Foundation
http://www.militarywarriors.org/
Military Warriors Support Foundation awards mortgage-free homes to wounded heroes injured during combat in service to our country. The homes are for families who have severe and/or unique circumstances due to their injuries received while serving our country. In addition to the home, the families will receive 3 years of family and financial mentoring.
Military Warriors Support Foundation is proud to award 100% mortgage free homes to Gold Star spouses who’s loved one made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. In addition to the home, recipient families will receive 3 years of family and financial mentoring.
Military Warriors Support Foundation (MWSF) provides recreational outings and family mentoring in the Skills 4 Life program with hunting, fishing, golf, sporting events, family outings & vacations. The goal is to provide combat wounded military and their families with the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and thank them for their service with these opportunities. We want our wounded heroes enjoying the activities they did before their injuries.
CEOs4Heroes (C4H) is a partnership program involving top named companies interested in hiring veterans. C4H provides a link between our partner companies and the veterans seeking employment for which they are qualified. The companies we work with provide a period of training to allow a smooth transition and the utmost of job satisfaction.
This program is designed to support combat wounded heroes and Gold Star spouses whom are not prepared to take on long-term homeownership. Through this program, MWSF will provide a 1-year lease, in a safe, quality apartment complex.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
http://www.thehotline.org/
For over 17 years, the National Domestic Violence Hotline has been the vital link to safety for women, men, children and families affected by domestic violence. With the help of our dedicated advocates and staff, we respond to calls 24/7, 365 days a year.
We provide confidential, one-on-one support to each caller and chatter, offering crisis intervention, options for next steps and direct connection to sources for immediate safety. Our database holds over 5,000 agencies and resources in communities all across the country. Bilingual advocates are on hand to speak with callers, and our Language Line offers translations in 170 different languages.
The hotline is an excellent source of help for concerned friends, family, co-workers and others seeking information and guidance on how to help someone they know. We work to educate communities all over through events, campaigns, and dynamic partnerships with companies ranging from The Avon Foundation to Verizon. Today, the hotline is continuing to grow and explore new avenues of service.
Operation Enduring Respect
http://www.enduringrespect.com/
Our mission is to give back to the members of the Armed Forces who have offered their lives to protect ours. Some return, some don't. Some have injuries that we can see. We want to make the lives of these service members better in a unique and profound way.
We are a non-profit organization supporting wounded service members who have fought for our freedom by sending them to sporting events.
Operation Finally Home
http://www.operationfinallyhome.org/
At Operation FINALLY HOME, we provide custom-built, mortgage free homes to America’s Heroes and the widows of the fallen who have sacrificed so much to defend our freedoms and our way of life. We bring together corporate sponsors, builder associations, builders, developers, individual contributors, and volunteers to help these Heroes and their families transition to the home front by addressing one of their most pressing needs – a home to call their own.
Operation Homefront
http://www.operationhomefront.net/
Operation Homefront provides emergency financial and other assistance such as: financial, food assistance, repairs, and help to the families of our SERVICE MEMBERS and Wounded Warriors. A nonprofit 501(c)(3), Operation Homefront has 23 locations serving 43 states nationwide and has met more than 740,000 needs of military families.
Operation Military Embrace
http://www.operationmilitaryembrace.com/
Remembering Vietnam, “OME” is dedicated to ensuring that OIF (Iraq) and OEF (Afghanistan) veterans and all who served during this period of war are not treated with hostility and disrespect as were those who served with honor and distinction in Vietnam. Operation Military Embrace, a Christ-centered 501 (c) (3) military-support charity, achieves this objective through the grace of God by working to increase public awareness regarding the challenges faced by America's military & their families while providing financial assistance, direct support via the nation's only free PX (Post Exchange) , and motivational activities & programs for seriously wounded, ill or injured service members & their families across all of America's combat arms for up to 10 years after EAS/discharge.
Operation Military Kids
http://www.operationmilitarykids.org/
Operation: Military Kids is the U.S. Army's collaborative effort with America's communities to support children and youth impacted by deployment. Regardless of whether Families are experiencing deployment for the first time, the second time or another in a series of multiple deployments, OMK’s goal is to connect military children and youth with local resources in order to achieve a sense of community support and enhance their well-being.
In 2013, over 105,739 youth participated in experiences conducted by State OMK Teams in 49 states and the District of Columbia. 945 Community members representing over 43 national, state and local organizations worked together utilizing core OMK program elements like those in the left menu to help school age children and youth through the deployment of a loved one.
