Caregivers On The Homefront

If you read the mission statement for this nonprofit you will be told, as a caregiver, they provide "hope, a sense of togetherness, and a firm foundation of resiliency.” Given the times of today, you would be thrilled to attend their Restorative Weekend. During this weekend, the Executive Director and Founder of this organization acted in the most unprofessional manner I have ever witnessed. I personally volunteer and donate to nonprofits within our veteran and caregiver community and I’ve never experienced these kind of issues anywhere else.

Caregivers were not given a schedule, itinerary or written expectations for the weekend beforehand nor were we informed told that we would be sharing rooms. Caregivers arrived to either an empty room or a room with a stranger’s belongings and a “do not disturb” sign on a door which immediately would become a point of contention. No one was greeting anyone at check-in and when we tried to reach staff, it was difficult. At the first scheduled meeting, we met the Executive Director and Founder. She was not a welcoming face and was heard screaming and yelling in the hallway. She was telling people, who flew in for the retreat and who were visibly uncomfortable sharing rooms with strangers to "just get over it.” She told us we would not continue to discuss the room situation because they were donated and they do not waste donor dollars. Later that evening she did make arrangements to pay for private rooms for a few select caregivers, while others could fly or drive home. Sharing in a room with a stranger during a pandemic is not the best nor safest situation when most of our veterans are immunosuppressed at home. Caregivers were also asked to pay $100 deposit as a donation directly to caregivers on the homefront and were told that it would be refunded at the end of the retreat.

On the second night of the retreat, we went out to a meal at a local chain restaurant. We were told beforehand that we were not allowed to order alcohol and expect the nonprofit to pay for it with donor dollars. I would like to add at this point every member of the retreat is also a donor because of our required donations. A few participants did visit the bar and order drinks. However, one participant ordered an alcoholic drink and added it to the organization’s bill. The waiter was asked to remove the drink from the organization’s bill and put it on a separated bill for the individual. This participant left to go to the bathroom and never returned to pay her bill. The two organization’s staff members paid the bill for the food and left a tip. I questioned what they would do with the other bill for this person's alcohol and was told they would just leave it. I understand not wanting to use donor dollars to pay for alcohol, but I do not understand walking out of any establishment and not paying a bill and leaving a restaurant employee to deal with it. Another participant witnessed this happening and paid for the bill as well as the tip. This speaks to the character of the organization. How can you be empowering and supporting others while leaving a bill unpaid at a restaurant? They could have paid the bill and deducted it from the $100 deposit that each participant left instead of just this “who cares they are adults frame of mind.”

As part of the weekend, we went to a local establishment for painting. This environment, which should have been relaxing as part of this restorative weekend, was met with a rather loud political conversation amongst the staff members. Topics that are triggering were discussed in an open forum where opinions were made very boldly by staff, as participants listened. ******There was also a situation where a very public self-defense trial had reached a verdict and the CEO instead of saying it would not be discussed in our meeting space decided to give her opinion as a former police officer. This is not wise for anyone to feed into a triggering situation and attempt to shut it down by saying their opinion supersedes everyone else. This only brought another point of contention into this safe restorative space.

The organization’s Program Director was the only one truly concerned about the participants health and well-being, but she was not allowed to make decisions without the Executive Director and Founder’s permission. She spent time away from the meeting space trying to make sure people who had decided to leave where ok.

I cannot fully comment on the situation the morning the retreat had ended, but I will say that the retreat ended early after staff members verbally attacked and belittled the remaining participants who attended that morning. I, along with a few others, did not attend because the meeting space had become an unstable place as the staff members, the night prior, screamed at a participant who was having a conversation that they were not even part of. They caused her to leave, crying, and then the same staff member decided to verbally attack me. The hotels room were donated and signs were clearing posted saying, "A fee of up to 250 USD will be assessed for smoking in a non-smoking room or a balcony". The person I was assigned to share a room with was indulging in cannabis products as well as alcohol. It is not my concern how others spend their time but, I was very uncomfortable as most retreats are drug and alcohol free. This was brought up to the staff members as not only was my credit card on file but should the room have been reported the drug paraphernalia could have caused an issue for me. I texted the staff and waited for 3 hours for the situation to be addressed privately during our scheduled down time. It was addressed by the CEO/Founder standing up at the close of the evening and saying we had one night left on the retreat, and we needed to put our big girl pants on and be adults. She completely ignored me and failed to address it a private matter and when I approached her after this comment, she said she was not discussing and had plans with her daughter to go to the beach. As the person in charge of the retreat as well as for someone holding mental health licenses it was her responsibility to make sure that participants were both physically and mentally safe. They also denied refunding my deposit saying I left earlier however it was due to no fault of my own. The pictures are most definitely deceiving from this weekend as well, they instructed people to just get a good picture and they could go home and the weekend would end early. Please use caution when choosing an organization to donate to as well as participate in. It does not matter how many fancy titles someone has, what matters is how they treat people. #Cohort11 #restorativeweekend #empoweredcaregiver #caregiversonthehomefront.

I can be contacted privately for any other clarifications needed.

Caregivers on the Homefront is truly an amazing organization. I was blessed to be selected for a retreat in El Paso, Texas. I was able to connect with other Caregivers in similar situations. They focused on my health and mental well being, which I have neglected while caring for my disabled husband. The weekend was full of acceptance, understanding, and vulnerability. Lasting friendships were formed and now I have a support network. I can’t thank them enough. What a wonderful organization!!

