Statements

Mission

The mission of Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is to honor and empower wounded warriors. We are committed to fostering the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation's history. Every warrior has a next mission. We know that the transition to civilian life is a journey. And for every warrior, family member, and caregiver, that journey looks different. We are here for their first step, and each step that follows. Because we believe that every warrior should have a positive future to look forward to. There's always another goal to achieve, another mission to discover. We are their partner in that mission.

Background

WWP began in 2003 when several veterans and friends, some severely injured in previous military conflicts, were moved by the stories of the first wounded service members returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq. This group decided something different needed to be done, and took action. They wanted to provide tangible support to help those injured to heal both physically and mentally and started packing backpacks with essential items not provided by hospitals. Some of the items included shorts, t-shirts, razors, underwear, soap, shampoo, calling cards, and playing cards. They delivered the first backpacks to Walter Reed Army Medical Center and were soon asked for more because of the positive impact they had on patients. What these founders describe as "one wounded guy helping another" has evolved into America's foremost advocate for those who return home with both the visible and invisible wounds of war. Over time, services provided by WWP have evolved into a full-range support system, from the first days after injury to a warrior's transition back into civilian life and beyond. Today, more than 147,000 injured service members and 37,200 family support members are registered with WWP nationwide and have access to free, comprehensive programs and services. This includes 3,512 warriors and 1,079 caregivers living throughout the state of Tennessee who are being served by regional WWP field staff located in Nashville.

Impact

CONNECT

WWP TALK
Mental Health Support Line, Serving Socially Isolated and Vulnerable Warriors
• 40,000+ Warrior Engagements from Operation Check-in
• Expanded collaboration with mental health providers to deliver virtual counseling for warriors with PTSD

ALUMNI & FAMILY PROGRAMS
Empowering Warriors, Supporting Family, Enriching Civilian Life
• WWP expanded its virtual programming, making connections with warriors in more geographical locations than ever before
• 91% of participants say they felt socially connected to their peers
• 89% of participants say they felt like they had people they could depend on

RESOURCE CENTER
Warrior Registration and Information
• 149, 726 approved warriors within database
• Provided 11,610 program engagements with a 91% satisfaction rate

SERVE

COMBAT STRESS RECOVERY PROGRAM & PROJECT ODYSSEY
Healing Mental Wounds: Combat Stress, PTSD, and TBI
• 952 Mental Health Referrals
• 3,251 Project Odyssey program engagements
• Improved Resiliency

WARRIOR CARE NETWORK
A Network of World-Renowned Mental Health Facilities
• 883 Unique patients served through FY20
• 12,271 program engagements
• 10,386 Total OP & IOP hours
• 74% Experience Reduced PTSD Symptoms
• 62% Experience Improved Psychological Well-Being

INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM
In-Home Care for Severely Wounded Warriors
• 31% of warriors need the aid and attendance of another person because of their injuries and health problems
• 190,000+ hours of in-home and local care provided to the most severely injured warriors, helping them reach and maintain a level of autonomy that would not otherwise be possible
• $1.83 million granted and invested in the caregiver relief initiative, supporting caregivers of the most severely injured warriors

EMPOWER

PHYSICAL HEALTH & WELLNESS
Wellness Programs to Support Physical and Emotional Health
• 95% of warriors sustained physical injuries that are considered severe, most experiencing more than one
• 34% of participants reported improved mobility by at least 30%
• 48% of participants experienced a reduction in pain, and 53% experienced an improvement in quality of sleep

EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
One-time emergency financial support
• Requests for Emergency Financial Assistance increased 112% during the onset of COVID-19 pandemic
• $11 million in Covid Relief funds to more than 11,000 warriors in financial crisis

WARRIORS TO WORK
Helping Warriors Achieve a Fulfilling Civilian Career
• 41% of warriors say they've experienced challenges related to unemployment as a result of COVID-19.
• 1,850 + warriors and family members achieved meaningful employment through WWP career coaching services

Needs

During these uncertain times, ensuring the health and well-being of those we serve remains our greatest concern. For us to keep this critical work going, we need your support now more than ever. Please consider giving today. Every donation - big or small - makes a difference.

CEO Statement

At Wounded Warrior Project, we have a steadfast commitment to the over 207,322 wounded warriors and families we serve - supporting them as they heal, strengthen relationships, and live life to their fullest potential. Generous contributions from the American public provides Wounded Warrior Project the distinct privilege to support those dreams through free programs and services. And for that, we are incredibly thankful. This year, we will continue to connect, serve, and empower the brave servicemen and women who've sacrificed so much for our great nation. We will increase investments in mental health care, helping wounded warriors living with the invisible wounds of war. We'll continue to support the severely wounded, to connect warriors with their peers and communities, and to focus on independence and financial resiliency. We will increase partnerships and strengthen relationships with community-based organizations - because empowering this post-9/11 generation requires collaboration locally, regionally, and nationally. We're so proud to work alongside like-minded nonprofits, for-profits, governmental agencies, and passionate individuals to create significant, life-changing impact for wounded warriors and their families. We have you to thank for that.

Service Categories
Primary Category:	Public & Societal Benefit  - Military/Veterans' Organizations
Secondary Category:	Human Services  - Human Services
Tertiary Category:	Mental Health & Crisis Intervention  - Mental Health Treatment

Areas Served

WWP's national headquarters is located in Jacksonville, FL, supporting administrative and fundraising functions, in addition to local programmatic efforts. Fifteen additional regional offices are located across the country and act as service centers, delivering programmatic services and support for warriors and their families in the local area and region. One of those additional locations is in Nashville, TN.

TN - Davidson

National

TN

KY