OMK Program Delivery System includes four components:
- Academic Support, Mentoring, and Intervention Services
- Arts, Recreation, and Leisure Activities
- Life Skills, Citizenship, and Leadership Opportunities
- Sports, Fitness, and Health Options
Operation Once In A Lifetime
http://operationonceinalifetime.com/
Operation Once in a Lifetime’s mission is to make the dreams of U.S. Soldiers and their families come true by providing free financial and morale support to U.S Service members, their families and veterans regardless of rank, deployment, physical condition or branch or service.
You serve, you qualify.
Dedicated to supporting our troops – past, present, and future – one wish at a time.
Operation Stephen's Touch
http://www.stephenstouch.org/
A free compassionate listening service is offered to members of military families living without a loved one.
Operation Stephen's Touch is an outreach ministry of the Stephen Ministry Program at Grace Presbyterian Church in Plano, Texas.
The person who is championing having this service available to military families has been a Stephen Minister for three years. Her husband, Stephen Peterson, was also a Stephen Minister. He died ten years ago from Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as a result of Agent Orange Exposure in Viet Nam. That's why she has taken to thinking of the idea as "Operation Stephen's Touch".
In addition to helping military families by providing a compassionate listening service, Operation Stephen's Touch honors the memory of her husband. She understands the value of having someone besides a family member or friend be a true caring listener during a time of grief.
Operation Top Knot
http://soldiersangels.org/top-knot.html
Operation Top Knot is a program of Soldiers’ Angels created to provide baby showers for military families to help ease the emotional and financial stresses of military life. Due to the difficulty of deployments on military families, Operation Top Knot is primarily focused on serving expectant spouses of deployed service members. Operation Top Knot also serves active duty female service members.
Our dedicated volunteers knit, crochet, sew, quilt, and design blankets, booties, hats, onesies, bibs, and many more homemade gifts. We also assemble and deliver gift baskets full of goodies such as bottles, diapers, onesies, pacifiers, washcloths, grooming kits, and more.
Patriot Paws Service Dogs
http://patriotpaws.org/
Patriot PAWS is to train and provide service dogs of the highest quality at no cost to disabled American veterans and
others with mobile disabilities in order to help restore their physical and emotional independence. Patriot PAWS trains service dogs to perform various behaviors including help for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our primary goal is to increase an individual’s self-sufficiency. Services performed by each dog depend on the needs of the owner. The following are a list of some services provided to assist disabled veterans in accomplishing daily tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible:
- Get help in emergencies
- Recognize and avert PTSD episodes
- Pick up and retrieve items
- Open and close doors
- Pull wheelchairs
- Provide bracing to stand, walk, and sit down
- Help with chores, such as laundry
- Take off shoes and socks
The continued commitment of Patriot PAWS is to work with the matched veterans and dogs as they learn to work together as a team.
Pets-for-Vets
http://pets-for-vets.com./
At Pets for Vets, we believe our country owes military veterans a debt of gratitude. Our soldiers have been brave but many of them have returned with physical and emotional injuries that have made it difficult to transition back to civilian life. Some estimates state that as many as 20% of returning military veterans suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The Pets for Vets program is dedicated to supporting veterans and providing a second chance for shelter pets by rescuing, training and pairing them with America’s veterans who could benefit from a companion animal.The Pets… 3 to 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year. These animals can make excellent companion animals but never have that chance. Our dedicated animal trainers will evaluate and rescue the shelter animals and provide additional training to ensure that they are able to assimilate into a home, which is quite different from a shelter environment. The Vets… Sadly, there are alarming statistics of suicide, family abuse and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder facing veterans returning to civilian life after military duty. This can cause a downward spiral of apathy, unemployment, broken relationships, addiction and depression. It is our belief that companion animals can be the life saving therapy or friend that many returning service men and women need. Medical studies have shown that companion animals significantly improve mental and physical health, including reducing stress, depression and anxiety, symptoms experienced by many serving in the military.How does it work?The Pets for Vets team interviews each veteran to ascertain what he or she is looking for in a companion animal; we pair this with his or her personality and lifestyle to make the perfect veteran-pet match. Once the perfect pet is selected for the veteran, the pet spends time in the home of one of our trainers who teaches the pet basic obedience and other valuable behaviors needed to live with his/her new owner. This can include becoming comfortable with wheel chairs or behaviors needed to help with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Who is Eligible?Veterans who have a condition that could benefit from a trained companion animal and who are able to care for a pet, are eligible to receive a Pets for Vets companion animal.
