They are some truely amazing and caring people at WWFS. My family had such an amazing time on our trip and it gave us some great quality time together. It was great watching the kids have so much fun. I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart I feel very blessed. Thank you!
My family received an unforgettable incredible experience at Universal thanks to this nonprofit. We are forever grateful!
We had a much needed stress free get away all thanks to WWFS. It was amazing to get the chance to really connect as a family.
My family had great trip to Universal Orlando thanks to Wounded Warriors Family Support. Dawn was super helpful. We are extremely grateful to Wounded Warriors Family Support team. Thank you
Wounded Warriors Family Support is an absolutely incredible organization!
As a disabled combat veteran, I have been out of work since 2022 due to my injuries, and financially, a trip like this was simply out of reach for us. Thanks to WWFS, my family was able to experience an unforgettable retreat that we could have never done on our own.
They provided accommodations and park tickets to Universal Studios and LEGOLAND, allowing us to focus on what truly mattered—spending quality time together without stress. The experience gave us a much-needed break from the challenges of everyday life, and it strengthened our bond in ways we can’t even begin to describe.
WWFS doesn’t just offer support; they provide life-changing experiences that bring joy and relief to military families. We are beyond grateful for this opportunity and will always appreciate everything they have done for us.
WWFS provided my family and I a once of a lifetime experience. Ms Dawn was communicating with me to ensure that my family had the most incredible time. They provided us with tickets for two days to Universal Studios Orlando with special passes that got you treated like royalty. A one day pass to Legoland was also provided, the weather didn’t work out for us there but the trip was incredible. I also got to opportunity to reunite with an old Army brother as Ms Dawn carefully coordinated our time together to assist with the reunion. I have never experienced anything like this in my life. Ms Dawn, my family and I are forever grateful to you and WWFS for what you do for Veterans like me. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Thank you, Wounded Warriors Family Support, for a fantastic time at Universal Studios, Lego Land, and Islands of Adventure. We needed a stress-free family trip; it wouldn't have been possible without your help and those who donated to your organization. It was the only time we could see and do everything at all three parks in just 3 days. I don't think my kids will ever forget all the fun they had and all the memories we made on this trip. To top it off, you also helped my best friend and fellow Marine, and we were able to meet up and share the experience with his family. I hope other veterans get a chance to enjoy this incredible experience. Again, thank you, WWFS, and all those who contributed to the mission to help out veterans and their families.
My daughter and I had an amazing experience. Not only that but we got to bond with a fellow veteran and his family whom I have not seen in over 15 years. There are no words that can express our gratitude for being given this opportunity. Thank you Dawn and everyone who played a part in making this happen.
The wounded warrior program does so much for so many people during a time of need. I appreciate them for everything they do for the veterans in the community.
This is an incredible organization that makes an amazing difference in Many veterans and veteran's families lives. High quality and proffesional volunteers. Their service is second to none. I have personally seen their support to the local Marine Corps Reserve unit and the services they provide make a true difference in the lives of those Marines.
Great people and great support! They help not only wounded warriors from first responding careers but the community as well!
The Oxford dictionary defines charity as an organization set up to provide help and raise money for those in need, and the Wounded Warriors Family Support organization does this above and beyond what is needed. Great people helping people in need with respect and a smile.
Wounded warriors have helped tremendously in my community, they are amazing at being there for the ones in need.
This organization really took care of the me and my marines a very big thank you to them and the things that they do!!!
The Wounded Warrior Family Support has done a great deal to help and assist veterans and their families, they are a great boon to this community
They helped increase morale within my unit and also helped set people’s financial issues at ease. Very grateful to have them helping out my community.
Thank you so much Wounded Warriors Family Support for everything you’ve done awarding me the Universal Orlando trip. I am an Air Force Veteran and my husband is an Army Veteran and this vacation was just what we needed to spend quality time together. I suffer from PTSD and don’t get out of the house often so being awarded this trip helped us bond and connect more than you ever could know. Thank you thank you thank you.
This has been the best experience ever. I was awarded a trip to Universal Studios and loved every moment. I cannot thank Wounded Warriors Family Support enough. You have given me and my family an unforgettable experience. Great customer service and always checking up on me. Thank you.
I can't say enough good things about WWFS and the gracious donors! They sent us on a trip of our life! Without them, we would have not been able to make this trip happen. The vacation brought our family together for some much needed quality time. We were treated as VIPs at the parks! We had a great time and will never forget it. Thanks again to WWFS and the donors!!!
