What is Wounded Warrior Project?
The Wounded Warrior Project is a nonprofit organization that helps Veterans and active duty service members through a variety of programs, services and events, specifically focusing on wounded Veterans.
From its formation in 2003 to its incorporation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2005 and onwards, the organization has provided help in the form of prosthetics, home health care, home modifications such as wheelchair ramps, remodeling bathrooms, kitchens, or entire homes if necessary to accommodate newly acquired disabilities.
Wounded Warriors Project also helps connect Veterans with mental and physical wellness resources, independence programs and career counseling services. There are many ways that insurance and the VA can’t always assist when it comes to living with the effects of wounds sustained while serving, and the Wounded Warriors Project hopes to address those needs.
Here are some other commonly asked questions related to the WWP.
What percentage of donations goes to the Wounded Warrior Project?
On the Wounded Warrior Project’s website, the charity says it spends 80 percent of its donations on its main services. The organization has earned a GuideStar’s Platinum Seal of Transparency by voluntarily sharing the measures of progress and results they use to pursue their mission and is currently rated 86.45 out of 100 by Charity Navigator.
What does the Wounded Warrior Project actually do?
WWP helps to provide wounded warriors and other Veterans opportunities to connect with one another through community events and Veteran support groups. They also provide easy access to local and national resources through outreach efforts and with the help of partners.
Here are just a handful of the major programs that the WWP network offers.
Free outpatient mental health care at one of four world-class medical centers. Participating Veterans receive a year’s worth of mental health care during a 2-3-week intensive outpatient program, using evidence-based treatments with alternative therapies, including some music therapy. Veterans who complete the Warrior Care Network program have seen a significant improvement in PTSD and depression symptoms.
For when Veterans are dealing with military-related stress or trauma, this program helps them to achieve a new normal. Named after Homer’s famous poem about overcoming adversity and finding the way home, Project Odyssey gives Veterans the tools to overcome the obstacles they face. In an all-male, all-female, or couples retreat, you’ll participate in activities like hiking, rock climbing, scavenger hunts, and more.
A free mental health support line where you’ll be connected to a person who will listen, and help. Provides weekly emotional support over the phone for Veterans to work on developing coping skills and a practical plan to work towards goals, big or small.
Soldier Ride is a four-day cycling experience for Veterans to push the limits beyond what seems possible and leave with a deeper understanding of self. Sign up to join fellow Veterans and trained staff on a life-changing, multi-day cycling event.
WWP provides nutrition and exercise coaching for Veterans. This is either in the form of an expo a multi-day event that goes in-depth on fitness, nutrition, mobility, recovery, and setting the right goals for your personal path forward, or through coaching: Bi-weekly phone calls to set personal goals, uncover challenges, and make a plan for success.
With long-term financial and health support playing a critical, empowering role in the recovery process, WWP created the benefits service program for injured veterans to navigate the complexities of the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. With the support of generous donors, WWP files thousands of claims each year, immediately changing lives of injured veterans, their families, and caregivers
Career counseling and assistance to help Veterans kick-start their career. The WWP provides services in the form of resume-writing assistance, interview coaching, and more
The independence program is designed to help Veterans suffering from moderate-to-severe brain injury, spinal cord injury, or neurological conditions, take positive steps towards independent living. They provide social and recreational, Wellness, Volunteer work, Education, and other life skills services.
Who is eligible for Wounded Warrior Project?
According to their website, any Veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound while serving in the military on or after September 11, 2001.
If you want to learn about how Veterans can find support and resources through the Wounded Warriors Project, visit their website at woundedwarriorproject.org.