Help Heal the Invisible Wounds of War
With 1 million Veterans returned from Iraq & Afghanistan bearing the mental, moral, and physical wounds of war, the need for holistic healing programs has never been greater. Post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and moral injury are common causes of alcohol and drug abuse in veterans. And while anyone can develop PTSD, in veterans it is often caused by situations that civilians cannot relate to, including combat exposure. This creates a gap between veterans seeking help and the support available to them.
Bridging the Gap Between Veterans and Healing
VRF retreats initiate and accelerate the healing process through the sharing of stories in a safe, non-judgmental, veteran-centric space. Ideas are exchanged about managing PTSD and balancing life while healing. Participants leave feeling refreshed and affirmed.
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for post-9/11 Veterans. The U.S. Department of Defense and the Veterans Health Administration report that more than 1 in 10 Veterans have been diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder. The National Institutes of Health identifies PTSD as one of the most prevalent mental disorders among U.S. Veterans.
22
VETERANS LOST TO SUICIDE EVERY DAY
100+
VETERANS ON OUR WAITING LIST
31%
OF SERVICE MEMBERS DEVELOP PTSD
1M
VETS RETURNED BEARING WOUNDS OF WAR
Your Generosity Changes Lives
Every dollar directly supports veteran retreat programs, healing resources, and community events. There are currently over 100 veterans on our waiting list—your gift helps us reach them. Founded in 2011, VRF covers the full cost of retreat programs through community donations, corporate sponsorship, and grants. Each retreat serves 12 veterans in an intimate setting that fosters fellowship on their lifelong journey of recovery.
Direct Your gift
You may designate your donation to a specific program or contribute to the General Fund where resources are directed to the area of greatest need:
- Where Needed Most (General Fund)
- Veterans Treatment Fellowship Retreat
- Active Minds Initiative (AMI) Self-Help Events
- Rehabilitative Golf Program
- “In Their Hands” Book Gifting Program
Programs You Help Fund
Veterans Treatment Fellowship Retreat
Part of the Montgomery County Veterans Treatment Court curriculum, these signature retreats immerse veterans in fellowship and restorative activities (including outdoor therapy, mindfulness, and peer support) in intimate groups of 12. This designation by Veterans Treatment Court is a collaborative therapeutic approach offered to both veteran and active military service members who struggle with drug or alcohol addiction. Select VTC participants are invited to immerse themselves in fellowship and restorative activities that foster building a support community on their lifelong journey of recovery.
Active Minds Initiative (AMI)
A collaborative therapeutic approach designated by Veterans Treatment Court to complement the specialized treatment program. AMI self-help events build lasting resilience through community connection and shared recovery. The goal is to facilitate self-healing as well as social bonding between those currently serving and those who have previously served in the Armed Forces.
Providing rehabilitative golf experiences and family-inclusive golf opportunities to the youth of fallen service members and wounded war veterans in an effort to improve the quality of life for these children and families.
“In Their Hands” Book Gifting
This program provides help managing PTSD by gifting the book “The Bronze Scar: Understanding How PTSD Feels” to veterans, families, and caregivers who can benefit from it the most. Because understanding is the first step toward healing.
Voices of Our Veterans
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“Being out of the military you lose a lot of your support system. And as a Veteran you often feel you have to do things alone but my issues are common issues.” Tom — VRF Retreat Participant Name changed for privacy |
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“Everyone has different stories, things we are struggling through. Instead of just me against the world waiting for the axe to fall, I found partners to share the burden.” John — VRF Retreat Participant Name changed for privacy |
EVERY GIFT BRINGS A VETERAN CLOSER TO HEALING
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for post-9/11 Veterans. Join a community of supporters helping VRF close the gap between veterans seeking help and the care they deserve.
Or mail your tax-deductible contribution to:
Veteran Retreats Foundation
378 Sunrise Drive, Carnegie, PA 15106
henah.hannah@veteranretreatsfoundation.org
Veteran Retreats Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. VRF issues charitable receipts to individuals, companies, organizations, and associations that donate.
