Spotlight
WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT People can change. Some felt uncomfortable leaving their homes but now can go to the grocery store. Others weren’t sure how to achieve the fitness they had in the military but now are on a healthy path. These are examples of how Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) transforms veterans’ lives so they can achieve their highest ambitions. WWP has similarly evolved to meet warriors’ needs since its founding in 2003. The organization began by providing backpacks filled with comfort items to recently injured veterans and their families in hospitals. WWP grew to include lifesaving programs focusing on mental health, physical health, financial wellness, and long-term rehabilitative care. Mental Health Because individuals respond differently to trauma — and treatment — WWP offers multiple mental health programs. WWP brings veterans together at Project Odyssey® to take on outdoor challenges. During the multi-day events, WWP helps veterans grow internally while also expanding external support structures. This program includes 12 weeks of follow-up care. Through WWP’s mental health support phone line, WWP Talk, warriors find a safe, non-judgmental outlet to help them manage PTSD, anxiety, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other invisible wounds of war. And WWP’s Warrior Care Network® provides world-class clinical mental health care to warriors dealing with severe invisible wounds of war. Warriors receive a year’s worth of mental health care in two to three weeks at intensive outpatient programs at four partner academic medical centers. Physical Health WWP’s Physical Health and Wellness program focuses on movement, nutritional education, coaching, goalsetting, and skill-building to help warriors make longterm changes toward a healthier life. Coaching calls help warriors set personal goals, uncover challenges, and develop a plan to stay on track. And physical activity sessions empower warriors to improve their health and wellness together. 14
WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / NOVEMBER 2020
The organization’s Adaptive Sports program uses modified athletic activities to increase community connections for some of the most seriously wounded veterans. Warriors use adaptive equipment, sports, and exercise routines that are specialized for their unique injury to improve their skills, confidence, independence and mobility. Financial Wellness Finding a job can be a challenge for anyone, but even more so for warriors who are transitioning back into civilian life. Warriors to Work® provides interview coaching, networking opportunities, and guidance on how to translate military skills into a civilian resume. In addition, WWP’s Benefits Service helps warriors navigate the VA and Department of Defense. WWP shows warriors how to access their benefits and walks them through every step of the claims process. Long-Term Rehabilitative Care WWP believes every warrior has a positive future to look forward to. The organization’s Independence Program provides long-term support to help the most seriously injured warriors take steps toward independence. WWP works as a team with each warrior, their family, and caregivers to build an individualized plan. The program focuses on goal-setting, social and recreational opportunities, wellness, volunteer work, education, and other life skills. In addition to giving warriors a path forward, the program gives caregivers some relief as the full team is involved in the warrior’s care.