Thank you soooo much again for an amazing family bonding vacation. Words will never be able to fully describe what this meant to our family. We all had the best time ever and just seeing my kids eyes light up was magical. Thank yall again, and God bless.
I have worked with WWFS through my job at an in-home personal care company. I had never heard of this organization before, but working with them has been great. Communication was fantastic, and they really take care of their clients. After reading more into WWFS, I realized that they are making a big difference to many Veterans across the nation. I'm now a huge fan of what they are doing and I have been spreading the word about how they can help! I would highly recommend WWFS for anyone needing help! Keep up the great work!
Absolutely love what WWFS is doing for Veterans and thier families! We had a wonderful trip and created long lasting memories all thanks to WWFS!
Wounded Warriors Family Support is an amazing nonprofit. My husband was injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. After coming home from these deployments he became a police officer for our hometown. Unfortunately, he was shot between the eyes while responding to a police call. At the time our children were 2 and 4 years old. I was a full time elementary school teacher. Due to the severity of his injuries I have not been able to return to work full time. I contacted WWFS to see what support the could offer. Teri went above and beyond to help our family resources. She wasn't judgmental and only offered encouragement. We are extremely thankful for this organization.
Wounded Warriors Family Support is truly a remarkable organization dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. From my experience, they go above and beyond to provide not only physical assistance but also emotional and mental support to those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
Their programs are well-organized, and the staff is incredibly compassionate, responsive, and knowledgeable. It’s clear that their mission is to make a meaningful impact in the lives of veterans and their families, ensuring they have the tools and resources to thrive. I had the opportunity to partner with Teri to care for a veteran family, she made the process so simple and was so wonderful to work with. She was extremely thoughtful sending thank you cards and welcome home gifts to a family member post-surgery. She truly cared about the family as much as I did and helped problem solve to offer the best support necessary.
I am especially impressed with how they cater to the entire family unit, recognizing that the challenges of military service affect everyone. It’s not just about helping the individual veteran but about healing and supporting the whole family.
I wholeheartedly recommend Wounded Warriors Family Support to anyone in need or anyone who wants to contribute to a worthy cause. Their work is nothing short of life-changing, and I’m grateful for the positive impact and partnership we have caring for veterans in Nashville, TN and the surrounding areas.
This organization provided our family with an amazing Our family had an amazing time.
Considering the complexities of life, the stresses of transition from military to civilian, and the tug and pull of competing priorities makes it sometimes difficult to live in the “here and now”, and sometimes taking a pause long enough to slow down and focus on the nucleus of the family is exactly what is needed. Considering our big family of six this problem is often even more complex with sports requirements, medical appointments, and wanting to always fulfill the need of spending time with family now that we are back in our hometown area of Mount Sterling, Kentucky.
Often, we had dreamed of visiting Orlando as a family, but there were several things that had always deterred us in the past. 1) the cost, 2) the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd, 3) the lines, and 4) the age of our children to ensure they would be old enough to remember.
During this visit, with the thanks of WWFS, we were able to spend about 5 days in Orlando with no cost, smaller crowds due to it being September, no lines due to the golden pass, and the ages of our children were now perfect enough for them to remember and enjoy the trip. Also, we were able to use Legoland as the educational piece needed to justify their absence from school during this time.
It was so nice to see the family smile, turn off the noise of the world, and just live in the moment of the “here and now”. Our kids were amazed and were smiling from ear-to-ear majority of the trip, which provided me and my wife with so much joy!
After my injury and departure from the military I often wondered if I had provided my children with the fun experiences and memories that would help mask perhaps some of the hurt that they have had from long deployments, or perhaps spending months in bed due to being injured. I began to even wonder if I had been a good father and provided them with the life long memories to know that I did everything I could to put smiles on their faces, and to see their faces light up because they were able to experience something as grand as meeting the characters they watch on tv, and the thrill of experiencing movies in a 4D way which ultimately made this trip extremely memorable.
Additionally, due to being able to find an affordable three-bedroom Airbnb, we were able to spend the evenings at a pirate ship pool connected to our lodge, and then send them off to their rooms to sleep for the night while the wife and me were able to reconnect, lay in bed and watch movies.
I know for a fact that none of this would have been possible without WWFS, and I cannot thank the organization enough to allowing our family to relax and put a hold on life, which all of those things that have happened in the past now allowed us to understand what is truly important, which is family.
