At A Safe Haven Foundation (ASHF), we are on a mission to revolutionize the way we support our nation’s veterans. With the help of a generous $22,000 Capacity Building Grant from the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF), our pioneering RISE (Resources-Information-Support-Empowerment) Suicide Prevention initiative is poised to expand its life-changing services.
Addressing a Critical Need
The transition from military to civilian life can be a daunting challenge for many veterans. Grappling with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, they often find themselves adrift and struggling to find their footing. The stark reality is that veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than non-veterans – a heartbreaking statistic that underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, this disparity in suicide rates is well-documented.
A Holistic Approach to Mental Health
Launched in 2018, RISE takes a refreshingly unique approach to veteran mental health support. By integrating mental health professionals into social events and activities, we are breaking down the stigma and making it easier for veterans to access the care they need. This integration strategy has proven highly effective, with RISE providing trauma-informed mental health care to over 12,000 veterans and their family members since its inception.
Transforming Lives, One Story at a Time
Robert’s journey is a testament to the power of the RISE program. After serving in the United States Army for five years, he faced a series of devastating setbacks, including homelessness and incarceration. Feeling lost and without purpose, he found his way to A Safe Haven – and his life changed forever. As Robert shared, “A Safe Haven didn’t just give me a roof over my head; they gave me back my sense of purpose and self-worth.”
At ASHF, Robert not only received the housing and support he desperately needed, but he also discovered a community that believed in his potential. Through ASHF’s comprehensive programs, Robert began to rebuild his life, one step at a time. The turning point came when he helped assemble a playground, reminding him of his desire to make a difference. Today, Robert is not only a grateful recipient of services, but an active contributor to the community. His inspirational journey is a shining example of the transformative power of support for veterans in crisis.
A Brighter Future Ahead
The DVNF grant will allow us to expand our reach and enhance our services even further. With plans to increase our capacity by 20% in the coming year, implement new training programs for our mental health professionals, and develop additional peer support initiatives, we are poised to make an even greater impact on the lives of our nation’s heroes.
Your support makes all the difference. Every contribution helps us provide life-saving mental health services to veterans in need. Together, we can ensure that those who have served our country receive the care and compassion they deserve.