To Apply click here.
PTSD Foundation of America
http://ptsdusa.org/camp-hope/
Camp Hope provides interim housing for our Wounded Warriors, veterans and their families suffering from combat related PTSD in a caring and positive environment.The facility opened in 2012 and is located in a quiet and safe setting in Houston, Texas whereby veterans and their immediate family members can find healing, help and hope while benefiting from an intensive peer support and mentoring program for Post Traumatic Stress. In addition to temporary housing, Camp Hope offers a 30 day PTSD recovery program in which residents: attend group lessons and support sessions with other combat veterans; conduct individual mentoring sessions with certified combat trauma mentors; participate in off-site small group interaction activities (fishing, hiking, local activities and events); and get involved with local churches, businesses and volunteer organizations to assist in their personal healing and educating the community on the invisible wounds of war.
The Camp Hope staff is a unique team of combat veterans and civilian pastoral staff trained in working with victims of trauma and post-traumatic stress. They understand that those who have served this nation continue to struggle with the invisible wounds of combat and are working to assist our troops in putting the pieces of their lives back together. The Camp Hope staff uses the necessary traditional counseling tools and incorporates a faith based approach to help combat the effects of Post Traumatic Stress. In addition, the staff assists veterans with a myriad of issues including job placement, coordination with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs and reputable veteran service organizations to assist with claims and benefits, transportation to appointments and peer support groups integration. The Camp Hope community embraces our troops, veterans and their families as they seek the rewarding and fulfilling lives they so richly deserve.
While we are continuing to expand, resident rooms at Camp Hope are currently limited and assigned based on first come first serve and need. Contact us at 877-717-PTSD (7873) for more information, acceptance criteria and availability.
Racing 4 Vets
http://www.racing4vets.org/
Our Cincinnati, Ohio chapter is run by Racing4Vets Regional Director Kerin Banfield. The Cincinnati chapter serves veterans primarily in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. The Cincinnati chapter is focused on kart racing and works with service-disabled veterans with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and physical injuries.
Partnership with Veterans Administration TBI and PTSD Rehabilitation Center at Fort Thomas, Kentucky
In January 2013, Racing4Vets launched a partnership with the VA to formally include indoor kart racing as a mandatory physical and cognitive development activity in the Cincinnati Veterans Administration PTSD/TBI rehabilitation program at Fort Thomas, KY. This is an intensive program open to men and women veterans from all U.S. military branches. Approximately 20-30 veterans from the VA program attend monthly indoor kart driving events run by Racing4Vets at Full Throttle Indoor Karting in Springdale, OH. Each program provides assessment and treatment of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and/or traumatic brain injury using a curriculum of Cognitive Processing Therapy, group and individual sessions and physical activities. Clinical studies conducted by the Veterans Administration and National Institute of Health indicate significant improvement in cognitive abilities and reduction of symptoms from participation in the PTSD/TBI program. For more information on the success of the program, see this NIH study overview and VA study (PDF file).
Reserve Aid
http://reserveaid.org/
Reserve Aid is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that provides financial support to Reservists and National Guard members who are currently deployed in the Global War on Terror or who have recently returned from deployment.
Reserve Aid does NOT provide loans, but helps service members and their families (on a one-time basis) by paying bills such as rent/mortgage, utilities, car insurance, telephone, etc.
Ruckabye Baby
http://ruckabyebaby.org/
Our mission is to provide baby carriers to wounded military members of all branches who have been injured in service to our nation, thereby giving them an extra tool to comfort, bond with, and care for their small children.
Soldiers' Angels
http://soldiersangels.org/
Provides aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and their families and to improve the lives of a growing veteran population.
TADSAW
http://www.tadsaw.org/
TADSAW (Train a Dog Save a Warrior) is to provide for the training of a Medical Alert Service dog, as designated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, for any wounded warrior, active duty or veteran, surviving with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma, (MST), and/or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), in order to restore and improve the warrior's quality of life with a canine 'Battle Buddy', at no charge to the warrior. Often the best emotional support for our warriors surviving with PTSD / TBI can come in the form of a dog that will help them return to a life they thought they would never have again.
Tech for Vets
http://www.techforvets.org/
Tech For Vets, Inc. (TFV) strives to provide our military veterans with computers and other devices that assist and enrich their lives. Computers have changed the way we live and communicate. Without computers, it is tough to succeed in our world today.
