EDUCATE. CONNECT. INSPIRE.
Mission
The Mission of Veterans Recovery Project is to build resilience in the community of survivors of Military Sexual Trauma.
Vision
Our vision is to empower survivors by educating them and their families on the importance of connecting with a community of veteran survivors and supporters. We aim to inspire others to walk the path of Post Traumatic Growth (PTG) using recreational therapies, equine therapy and artistic expression as a means to facilitate recovery.
Who we serve
Our collective experience in diverse veteran communities allows us to collaborate with a variety of veteran nonprofits that serve the following populations; (included but not limited to) Pre and Post 9-11 veterans, minority veterans, combat veterans, LGBTQ veterans, women veterans and current service members.
These partnerships allow us to address the specific needs of each population as it relates to recovery from military sexual trauma. Our orginazation has a large network of resources that are equipped to provide support and meet the needs of veterans in the areas of; homelessness, lack of transportation, service record verification, claims & benefits process, discharge upgrades, physical and psychological limitations and the ability to facilitate specific accommodations.
Our collective experience in diverse veteran communities allows us to collaborate with a variety of veteran nonprofits that serve the following populations; (included but not limited to) Pre and Post 9-11 veterans, minority veterans, combat veterans, LGBTQ veterans, women veterans and current service members.
These partnerships allow us to address the specific needs of each population as it relates to recovery from military sexual trauma. Our orginazation has a large network of resources that are equipped to provide support and meet the needs of veterans in the areas of; homelessness, lack of transportation, service record verification, claims & benefits process, discharge upgrades, physical and psychological limitations and the ability to facilitate specific accommodations.
Leadership Team
Trina McDonald
Co-Founder
USN Veteran
Survivor
Luz Helena (Stacey) Thompson
Co-Founder
USMC Veteran
Survivor
Nicholas "Nick" Henry
Photographer
@the_viking_photographer
USMC Combat Veteran Supporter
Our Values
- Integrity
- Empowerment
- Diversity
- Community
- Leadership
Veterans Recovery Project aims to unite survivors and supporters. We are committed to researching, understanding and supporting changes in alternative theraputic modalities, which would provide better mental health support for survivors of MST.
Sexual trauma in the military is not gender specific. Male survivors have been one of the most underserved communities in need of our support.
Survivors of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) are often hesitant to report crimes such as rape or sexual assault for fear of retaliation. Retaliation can often result in service members being wrongfully discharged from the military after reporting.
The result is a that for many Survivors who have been retaliated against or even worse, removed from the armed forces with a characterization of discharge that was "Other Than Honorable", they often experience a difficult time accessing mental health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Reintegration to civilian life can be significantly impacted by not being able to access veteran benefits especially for those who need support. These less than honorable discharges have been associated with homelessness, imprisonment and suicide rates among survivors.
It is crucial that we address the multitude of complications and expose the red tape associated with the discharge upgrade process. With a bad conduct discharge a survivor may be denied benefits such as but not limited to; health care, service connected disability compensation, pension, home loans, reemployment protection, educational assistance and vocational rehabilitation. Resources for legal assistance free of charge for survivors of MST is essential for those who have discharges that are less than honorable.
Using social media you can help us increase awareness of the needs of MST Survivors by sharing this information with others. Help us by supporting all survivors male and female, and together as one community lets create a movement of change; We are committed to educate, connect & inspire those around us by sharing our story of recovery after military sexual trauma.