Sempermax Support Fund

Programs: Warrior2warrior: one of the most challenging areas of veteran recovery is a loss of purpose. As an extension of its normal w2w activities, 9 veterans were brought out to semper fi farm with a focused mission. Veterans and family members were provided lodging, food, and relaxation along with opportunities to serve by assisting the farm proprietor, a purple heart recipient, with scheduled projects and/or daily maintenance of the farm and its livestock. Veterans and their families found renewal in assisting with tasks such as installing fencing, clearing brush, readying the farm and set up for the flag day event, bush hogging, helping with the chickens and sheep, etc. In general, w2w touched over 150 individuals throughout the year through viral effect.

meeting of the minds: lessons learned conferences where wounded/ill/injured and gold star families are brought together for support, shared experiences, best practices, limitations, needs gaps, etc. , leading to collective healing and positive relationships. Through the meeting of the minds program, sempermax provided opportunities for renewal through outdoor activities, music, and shared experiences as veterans and families came together and camped at semper fi farm, partaking in outdoor activities like: fishing, hiking, archery, etc. Over 100 participants were engaged in some part of this years weekend long veterans flag day event. Participants hailed from the local community and around the nation, across military campaigns.

rose beyond the thorns: one caregiver retreat was held at kingsmill resort in williamsburg, va. Twelve parent caregivers were sponsored from all over the nation. 96% of participants indicated in their post-retreat survey that they attained real tools that will allow them to regain a sense of identity and strengthen/improve their emotional and spiritual balance, relationships with their spouses and others, sexual health and intimacy. 100% left the retreat with an understanding of the neurobiological effects of trauma and how it may be affecting their life and relationships. Further, 96% of the participants reported they felt hopeful, not alone, more connected, and likely to make self care a priority in the future.