AboutFace-USA sets a very high standard in transparency and accountability for our veterans community.The founders Joe and Carol LaBranche are truly dedicated to giving our warrior veterans “a hand up and not just a hand out”. Their tireless work ethic and commitment to those in need has made huge strides in meeting the organizations mission goals.Semper Fi To About Face-USA.
I am Dave Hofstetter, a 1969 graduate of West Point followed by a 21 years, 3 months and 4 days career in the Army at all levels culminating in an assignment with the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Operations bringing a new joint unit out of the ground. I also was fortunate to be able to return to West Point for three years as an instructor in leadership and a key role with the Army Lacrosse Team. So hopefully that will give you all an indication that I have been around the block once or twice and have a basic knowledge and familiarity of many areas. I am also heavily involved in Veteran activities in and around Atlanta and I am particularly impressed with Carol and Joe LaBranche and their AboutFace-USA organization which expertly administers a wide and varied array of program to support veterans and their families. Carol and Joe are intimately involved in each program and they have established working partnerships with numerous supporting organizations and professionals to ensure the most effective approach and results. My wife and I visited the AboutFace Farm in Cumming, GA and personally witnessed how Project GROW is able to provide mental and physical support to veterans - and the produce is delicious! My advice to all is to take some time to examine all the programs available and then dive into one or two to realize the significant positive impact they are having on veterans and their families - it will be well worth the effort!!
CarolLaBranche 02/18/2025
Dave, you are most kind, thank you.
About Face USA provides terrific support to worthy veterans in North Georgia. Carol and Joe LaBranche diligently work to help veterans from their Cumming center with mental health issues, food and transportation needs and shelter. Veterans struggling with finances receive training on how to better manage their money. Their work enables veterans to cope with day-to-day challenges and live a better life. Thank you Carol and Joe.
M. K. “Hawkeye” Sharp
CarolLaBranche 02/15/2025
Hawkeye, we appreciate you. As a Veteran who helps veterans, you know better than most how catching and dealing with problems early can build resiliency for years to come.
This organization works directly with Vets in need. They go to downtown Atlanta and provide clothing and mats to Vets on the street, and work with them to improve their lives. They provide counseling, the founder Joe will go to a veteran's house at 3:00 AM when there is a crisis - they help in so many different ways. They are hands on and making a difference every day.
CarolLaBranche 02/15/2025
We are proud to know you Tom, you are a successful businessman in Cumming, Georgia, a veteran who helps behind the scenes. Thanks for your true words.
The About Face Organization: I have been battling PTSD for quite some time after a 22 plus years in the military. When I first heard about this organization I went to one of the meetings. I immediately felt welcomed and included. I found out that there were others there that were battling the same issues that had not seen actual combat as I. I cannot tell you how I felt knowing that I was not along in this battle. Hearing others stories and how they try to adapt has helped me tremendously with my struggles and literally has saved my lift. The organization has many other opportunities available for the veteran as well and I am beginning to utilize those services. Our organization has increased tremendously and we are trying to pay back and do things for veterans in our community. I thank God for Joe and Carol LaBranch for their vision for Veterans.
Every since I was introduced to the AboutFace organization by another fellow veteran - I have had nothing but excellent and professional service from the staff. All of the staff has ensured that I received the proper service(s) I needed or they got back to me on anything they were unsure of. Thank you to all of the staff at the AboutFace-USA, Inc. organization. Continued Blessings to you all.
Ra-Jendra H.
CarolLaBranche 02/15/2025
Thanks Ra-Jendra, while we do our best, it is you that is doing the work to get the job done. Sending positive, encouraging thoughts your way.
I'm a therapist working with people suffering from PTSD, mostly vets. I've had the opportunity to work with AboutFace-USA and to talk to many of the people who have requested help from them. The response and my experience have been overwhelmingly positive. Vets and their families are so grateful to AboutFace-USA for anything from providing a listening ear, rides to doctors appointments, groups support, therapy, classes to help them heal. They are a gift to the planet, to vets and their families, to the community!
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It is a great organization. I'm proud to be a part of this team and because they help not only veterans in need but participate with other organizations to help other people in need.