I loved working with Wounded Warriors Family Support! They really went above and beyond to help out a veteran and his family who was in need of assistance. Teri and her team are very responsive, helpful, and true experts in the field. It is obvious that WWFS really cares about making a difference and helping out our nations veterans in times of need.
I have been working with a representative of Wounded Warrior to help provide care to a Veteran and they are a wonderful program.
We are very honored to work with our Veterans and Wounded Warrior.
I am a Marine Corps veteran with a wife and two little girls. We have been struggling pretty bad this past year and getting behind on bills struggling with getting the things we need. I spoke with Teri (who was nothing short of amazing) who was able to do something for us I don’t even know how to put into words. This wounded warrior program has not only helped us get back on our feet, but was a light in what seemed to be a dark place. Thank you for everything you have done and I can’t wait to be in a place to contribute to help others
WWFS gave us the chance to have an amazing Spring Break at Universal Studios and Legoland in Florida. Thank you so much to Bobbie-Jo and everyone else who makes this organization possible. Our family really needed a family trip to reconnect and have fun; and this was the best vacation we've had in a long time. Thank you all for doing what you are doing for veterans and their families!
They invest in the lives of Veterans and love on them. Help them experience joy and rainbows amidst storms and darkness.
An exemplary organization and helped make core memories for myself and family on a Warrior Universal/Lego experience.
Thank you Donors and WWPFS for loving on us and helping us experience Joy and connection on purpose.
Both the generosity and flexibility of WWFP made our trip to Legoland & the Universal parks absolutely UNFORGETTABLE! The ability to choose our dates made it so that I could time this trip perfectly between the kids' birth dates. Our Lego-lovers were THRILLED when we arrived at our hotel to find the door adorned with a Lego-themed birthday banner & gifts on each of their beds (arranged by the hotel)! Our Harry Potter loving daughter got to celebrate her 11th birthday in Hogsmead & Diagon Alley, and was coincidentally chosen to participate in the Olivander's wand shop show. The next day, our dino-lover was also chosen to adopt a T-Rex egg in Jurrasic Park (the birth certificate still hangs on his wall 6+ months later!). Our trip was FULL of these happy little surprises!
Separately, I cannot commend WWFS & Universal Studios enough for [what we ended up calling] "the golden ticket" that we received upon checking into the parks. This was so incredibly helpful for my husband - the Wounded Warrior. Among other injuries, he suffers from Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome which makes being upright, even in his fully-personalized chair, progressively more painful as the day goes on. The "golden ticket" meant that we were able to fully experience each park within HALF of each day, allowing him much-needed recovery time between parks. Not only was the timing great - never once were we made to feel like a burden or nuisance for asking for an escort to the accessible enterances.
I cannot thank this organization enough for our absolutely WONDERFUL trip!
WWFS gave us the most remarkable family vacation to Orlando Florida! My kids will remember this trip for a lifetime! We are forever grateful to Wounded Warriors Family Support. This trip provided our family with some much needed quality time together. From the bottom of our hearts thank you to all the donors and wounded warriors for making this dream a reality for our family.
Thank you Wounded Warrior Family Support for the fun and memorable vacation to Orlando Universal Studios and Legoland. Thank you to the donors and those who arranged the vacation of a lifetime. We had so much fun with our three kids and from the bottom of our hearts want to tell you how thankful we are for your generous donation!
Our family's recent adventure at Universal Studios and Lego Land, generously arranged by the Wounded Warriors Family Support (WWFS) and made possible by its kind donors, was nothing short of magical. This experience has left an indelible mark on our hearts, and we are immensely grateful for this opportunity.
From the outset, Bobbi Jo's exceptional coordination with WWFS ensured that every detail of our trip was meticulously planned. This allowed us, especially our 6-year-old son, to dive into the enchanting world of Universal Studios and Lego Land without a worry. The park's vibrant energy, thrilling rides, and captivating shows brought endless smiles and laughter, creating a treasure trove of memories we will cherish forever.
The joy and excitement we witnessed in our son as he explored the park, his eyes sparkling with wonder at every new sight, were truly priceless. For us, the true delight was in seeing his happiness, a sentiment that would not have been possible without the support and generosity of WWFS and its donors.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the donors who support WWFS. Your contributions are not just donations; they are investments in joy, family bonding, and unforgettable experiences for families like ours. Because of your generosity, we were able to enjoy a carefree and joyous time together, creating memories that will be fondly remembered and spoken of for years to come.
