I have personally seen the effects of this organization and the impact it is making on our community of Veterans. Mental health services are crucial to those who have served and are greatly needed. This Veteran run organization understands the Veterans they serve due to having served themselves. Without any reservation I can say Hidden Wounds is making a difference and filling in the gap during this great time of need.
This organization has provided a great way to get involved with the community and is extremely knowledgable about Post Traumatic Stress. I feel encouraged when volunteering with this organization by knowing they are enhancing the lives of our Veterans on a daily basis and informing the public of the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress. Veterans who receive services from this organization always express their appreciation and feel good knowing there is someone who truly cares about their well being.
This organization is the definition of a nonprofit. All of their money and resources go to further improve the services rendered to veterans that need immediate help. I've met numerous people that have survived because of the immediate help that Hidden Wounds brings. They aren't just making lives of veterans more comfortable, but they are saving them and the families and friends around them.
This is a group that doesn't spend millions on celebrities to do tv commercials. They don't parade vets around to make people feel guilty and give money. They don't sue other non profits with donor money if they are called out for something shady. The people who work actually care and know what they are talking about when they say They Get It!
I met Steven a few years ago at a fundraising event where my brother had donated a ice sculpture for the auction. Since then I've donated multiple times. Not nearly as much as I wish I could. When you speak to Steven you can tell he is a warrior but also a gentle man who understands the needs of his other warriors. I done research on some of the big names non profits that do similar work but Hidden Wounds by far exceeds the benifits the soilders get out of the donations. Steven isn't interested in making money for himself. His interests are making our warriors that have put their lives on the line for us can live a normal life like us.
Love what they are able to do for veterans and their family. I have personally seen the lives they have been able to save. Thank you Hidden Wounds.
II know the men and women who work to help veterans deal with the issues they bring back from war. Many of the staff have lost a loved one to suicide bc they were not able to handle the demons which haunted them. These are very special individuals whose organization needs more counselors, money, and recognition for our struggling war veterans whose wounds are hidden, These hidden wounds are masked by the military training of strength over weakness. Counselors are imperative for the survival of these vets. I am sure the numbers have changed, but the last time I heard figures 21 vets a day take their lives bv they are not able to deal with the ghosts from war.
Columbia SC is a military town and state. SC is home to Fort Jackson, Paris Island, Shaw AFB, and McIntire ANG. As a result, the needs for mental health are higher than some other states. All of the dollars raised through Hidden Wounds stays in Columba, SC to assist the veterans in this area. The organization does not turn down anyone who seeks help even from other states bc they do not want another brother to fall victim to suicide. Over coming the drinking and drug abuse used to mask the pain is another challenge these vets face. Overall Hidden Wounds funds counseling for Vets to helo them stay alive and keep families in tact.
As the Program Mgr of the SC Veterans Policy Academy, Hidden Wounds has been a great organization for service members in SC. Keep up the good work!
Phillip Goldsmith
Program Mgr
SCVETPOLICYACADEMY
For over 8 years my husband was in denial about his PTSD. He finally came to a breaking point and took off. He was missing for 4 days. A friend contacted Hidden Wounds, who in turn contacted me. A volunteer with Hidden Wounds called me practically immediately and spoke to me about what was going on and how they could help. The day after my husband came home, the volunteer met with my husband and I. He made my husband feel that he was NOT alone and that people do care! Hidden Wounds found a counselor for him to see and he is now getting the help he deserves. If it were not for Hidden Wounds, I don't know where we would be.
They undstand me when no one else did. They came tot the va hospital to meet me when I had given up on myself. I can trust them and that matters. Thank you hidden wounds.
As the wife of an Army retiree I am accutely aware of the need for services to address PTSD, and not just from within the military. With the number of deployments to combat areas and just the incidence of non-combat related injuries, the amount of PTSD cases has increased dramatically. Trauma to the mind is just as hurtful (and possibly more so) than physical injuries. Hidden Wounds is helping to provide services to many people that might otherwise get lost.
Electric organization with purpose, worth while work, and making a difference in the lives of our military veterans AND their family members. You can feel the heartbeat of the amazing and hard working volunteers. Inspiring and dedicated.
As the lead facilitator of a smoking cessation program, I often encounter veterans / active military. Although my program has an 84% quit rate, I find that this group has an even greater need to not only quit smoking, but to identify the triggers that hold them a prisoner of nicotine. Hidden Wounds is the only organization that delivers the help so desperately needed. Please, let's give our military the protection that they so selflessly provided while on active duty.
I have the utmost respect for former members of the military who see a need and take action. This is the type of organization that can best work with those who need assistance......veterans who are suffering from any of the aftermath of war issues. For those veterans who have 'been there and done that' their background is crucial. The fact that they took it upon themselves to commit to the well being of our veterans who are hurting is outstanding. Hopefully there will be more organizations that will pattern their work after Hidden Wounds.
Experience is the most beneficial means to treat 'hidden wounds' along with the professional staff where their combined efforts make a difference in the lives of our 'wounded'.