The Wounded Warrior Project is one of the most thoughtful, incisive, patient-centered nonprofits in the country. Its support for veterans is carefully designed around the unique injuries that military veterans suffer while in service to their country. Combat inflicts both physical and mental injuries on veterans of all ages and genders, and the regimented military lifestyle itself often imposes its own unique traumas on the veteran’s psyche. The WWP seeks to provide veterans and their families first-class treatment tailored specifically to their needs and individualized care to support their unique journey. All treatment and accommodations are provided at no cost, and financial assistance is also offered to help cover everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and housing.
If you are in crisis or concerned about a loved one, please call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 then press "1" or text 838255 to connect with a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year. They are there to listen to your needs and concerns so they can connect you with the WWP programs that can help. They can refer you to vetted resources in your community to help with things like legal services or even acquiring a service dog.
The cornerstone of the WWP physical health & wellness program is the multi-week coaching program, which helps warriors develop an active lifestyle and better nutrition habits. Through movement, nutritional education, coaching, goal setting, and skill-building, wounded warriors are empowered to make long-term changes toward a healthier life. Coaching begins with participation in a multi-day Physical Health & Wellness Expo to kick off a warrior’s wellness journey that includes:
Project Odyssey® is a no-cost 12-week WWP mental health program for veterans that uses adventure-based learning to help warriors with PTSD, anxiety, and depression manage and overcome their invisible wounds, enhance their resiliency skills, and empower them to live productive and fulfilling lives. Project Odyssey is based on the veteran’s unique needs, in which warriors can participate in all-male, all-female, coed, family, or couple’s programs.
The program includes a five-day mental health retreat in a workshop-style format. This is where warriors living with PTSD and other invisible wounds are challenged to step outside the comfort of their everyday routines. The retreat opens them up to new experiences that help them develop their coping and communication skills.
The WWP puts particular emphasis on teaching mindfulness and meditation to veterans, especially those who are suffering from PTSD. Mindfulness and meditation are not the same thing.
Unfortunately, although we knew the catchy name, we didn’t really know much about the Wounded Warriors Project. Our brief survey revealed that most people, even in social services, were in the same boat. This blog was written to help deepen everyone’s knowledge of the wonderful work this unique organization engages in.