We also want to express our deep gratitude to Bobbi Jo for her incredible effort in arranging this trip. Her dedication and attention to detail ensured a smooth and enjoyable experience for us.
In sharing our story, we hope to highlight the significant impact that WWFS and its donors have on families. Your support provides a respite from the everyday and a chance to experience pure joy and excitement. We encourage others to continue supporting this remarkable organization, enabling more families to experience the magic that we did.
Thank you, WWFS, Bobbi Jo, and all the generous donors, for this unforgettable adventure and for the happiness you bring to so many families.
What an absolutely amazing experience. We had such an amazing time and it's a trip we wouldn't have been able to take otherwise. Bobbie-Jo was great and helpful. Our family really needed a family trip to reconnect and just have fun. We hadn't been able to do that in a really long time and we can't thank you guys enough for what you are doing for families.
Bobbie-Jo was amazing from the moment I spoke with her on the phone. I thought this program and it's offerings to my family were too good to be true. I remember asking her numerous times if this was actually happening! Her communication and willingness to answer my questions was impeccable!
Thank you to all of the sponsors including Universal Studios Orlando and Legoland Florida! My two small children had the time of their lives! We were treated like VIP at both parks.
I can't say THANK YOU enough times to Wounded Warriors Family Support!
Sincerely & with Gratitude,
The South Family
Our family had the opportunity to experience a trip to Orlando, thanks to the incredible support of Wounded Warriors Family Support (WWFS). From the moment we began planning to the very end of our vacation, WWFS was there to ensure everything went smoothly.
The kids were overjoyed with the Dr. Seuss area of Universal, and the cottage at Margaritaville was simply amazing. We even faced a minor hiccup with our passes at Universal, but the staff was quick to resolve the issue, allowing us to enjoy our day without any further problems.
What stands out the most is the genuine care and dedication shown by WWFS and their donors and sponsors. They went above and beyond to make this dream come true for our family, and we are forever grateful.
Leaving a review is the least we can do to express our heartfelt thanks. We highly recommend WWFS to other families in need of support. Their commitment to assisting families like ours is truly commendable, and we feel honored to have been a part of this journey.
Thank you, WWFS, for the memories that will last a lifetime!
Wounded Warriors Family Support (WWFS) is an absolute Godsend! My family and I were financially in a very tight spot where we were literally holding on by a string (too many issues to list). WWFS came to our rescue and helped out our family. The wonderful thing is, they treat you like family and actually care you and your family. Their Staff is Phenomenal and Bobbie-Jo Limones is an Amazing asset to the organization! We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. ❤️ Thank you for your kindness and making a difference in our lives!
Wounded Warrior Family Support is a well-organized organization that cares for our wounded soldiers and their families. My family and I were afforded an opportunity of a lifetime with a trip to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Legoland. Our family was ecstatic to hear the news of a trip sponsored by the Wounded Warrior Family Support organization because we have never been able to travel to Orlando, Florida, and experience a theme park, let alone three theme parks, in one trip. We even received a pass to jump to the front of the lines! This trip allowed our family to grow closer than ever before; being away from my family deployed for five years, I was not around to see my kids grow up. I am humbled and thankful to the Wounded Warrior Family Support organization and donors for bringing me and my family closer. Also, a huge shout out to Bobbie-Jo for planning our trip and answering our questions! Thank you again for the vacation of a lifetime.
SFC (Ret.) Angus R. White
First I want to thank everyone for having such a kind heart. Thank you for allowing us this opportunity to spend time with our family. Everything was great! My family and I want to thank you for such a great time.
My family and I really support all they did for us. This was the first major trip for our family in almost 7 years. They provided us an excellent hotel near Universal and got us into Universal Studios, Adventure Island, and Lego Land. The kids absolutely loved all the Harry Potter actives. The 4 night stay provided us with enough time to fully explore all three parks and ride the Harry Potter rides on multiple occasions. Our sincerest thanks go out to the charity for everything they did to make our dreams come true.
We are so grateful to the Wounded Warrior Family Support for giving us the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful vacation at Universal Studios Orlando Florida. It was a dream come true for our family to experience the magic of the theme parks and the fun of LEGOLAND. We had a blast riding the roller coasters, meeting our favorite characters, and exploring the amazing attractions.
This vacation was more than just a break from our daily routine. It was a chance for us to heal and reconnect as a family, after going through so much hardship and sacrifice. We felt the love and support of the Wounded Warrior Family Support throughout our stay. They provided us with four nights at a comfortable hotel and passes to the parks for our immediate family members. They also helped us with any questions or concerns we had along the way.