Tech For Vets, Inc. is driven by technology device donations from individuals and companies. We refurbish and certify each item donated then provide those donations to our veterans at no cost.
TexVet
http://www.texvet.com/
A portal of information for the Texas veteran community.
TIRR Foundation
http://www.tirrfoundation.org/
TIRR Foundation seeks to improve the recovery, health, and quality of life for people who have sustained a spinal cord or brain injury by funding innovative research to find a cure and by fostering programs that advance rehabilitative medicine. TIRR Foundation is advancing medical science, improving care, and enhancing lives.
Camp Xtreme
Camp Xtreme is an exciting overnight camp developed for kids with physical disabilities. Located at Camp For All near Brenham, Texas, Camp Xtreme allows physically challenged kids ages 8 to 21 to experience the thrill and wonders of summer camp. In a supportive environment developed just for them, campers reach new levels of self awareness and independence through swimming, ropes courses, horseback riding and numerous team sports. Each summer, the counselors of Camp Xtreme experience the expressions of delight and accomplishment on the faces of campers as they realize goals they once thought impossible.
Campers describe the experience as exhilarating and personally fulfilling because of the sense of accomplishment they find there. And although there are numerous camp opportunities for children of all abilities, Camp Xtreme is truly a one-of-a-kind adventure.
USAF Fit Family
http://www.usaffitfamily.com/
The FitFamily website provides resources, ideas and goal setting tools to help families be active, make healthy nutrition choices and have fun in an effort to promote overall wellness. FitFamily is open to all active duty, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, DoD and civilian families.
U.S. Army MWR
http://www.armymwr.com/
Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation provides programs and services supporting Soldiers, Families, and Civilians of America's Army.
Family and MWR programs, services and activities offer Soldiers and Families opportunities to enrich their lives culturally and creatively. Our programs relieve stress, build strength and resilience, and help the Army Family stay physically, mentally, and financially fit.
- Child, Youth & School Services
- Army Family Programs
- Soldier Programs & Community Recreation
- Family and MWR Business Initiatives
- Armed Forces Recreation Centers
- MWR Recreation Delivery to theater operations
- Additionally, the Family and MWR Academy provides outstanding professional development training and support to MWR personnel in the management and administration of MWR programs, people, and resources.
Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association
http://www.vhpa.org/
The Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (VHPA) is a non-profit war veterans organization. To enhance and accredit the cohesiveness, esprit de corps, and traditions of valor of rotary wing aircrews that flew in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam Era.To seek out, using whatever means available, individuals who piloted rotary wing aircraft in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era and inform them of the existence of the VHPA and encourage all eligible individuals to become members. Membership is open to all helicopter pilots who flew in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era (1961-1975).
WASP on the WEB
http://wingsacrossamerica.us/wasp/
During World War II, a select group of young women pilots became pioneers, heroes, and role models...They were the Women Airforce Service Pilots, WASP, the first women in history trained to fly American military aircraft. In memory of those we have lost and in honor of those we still cherish... WELCOME TO WASP on the WEB, a site dedicated to sharing the history of the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II, and shining a light on the inspirational stories of their lives before, during and after WWII.
We Serve Too!
http://www.weservetoo.com/
Home of the Award-winning Picture Books for Military Kids, facing the deployment and/ or reunion of a loved Service Member. Written and illustrated by Kathleen Edick and Paula J Johnson, each hardcover book comes with a downloadable Discussion Guide.
These books are great Resources for parents, Family Programs, Family Readiness Groups, Yellow Ribbon activities, etc.
A free Dog Tag will be mailed along with each hardcover book purchase.
Free Printable Stickers can convert Army illustrations in our Deployment Book to Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard!
Wish for Our Heroes
https://www.wishforourheroes.org/
WISH for OUR HEROES started with the goal of providing one wish for every deserving military member. There are no requirements – military members simply have to be on active-duty at the time the wish is submitted. Our priority is to always grant basic needs or emergencies first - anything from putting food on the table to assisting with car repairs, home repairs, baby supplies, clothing, etc. When basic needs are met, we also enjoy providing fun things like sending the troops to athletic events, sending them on vacation to get re-acquainted after deployments, meeting celebrities and more.
Today, WISH for OUR HEROES is a national 501(c)(3) that grants wishes across the globe. Our largest support bases are in Indiana and Texas, but we have a nationwide team of volunteers. We have partnered with many corporations to inch closer to our ultimate goal of granting one wish for every deserving member of our U.S. military.