Assisting Veterans in Achieving New Beginnings via the Influence of the Natural World
In a picturesque setting in Hector, New York, 25 local veterans embarked on a transformative weekend retreat in September 2024, co-hosted by the Forest Service and the Veterans and Nature Grant Program. The retreat, part of a series of events supported by the grant, aimed to improve the health, well-being, and connection to nature of veterans across the United States.
One of the grant recipients, Military Mobility, a nonprofit organisation based in Cody, Wyoming, has been making strides since its inception in 2017. Dedicated to reducing the suicide rate among veterans, Military Mobility builds camaraderie and trust through off-road expeditions and resiliency training. The organisation's unique approach has shown promising results, with participants reporting a decrease in depression, a decrease in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and an increase in family dynamics following the course.
Another grant recipient, This Is My Quest, based in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, focuses on harnessing the restorative power of nature to benefit veterans facing challenges in transitioning back to civilian life. Their Wilderness Warriors project aims to serve at least 150 veterans from diverse backgrounds and conduct over 40 nature-based therapy sessions over the course of a year.
The Veterans and Nature Grant Program, administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, typically funds projects that promote mental health, physical activity, and social engagement for veterans through outdoor experiences. The US Forest Service and NEEF have partnered to fund 10 grants of up to $10,000 each during 2024-2025, for organisations working to improve the lives of veterans.
The retreat in Hector was just one example of the impact of these grants. The event featured guided outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing, as well as peer-to-peer support and group sharing times. Participants surveyed before and after the retreat expressed a desire to explore more public lands and learn more about natural features, such as New York's waterfalls and gorges.
In addition to the retreat, the Veterans One-Stop Center in Buffalo, New York, reported better-than-expected turnout and interest among veterans. The center, led by the Western New York Veterans Housing Coalition and Goodwill of Western New York, provides a one-stop location for social and health services for veterans and their families.
As the need for support for veterans continues to grow, initiatives like the Veterans and Nature Grant Program are making a significant difference. Approximately one in four veterans living in the United States today find the transition back to civilian life difficult. However, with programs like Military Mobility and This Is My Quest, and the support of organisations like the Forest Service and NEEF, veterans are finding solace, support, and a renewed connection to nature.
For more information about the key outcomes and recipient organisations for the 2024-2025 cycle of the Veterans and Nature Grant Program, please visit the Department of Veterans Affairs' official website or the specific program's official website or press releases. Additionally, the National Park Service offers a Military Annual Pass, providing free lifetime access to federal recreation areas for active military, Gold Star Families, and US military veterans. Federal Jobs for Veterans also offer special programs for hiring veterans at federal agencies.
- The Veterans and Nature Grant Program, administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, typically funds projects that promote mental health, physical activity, and social engagement for veterans through outdoor experiences.
- One of the grant recipients, Military Mobility, a nonprofit organization based in Cody, Wyoming, has been making strides since its inception in 2017, focusing on reducing the suicide rate among veterans.
- Another grant recipient, This Is My Quest, based in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, harnesses the restorative power of nature to benefit veterans facing challenges in transitioning back to civilian life.
- The retreat in Hector featured guided outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing, as well as peer-to-peer support and group sharing times, and participants expressed a desire to explore more public lands and learn more about natural features.
- In addition to the retreat, the Veterans One-Stop Center in Buffalo reported better-than-expected turnout and interest among veterans, providing a one-stop location for social and health services for veterans and their families.
- Environmental education initiatives, such as those focused on water and health and environment, are also supported by the Veterans and Nature Grant Program, aiming to educate veterans about the importance of preserving public lands and understanding natural features.
- The US Forest Service and NEEF have partnered to fund 10 grants of up to $10,000 each during 2024-2025, for organizations working to improve the lives of veterans through science-based environmental education, fitness-and-exercise programs, mental-health therapies-and-treatments, and health-and-wellness initiatives.