We are so thankful for this generous gift that made us feel appreciated and honored. We will never forget this amazing experience and the memories we made together. Thank you, Wounded Warrior Family Support, for making this possible for us and for many other wounded veterans and their families. You are truly making a difference in our lives.
Our family was gifted a trip
To universal studios in Orlando. We had the best time and we couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities it allowed us to spend time as a family!
Thank you WWFS for the best family vacation! My kids, brother in law and I were able to have an amazing time at Universal Studios and Legoland! We spent 5 nights at The lux resort right across from Universal Studios. We were able to add a Disney day in our trip as well and meet up with friends we don’t see often. Thank you for all that you do for Veterans and their families!
Thanks to WWFS we were able to have a staycation only a couple hours from home at Myrtle beach! Our favorite part was being able to sit in bed at our lodging with the balcony door open and listen to the ocean. Sitting in bed we were able to witness the rolling tides and changing skies! Thank you for refilling our cups! We appreciate you!
Thank you to Wounded Warriors Family Support and all the donors! This was such an amazing opportunity for our family to take a trip together. WWFS made it all possible and everything was just wonderful. My wife and 4 children are so grateful for this opportunity. Thank you so much for making the process stress free and so enjoyable. Very professional and welcoming experience all the way around!
Absolutely amazing people. If not for them, we never would have been able to go to Universal Studios together as a family. The process was seemless and they assisted us the whole way. I am so grateful for the opportunity this organization has given us!
Recently we were given the gift of a family vacation at Universal Studios. This was one of our best vacations as a family. WWFS was amazing to work with from the beginning to the end. It was the first time we were able to go to Universal and we were able to stay at the resort. We also were able to go to Legoland which was a dream of my sons.
The 2-day passes were perfect, we were able to see everything at Universal and we were there from park opening to park closing. The other days we hung out at the resort and were able to take time just to enjoy being together.
This is one of the best nonprofits I have worked with, and I highly recommend them!
Son Excelentes! Estamos muy agradecidos por esos dias que pasamos en familia en los parques de Orlando. Un sueño hecho realidad. Nos han ayudado a disfrutar en familia y a estar mas unidos y apoyados. Todo salió perfecto gracias a la ayuda de WWFS.
This non profit group really went above and beyond for me and my family. I got to experience along with my family the amazingness of universal. I really loved being able to spend time with my family and not be worried about money for once its been rough these last few years we could never have afforded this in the current economic climate super appreciate everything they did for us on multiple occasions
We had beyond an amazing experience! This was the missing piece that made our dream VACA come true. As a wounded service member it’s hard to not only afford a trip like this but also plan, and have the support. Knowing there is a great group out there putting the parts together is beyond amazing. This is what we needed. Other family members were able to meet and join us and help make this so amazing!
WWFS supported us when we were out for vacation. They partnered with Universal Studios and made our vacation SO MUCH FUN! Not only did they pay for parking and entrance to the park, they gave us a guest pass so we went right to the front of the line!
I want to thank Taylor and her team for all the wonderful blessings they have to us! Thank you for helping my family have such a memorable experience!
SGT Corey Franks, USA (R)
Thank you for the epic time at Universal Orlando and Legoland. The family time and loads of fun are exactly what our we needed.
It was a great experience from the start with the dedicated team member that helps you with every step of the application process and going above and beyond with their service, to the small details like parking passes at parks or matching shirts to show our support of WWFS.
My family and I would like to thank the great non-profit agencies for allowing us to take this wonderful trip. We had a great time in Orlando we were able to actually get on one of the amusement rides. This was a much-needed Family Vacation, because my family and I have not been able to take a vacation in over 8 years. Thank you for such an amazing opportunity my family I really appreciate this wonderful gift that you gave to us.
We want to thank WWFS for this trip. It was amazing and definitely what we needed as a family. With the cost of living now days we don't get to take trips like that. My kids were in heaven. The hotel was beyond amazing. Awesome room, awesome service and awesome breakfast. My two daughters absolutely loved the pool. We loved to soak in it after we spent the whole day literally at universal lol. We had two amazing days at Universal. We got to ride everything. Thanks to your gift card we got to eat at one of the restaurants we have been in love with for years, Toothesome emporium. I got to take my husband there for his birthday thanks to you guys. We all literally cried when the vacation was over, partly because we were having the best time of our lives and partly because we knew we wouldn't be able to do anything like this again. We didn't want it to end. This program you guys offer is amazing. I know it has brought us closer together as a family for sure. I can only imagine what it does to other families too. We can't thank you enough for this trip. I wish you really knew what this trip meant to us. Thanks again so much for this opportunity.