They have worked tirelessly for 18 years to help veterans with the resources they need. From making mats from homeless veterans, supplying backpacks with hygiene items blanket and sock, counseling, transportation to doctor appointments, project grow with aeroponics gardening towers for veterans and their families. They try to address any need a veteran may have about themselves or their family. They try to blend community and veterans together and last May opened a Community and Veteran Resource Center where people can come and socialize, have events and get the help they need.
AboutFace-USA is promoting whole-health wellness for veterans and their families in the North Atlanta/North Georgia area. Our Center has an indoor aeroponic farm that grows safe, fresh, nutrient-rich produce for our community. There are no VAHCS facilities within 35 miles of our new Veteran Resource and Community Center in Cumming, Georgia, so we offer free transportation to any medical appointment (to the Atlanta VAMC or VA clinics or local non-VA appointments). We hold Veteran-led Peer Support meetings and give hope to all veterans, homeless veterans, transitioning veterans through veteran programs and activities. We help family members who seek to understand how to communicate and cope with their veteran who may be fighting mental health issues and/or substance use addictions. Come GROW with us.
We are extremely happy to partner with AboutFace USA, Inc through our Knights of Columbus Council 12942 and Assembly 3086. We look to support them any way possible. They exceed our expectations in their charitable work with the veterans
I've been partnered with Aboutface-USA since September of 2023. Aboutface-USA is dedicated to helping veterans and there families.
Supporting our veterans should never end when they return to civilian life. We know our US military to be the best on this planet, whether in combat or in support positions. It is our civic duty to continue supporting them for serving our country in every way possible. As the mother of a physically challenged son, I am especially thankful to see AboutFace connect the two populations in a spirit of acceptance and mutual growth. Joe LaBranche, a veteran himself, has founded and promoted this amazing non-profit organization. As we approach another Veterans Day on November 11, I can think of no better way to say thank you, Joe, than to make another donation to AboutFace USA! God Bless.
About Face - USA is the real deal. I have called with requests for help with Veterans so many times and have never been let down. With scammers out there taking advantage of our men and women who should be honored, it has been my privilege to know what this team puts into making a difference in the lives of Veterans. They have put those needs ahead of their own countless times. Thank you, About Face-USA for being a part of the solution!!
Debbie A - Georgia
10/30/2018 (27) Wes Brookman
Wes Brookman recommends AboutFace-USA.
I’d reach the end of my vocabulary trying to explain how fantastic this local non-profit organization for veterans is or how good of a guy its founder, Joe LaBranche, is.... Anyone looking to donate to help support veterans and their families AND wanting their contribution to go as far as possible in aiding the actual service member, LOOK NO
FURTHER. I’ve interacted with many different veteran support groups, and I assure you that AboutFace-USA is DIFFERENT.
I was simply blown away by the level of genuine kindness, generosity, and eagerness to help ( (with anything and everything) that I was greeted with at AboutFace-USA... “Grateful” just doesn’t quite say it.
My experience is with Joe LaBranche, the President/founder of AboutFace-USA. He is passionate about the Vietnam Veterans and has a strong desire to help them in any way he can. He works with our school maintaining our Tower Gardens. His desire is to have veterans help maintain them so they can interact with others and feel useful. He devotes countless hours to his organization and the well being of the men and women who served during the Vietnam War. His own story is inspiring and a true testament to bravery, courage and compassion for others.
Veteran-led veteran-service groups are much better than the alternative. There are many who think they know what battle veterans need, but few that have experienced the horror. I have heard founder Joe LaBranche's personal story about his return from the Vietnam War, and if my son, daughter, or an acquaintance needed assistance in dealing with the aftereffects of their time spent in theater, I would appreciate someone like Joe, or others from About Face USA, to lend a helping hand or a trained ear to them. Some veteran-centric organizations serve veterans with pleas for money, About Face USA serves pleas for help with their heart and their faith. Unequivocably, About Face USA needs to be more widely recognized for their efforts on behalf of their fellow warriors.
