Programs

  • Program 1 [2020]

    Along with the rest of the country, and most of the world, COVID-19 forced TWC to suspend retreat programs throughout 2020.We were, however, able to conduct an important Facilitator Training session in November, appropriately enough, over the Veterans Day holiday. The participants attending this training provided TWC with the ability to continue developing key staff and volunteer roles that will help us prepare for a return to our in-person life-saving programs 2021.Although our in-person programming was suspended for most of the year, like those we serve, TWC demonstrated resilience in 2020, specifically in keeping true to our mission of improving our veterans and their families overall well-being. In June 2020, TWC pivoted from our traditional in-person services, and we piloted group sessions in the virtual space via video conference.From July through December 2020, TWC began hosting regular monthly virtual meet-ups, finishing the year with eight successful sessions, including more than 156 veterans, and military spouses from across the country.These sessions were initially planned as two-dimensional activities to include psycho-educational components while also providing therapeutic engagements; our biggest takeaway was the value of continued connection with the agency and their peer groups. Because of our success, this concept will continue monthly as a new piece of additional programming that we are affectionately calling Vet Connect. These "Vet Connect" meet-ups will be folded into our regular continuum of care as we resume in-person retreats and as a way to stay connected with those that have previously participated, as well as those that have inquired about attending our programs in the future. To allow resuming our in-person programming in 2021 responsibly, The Warrior Connection has put in place substantial COVID mitigation measures that will require more due-diligence from both the staff, volunteers, and those participants hopeful to attend.
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
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  • Veteran Support and Wellness Programs

    The unprecedented global pandemic led our nation into an increased state of trauma, loss, and grief. In 2021 and 2022, TWC programs staff balanced the needs of those requesting our services and safe implementation of in-person operations. Our staff and volunteers did precisely what you would expect, devised ways to meet the CDC protocols, and continued to offer critical services withnew and innovative ideas. TWC offered a full program schedule in 2022, running a full complement of programs for all three of our target audiences - maleVeterans, female Veterans, and Military Spouses. Additionally, TWC conducted mentor and facilitator training, paving the way for 2023. Upon returning to in-person activities, TWC began to see trends with those relatively unscathed by personal illness or financial hardship due to the pandemic. However, a continued loss of connectivity and treasured experiences weighed heavy on the hearts of many we served,especially with those already coping with PTS, MST, depression, and anxiety producing isolation. TWC saw these losses firsthand as participants reported higher rates of significant mental health struggles and substance abuse-related issues. In 2022, we also so a very large increase in our waiting list for female veterans struggling with Military Sexual Trauma (MST). As one of only three non-profit service organize specializing in MST, we plan to increase our offerings to female veterans in the years ahead.In addition to running our programs face-to-face, TWC continued to embrace virtual platforms with military personnel, Veterans, and other essential front-line workers, business leaders, and corporate partners by sharing our wellness philosophy and the science of Post Traumatic Growth. As friends of our work, you know that TWC ascribes to a philosophy of "what doesn't kill us will make us stronger." This philosophy suggests that when times are tough, we take the time to explore ourselves, find meaning in our trauma, and reframe negative experiences such that we become better versions of ourselves. This is the basic definition of Post Traumatic Growth, and a view of trauma TWC embraces wholeheartedly. Additionally, TWC folded virtual "meet-upsX and group reunions into our regular retreat follow-up routines using virtual tools.Finally, TWC hired a new chief executive in September of 2022. Elizabeth Fields has a wealth of nonprofit fundraising and marketing experience and cares deeply about veterans. This is a major investment in TWCs future which, combined with our access to a life -saving SBA EIDL loan package in 2020 and 2021, has allowed the organization to weather the pandemic and ensuing national financial downturn.
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    $358.6K