Thank you so much for our Orlando trip. Our family really enjoyed the stress free time without having to worry about "everyday life" for a few days. Thank you again ans to all of the amazing donors.
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We had a great time at universal studios, Great family bonding experiences, and family vacation. I'm mental morale win to be able to walk in big crowds.
Wounded Warriors Family Support organization is absolutely wonderful! They sent my husband, whom is the disabled veteran, and our family down to Orlando, Florida to enjoy a nice family retreat. We got to spend 5 nights at Endless Summer Universal Resort and 2 days at Universal, plus one day at Legoland. With all of the stuff going on in the world right now, it was very nice to put everything aside and be able to relax with just our family. It was a very enjoyable, memorable experience and would not be possible without the help from the donors. So, thank you from our family.
Thank you WWFS (and Taylor Sieborg) for a world-class experience at Universal Resorts and Legoland! My family and I truly enjoyed this amazing summer vacation--thanks to Team WWFS and its tremendous generosity!
Thank you, again, for providing this wonderful vacation opportunity to my family and me. This vacation helped immensely in our effort to create an authentic family bonding event and it allowed us to escape the rigors of everyday life, as a Wounded Warrior Family. We are extremely grateful for WWFS and your impactful and impressive donation to our family, as we continue to heal from the wounds of war.
In addition to this adventure is the fact that we were able to coordinate with one of our long-time military retiree friends and his family (fellow Wounded Warrior Family) to meet us at Universal Studios Resort, which made this vacation even more memorable. This connection was the icing on our already spectacular WWFS cake!
In closing, thank you, again for providing such a phenomenal vacation package for my family. We are extremely appreciative for the WWFS mission and feel as if we are a part of your extended WWFS family. We hope and pray that WWFS will continue its mission to providing a world-class vacation opportunity to many more deserving warriors and their families (the unsung Heroes). Have a fabulous summer!
Blessings,
Mike & Royann Williams
Thank you so much Wounded Warriors Family Support! Our family recently traveled to Orlando to visit Universal Studios and Legoland. What a dream come true for our 6-year old daughter. Without the generosity of this organization, we would have never been able to have awesome accommodations at the Bahama Bay resort or spend incredible family time at the theme parks. We enjoyed a much needed break from the daily grind of work, school, and medical rehabilitation appointments. Thank you to everyone who donates time, money, and effort to this great organization!
A huge amount of gratitude to WWFS, donors and sponsors for making my families trip to Universal Orlando and LEGOland possible.
In addition to their generosity, WWFS took away the stress of planning by making arrangements for our hotel and amusement parks. We stayed at a Universal resort which had everything you needed within the same building such as a food court, coffee shop, store, arcade, pool, laundry room etc. The hotel offered a free shuttle service throughout the day to Universal parks.
Also, I was super appreciative of the thoughtfulness of WWFS to coordinate a Guest Assistance Pass through Universal Orlando Guest Services. This meant I did not have to share any information about my (service connected) disabilities in a public setting in order to receive disability accommodations since they were already made aware in advance.
Thank you again WWFS, donors and sponsors for giving my family a memorable trip. I am forever grateful for this opportunity.
We love WWFS! They really help veterans/families come together and enjoy some fun. We loved our trip to Florida and visiting the theme parks. WWFS is one of the best organizations!
My family and I was able to enjoy Legoland, and Universal Studios in Florida thanks to everyone at Wounded Warriors Family Support! They have the best staff anyone could possibly have! From the time of getting accepted, to the time of departure everything was super smooth.
They are absolutely amazing organization and really care about out service members and their families.
We are so thankful and grateful to WWFS! We had such a wonderful trip and were able to really bond and spend time as a family unit! What a great organization that truly cares about our veterans and their families!
Thank you WWFS for your donation of Purple Heart designated parking signs and shipping costs. Your donation will allow our organization to further our initiative to support local veterans in our community.
my name is Steven Arevalo and I am a disabled Veteran with a physical disability (below the knee amputation). In May 2021 we were given the opportunity to travel to the Amazing Yellowstone National Park with the generous support of Wounded Warrior Family Support. To say this was an experience of a lifetime is an understatement. We would never forget this trip and all the memories we made and for this, we will forever be grateful.
