As we approach Labor Day, it is important to recognize that many of our service members are transitioning out of the military and into new civilian careers. Today, our president, Robin Kelleher, e-mailed a letter highlighting the importance of our program work in supporting veterans' employment.
If you missed this letter and be sure to sign up for our eNews.
Robin's Letter:
In recognition of
Labor Day, I want to share a story of success and awareness about the
challenges facing veterans entering the work force.
Matt was struggling
with post-traumatic stress (PTSD) after serving in combat as a member of the
National Guard. Feeling misunderstood
and out of place with his own family, he left, determined to solve his problems
alone or die in the process. With his
former home state of Indiana behind him, he roamed more than 1,000 miles
southwest, until he reached New Mexico.
He had no home, no money, and no hope.
“I’m going to get help
or die, and I don’t care what comes first.”
Fortunately, he
reached out to Derek, a friend and fellow veteran for help. Matt shared that he
was prepared to die, but was reaching out to his friend for help. Derek called
Hope For The Warriors® team member, Amber Johnson. As a Critical Care
Coordinator, Amber assists veterans daily with physical and mental health
needs. Through her years of experience,
Amber has developed strong relationships with VA staff members and advocates
for the needs of our service members.
Less than 48 hours
later, Hope For The Warriors® had identified and secured a place for Matt in an
inpatient program for veterans with PTSD, purchased a plane ticket, and through
staff and volunteers, Matt was getting the help he needed.
That was more than a
year ago. Matt is still in the inpatient
facility but has enrolled in college and is working towards his new career
goals. He has also reconnected with his
family. Today, he has hope.
Labor Day
The headlines tell us
that the unemployment rate for veterans outpaces the national average. My e-mail inbox is flooded with invitations
to veteran employment symposiums, conferences, and career fairs. Almost daily I hear advertisements on the
radio. And yet, the unemployment rate
remains higher for veterans than for non-veterans.
Hope For The Warriors®
recognizes that in order to address the employment needs of veterans, it is
imperative that we address their physical and psychological wellness
first. Our four program pillars provide
a full cycle of care, working together to address the needs of the entire
military family. Yes, we have a Career Transition & Education program but
for Matt and thousands of other veterans, a job offer is not enough. They first
need support in their physical and psychological recovery. First, they must have hope.
Please join us in our
mission to restore self, family, and hope to each of our service members,
veterans, and military families. DonateToday.
Very sincerely,
Robin Kelleher
President/CEO
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