Caregivers on the Homefront is a great organization that has made an enormous impact on my life as I know it has for so many others. It has brought much needed awareness to those of us who have quite frankly suffered silently for decades. Thru this program I have found resources to help me as the caregiver to take care of myself. I have found a community of like minded, mission oriented individuals, who all have at some point lost their sense of identity, who help one another with moral support in whatever way that might look like. I feel that I have made bonds for life with those I have met through this program. I strongly encourage anyone and everyone that serves in a caregiver role no matter how small as you are sure to gain essential tools to help you take care of yourself as well as your loved one.

Love Caregiver On the Homefront, they were there for me at my lowest, and gave me the tools to be at my highest. They are always available to help and assist you with your needs. I thank God for them, because they truly care, not only for the Caregiver but Veterans as well.

Caregivers on the Homefront truly understands Caregivers and their needs. They work hard to embrace Caregivers and help them overcome some of the challenges that come with their daily life.

Caregivers on the Homefront has been a great non-profit in supporting caregivers far and wide. I have used so many of their resources for my own personal experience of being a caregiver to my dad, a Vietnam Veteran. The information the non-profit provides helps me to support my mom, as she is a full-time caregiver to my dad. The Executive Director, Shawn Moore, is also my best friend. I couldn't be more proud of her as she has built up the non-profit over the years and continues getting awarded for her dedication to so many caregivers. I became a part of the non-profit about a year ago, helping with the social media marketing. And I'm so happy to be a part of a great organization, supporting caregivers and my long-time friend.

My first encounter with Caregivers on the Homefront was during a workshop for military caregivers. I was fortunate enough to continue to work with COH by attending a retreat in 2018. This organization helps families heal and provides so much support and I am so thankful for our paths crossing!

The founder of Caregivers, Shawn Moore, is a very strong leader. She works tirelessly for all caregivers. Always going above and beyond advocating for the family.

This organization is all about helping caregivers of veterans find themselves and focus on them and not just who they are caring for. They are a resource of support and know what the caregivers are going through as they too are caregivers themselves.

It took me three years as an isolated caregiver and a wonderful team (Shawn and Rachel) from Caregivers on the Homefront to finally reach out for support. They invited me to a weekend retreat which was the first time away from my wounded warrior. The weekend empowered me to appreciate the need for self-care and not feel guilty about it. Spending quality time with other caregivers, sharing stories and strategies has been invaluable to our families journey. I can't thank COH enough for always being there for us! What a tremendous supportive team!

I was lucky enough to be chosen to attend one of their retreats. I learned so much and was finally able to tell my story without any judgement. Shortly after this retreat I was faced with a unbelievable crisis. I was on the verge of taking my own life due to the overwhelming stress. This group saved my life. The support I got even though they were not In the same state was incredible. At my darkest moments they were on phone talking to me regardless the time. At one point they even sent the police because they did not hear from me. They have become my world. We need more groups like this. Being a caregiver is a very hard task, but with support it can be much more manageable.

This organization is amazing the ladies who run it are very heart warming and loving. I meet them in a time that I needed to hear what there message is. They helped me to see I was not alone, that suicide was not the answer. I went to a restorative retreat. They gave me enough information, friendship and many laughs to know that I am not alone anymore. I send friends to them all the time... One of the most amazing nonprofit ever..

The founder is very knowledgeable about the physical and emotional toll caregivers experience as they care for military veterans. She is passionate about serving the families of veterans and recognizes that caregivers lack support and resources. Shawn, the founder, strives to advocate for caregivers through Caregivers on the Homefront.

I have had several opportunities to meet this wonderful founder of Care Givers on the Homefront. She is the most passionate person I have ever met when it comes to veterans and their families. She is not only passionate but also very educated about different issues that veterans and their care givers face everyday. Hearing her stories inspire me to be more competent when working with veterans and include their families. Thank you Shawn!

Caregivers on the Homefront are doing phenomenal things for all era Veteran and First Responders caregivers. I cannot express enough in words how much impact this organization has had in my life. I was blessed to attend the very first Mental Health summit. That weekend was powerful. I was given more tools not only to deal with the struggles of taking care of my husband full time but also my own struggles . Because of that weekend I have been able to find the person I was long before my husband was injured and let go of some of the weight. I had held on my shoulders for way too long. COH also gave me a tribe of women who are there for me without judgement or question. It’s has been my honor to be able to give back to this organization as a volunteer and to serve others who walk the same path I do.

Caregivers on the Homefront gave me an opportunity to share my story. To be heard, and my feelings validated. The life of a caregiver is often marked with ups and downs. Advocating for a loved one can easily become a full time job. COH has helped me find a balance and reminds me to care for myself as well.

My Wife is Shawn Moore. When she told me that she was starting a nonprofit to help caregivers, I knew that it would be an excellent organization. She is my caregiver and she has saved my life. Without the people involved with Caregivers on the Homefront Shawn and my family would not be as mentally and physically healthy as they are now. I would recommend Caregivers on the Homefront to anyone who is taking care of a veteran or first responder.

I am so glad to be apart of the program. Not only do they care for, support, and help the veteran's. They care, and support the wives and caregivers.

This organization is amazing! Absolutely, life changing. I was lucky enough to attend a COH weekend and it changed my life. I learned so many different things and met some great friends. I can’t wait to give back and volunteer my time. Thank you COH for everything you do ❤️

This is one of the most amazing non profit organizations ever they help military and first responders families trying to live a normal life