I am humbled by the entire experience. Thank you for all the hard work, love, care, and respect we received during this time. Being able to take my family on this adventure to connect with nature, see wildlife (bison and their calf, coyote, fox, bears, deer, birds), staying at the beautiful lodge with ADA accommodations, and being able to experience this wonderful national park with the most amazing views is something that is going to stay with us for the rest of our lives.
Within my limitations, we were able to enjoy ourselves, connect, breathe, and experience something magical which has helped us heal. We could not have done it without your support and from the bottom of our hearts, we THANK YOU!!!
The Arevalo Family
My name is David Drozd. I am a army combat veteran. I served in Afghanistan. Wounded Warriors Family Support sent my family to Yellowstone National Park. We stayed at the Historic Old Faithful Inn. What an incredible experience we had as a family! A dream come true! We could not have provided this kind of vacation for our family without the help of Wounded Warriors Family Support! We are eternally grateful! We made such wonderful memories and had lots of laughs!
My name is Christopher Ghee and I am a retired Marine that retired due to injuries sustained from combat. I've been awarded the Purple Heart and I am a Recovery Care Coordinator that works at Wounded Warriors on board Camp Lejeune, NC. I am very familiar with WWFS as I first made contact WWFS in 2014. Recently my family and I were allowed to travel to Orlando, FL and stay for 7 days at the Bahama Bay Resort there and attend multiple theme parks (Legoland, Sea World, Universal Studios)on behalf of WWFS. I had no idea that my family would be taken care of at Universal Studios like we did but Universal Studios made sure my family was a top priority and escorted us on every rude to make sure we had the explorer a lifetime. And we did. Me, my wife, and kids would want to thank all of WWFS for giving us the opportunity to make so many and experience great memories this past week. Words can't describe how amazing everything was for us. This wouldn't of ever happened if it wasn't for WWFS, thank you. The Ghee Family
I was so excited to get selected to go to the Veterans Welding program. Unfortunately after applying for the program my wife had a severe stroke. They were very helpful in getting me in touch with Visiting Angels to come to my house 5 days a week to help my wife while I was gone for the six-week program. I decided to fly back home every weekend to be with her though. They never asked my household income to be part of the program, but after being accepted to the program and making all the arrangements they asked for my tax returns which I immediately supplied them with. After telling me and arranging for Visiting Angels to take care of my wife, they decided to not pay for all of the services they agreed to pay for. I would have gladly paid for Visiting Angels myself if they had not offered. Either they want to honor my service-connected disabilities or they do not. Is it based on my total household income or is based on my service. You decide. If they only want to help out because a veteran is poor, they should state that. Telling a vendor that they are not going to pay them after arranging the service themselves is not an honorable thing to do. I was never even told by them that they were not going to pay Visiting Angles. I had to get the call from the vendor myself. I did get them taken care of without the help of WWFS. I am very disheartened by this. And by the way, the Veterans Welding Program was not full. They still have many seats available for other Veterans to go. I am not sure why they didn't have a full program. The Ford Technical Training Center in Detroit and its instructors were amazing. Very disappointed that WWFS was not forthcoming with income requirements.
Thank you so much to Wounded Warriors Family Support! Our Girl Scouts of West Central Florida loved partnering with them to create and donate 75+ gifts of care for Veterans at Bay Pines VA Health System before the holidays! This project helped us to teach the incredible impact of Veterans on our lives and our freedoms. Several of our Girl Scouts and their Troops benefited from grants, which they will use to renew their memberships for 2021 and complete further skills-building activities and community service. The ripple effect of this program has been tremendous and we look to expand it across our 8 counties next year! Thanks for your support!
So, here is the before and after of your amazing contributions for oral surgery. We thank everyone that was involved and this could not have been possible without such amazing Donors , volunteers and Staff .
V/R
JD and Tess Roberts
Over the the past 3 years I have had 4 neurosurgeries on my cervical spine. WWFS provided the housekeeping service during my recovery. Knowing I didn't have to worry about it gave me peace of mind. The ladies called me at least monthly to check in and see how I was doing. My family also received a Honey Baked Ham dinner during the holidays. I was so grateful because I was just home a few short weeks and I was unable to cook Christmas dinner. WWFS is an amazing organization.