AboutFace, USA, led by Joe Labranche is love in action and making an eternal difference in the lives of Veterans. It is an honor and a privilege to partner with Joe to provide hope, healing, and faith with the men and women who have given so much for so many. We have worked with AboutFace, USA on a number of projects and outreach opportunities. Each project has been successful and thousands of Veterans have benefited. In the strongest terms, I recommend AboutFace, USA to anyone who is looking to support a high value, effective, and efficient Non-Profit organization. David Dodd, Colonel US Army Retired / Director, Point 27
October 30, 2018
To Whom it May Concern:
AboutFace-USA is a 501(c)(3) all volunteer, nonprofit organization that empowers veterans and family members to turn their lives around for the better. The organization provides safe and stable programs and services to veterans, their family members, and families of our fallen. The work they do helps to improve the individual’s quality of life, self-determination, and self-worth.
The AboutFace-USA programs help reduce the pain and suffering our returning veterans and their families endure upon reintegration into civilian life. They provide a stable and safe family friendly environment, a refuge within the community where veterans and like-minded people can meet, learn, and share their story. By including non -combat veterans and military service members there is an increased opportunity for all to seek and receive the services needed, without singling out the severely troubled.
The veterans support groups gather to promote purpose, healing, accountability and encourage the sharing of feelings, emotions and every day issues affecting their personal and family lives. AboutFace-USA welcomes male and female veterans. Groups meet in an open and confidential setting with the goal of developing a sense of wellness and self-worth.
In addition to veteran/family programs, AboutFace-USA offers military culture presentations to the community which provides awareness opportunities for civilians, businesses and government leaders. These presentations educate people on veteran/family lives and their qualities, culture, and needs.
This organization is an asset to our communities and to our veteran. We support AboutFace in every way.
Respectfully,
Ken and Karen Pleva
1229 Atrium Way, Leland, NC 28451
910 465 6230
Aboutface is making multi-generational changes for the better in our community- helping veterans, children and growing food for the community too!
I know that Joe LaBranche is a great leader for Aboutface. As a Veteran of the Vietnam War he knows of the difficulties of returning to a "normal" life and the hardships returning veterans face. Joe puts his heart and soul into helping fellow veterans. He will work with individual veterans and access their particular needs and help as much as possible.
About Face and the founder, Joe Labranche show community members that there are a variety of ways to assist our military and veterans by becoming involved in their communities, solving a problem, and expanding their view of the world. About Face has inspired hundreds of adults and students. Their efforts have made a difference in the lives of thousands of our brave active duty troops as well as veterans of all cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. About Face provides development and leadership opportunities by implementing multiple volunteer projects that offer a continuum of service all year long. They raise awareness of issues that affect our veterans like PTSD and homelessness. They welcome ideas, provide tools, encourage action, supply resources, and teach skills, enabling people to become part of the solution. Whether it is delivering food or providing clothing, personal hygiene products, counseling or shelter, their goal is to make an impact in the lives of our heroes. Mr. Labranche empowers, encourages, equips, and mobilizes dedicated volunteers to take action and experience success in helping to alleviate societal issues of our veterans. By partnering with parents, businesses, schools, and organizations, About Face helps both members of our community recognize collective responsibility regarding veteran issues. Joe through his non profit offers opportunities for concerned citizens to be respectful, tolerant and accepting of differences, and they strive to instill a lifetime commitment to serve our brave soldiers, veterans, and their families.
The transition from military life to civilian life can be really tough. I know - I’ve been there, and now I see and work with transitioning Veterans every day. AboutFace ‘fills the gap’ by meeting the needs and challenges of these Veterans and their families. They help them reintegrate into civilian society by identifying the specific resources Veterans need and by providing a true sense of belonging. AboutFace gets it, because these are sincere and knowledgeable Veterans helping their fellow Veterans!
About face USA Inc has a wonderful program helping Veterans with life skills as well as their hydroponic gardening, they offer so many other programs which benefit veterans also vocational training.
Additionally, About Face has help the Disabled American Veterans by supplying food stuffs which were used to help Veterans and their families they also have access to new electric wheelchairs and new hospital beds for veterans in need.