We can’t tell you enough how WWFS has helped our family. Being a wounded warrior with very limited funds makes it hard for us to take family vacations, purchase things that we can use for family activities or even have a date night. WWFS steps up and really listens to what we may need. Receiving a grant to buy our kids new bikes, paddle boards for the lake and fishing gear was amazing! We have also received random gift cards for a restaurant to have a date night. Coming up in April 2021 we will be taking a trip to Orlando with WWFS and going to Universal Studios, Legoland, and Sea World all thanks to the amazing support of sponsors and WWFS! We are eternally greatful for everything you do for us.
The Knower Family
We are so thankful for the extreme generosity and vital support we have received from WWFS!! Don’t know how we would have been able to afford my expensive dental needs to be taken care of without you!
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In late November/maybe early December, my family and I were eating dinner when the door bell rang. My husband and I opened the door to two coolers sitting on our steps. I started running after the UPS truck to tell him he delivered something to the wrong house, surely we couldn't afford to replace what was in them! My husband read the address and it was for us! What a gift! We were so shocked. I had just been at my spinal dr's earlier that week and been told that it was time for me to take care of my back (after 14 years of alternative therapies) by means of surgery. I had asked my sister to come, although I felt terrible as she had just had baby #3 and now she was driving several states away to help my [3] kids with virtual school while I was in the hospital, meals and house keeping and everything else that entails. It was a HUGE relief that at least she would get a break for the Christmas holiday as now we had a meal that was big enough to feed us all and it was already made. Into the freezer it went and straight to the computer I ran to thank Stacia for the gift she didn't even realize WWFS had just sent us. When I told her about it she immediately offered assistance. They compensated my sister for the respite she provided and have set us up with house keeping services during my recovery. I can't even begin to explain what a gift that is. I am not allowed to bend, twist or life until I'm [hopefully!!] cleared in March by my doctor. Knowing that my house is cleaned, toilets, kitchen, floors...ALL OF IT...it leaves me school and cooking. It has really lifted such a burden during this time. We are so abundantly thankful for WWFS. I can't say "thank you" enough, though I have tried.
I had a scheduled C-section this October. With a few complications, my daughter came a little early (thankfully, very healthy). Wounded Warrior Family Support helped with emergency childcare for our son since my mother in law wasn't able to make it in time for the birth. They also supplied our Holiday dinner, a grant for our daughter and a cleaning service while I recovered from the surgery. It came me such peace of mind as I was very stressed before she was born with the thought of being off work, a slow recovery and adjusting to becoming a family of four. It took stress off my Wounded Warrior as well. I am so thankful for all the assistance we received. Thank you Wounded Warrior Family Support and thank you to the fabulous WWFS case managers who were so kind and helpful.
Wounded Warrior family Support has been a life saver for my family. I came in contact with them by accident after trying for months to get help from Wounded Warrior and the wait times being very long. Wendy was there to listen as she always is and to be a Guide to a better way if we were willing to do the work. She has been a bright light in very dark times for our family. I would recommend WWFS to anyone and I will be forever grateful for everything this organization does!
WWFS has been an amazing resource for me and my family. We have had many challenging times this past year. Heather/WWFS always called to check in with me when we needed it the most. They have help improve my health by providing dental grants enabling me to obtain specific care that would have otherwise been delayed. WWFS help my family use the Great Outdoors as a way to escapefrom the COVID stressors and spend quality time together with an activity grAnt . WWFS is unlike many other organizations. They truly care and follow up with you when they say they will. Very committed to their clients!
What an incredible blessing this organizations has been to our family over the years. The personal contact and check-ins always seem to come at just the right time. Over the years they have assisted with dental bills and childcare when we desperately needed the help. This past fall, we had the opportunity to use their condo to escape our COVID lockdown and homeschool stress to give our kids (9 & 7) wonderful memories of theme parks and beaches. We also received an activity grant so our family could all participate in some outdoor activities together that were still conducive to my husband's injuries. They are such a bright light when so many organizations make grand claims and fall short. Every single time, WWFS exceeds every possible expectation in assisting our Veteran families. Donors can rest assured that their generosity is going right where they say it is and we are constantly overwhelmed by what they have done for us. Wendy and Liz, we cannot every thank you enough!
Wounded Warriors Family Support Walks the Walk & Talks the Talk! We have been immensely blessed in the short time we've been recipients of their time & resources! They are a small but MIGHTY organization! Caring for the military spouse in real practical everyday ways is a top priority for them!
I love this foundation so much! They provided so much support for our family, especially during COVID! I loved was personable they are with us caregivers and always remembering the stories we told them or a complaint that we had. They even paid part of my dental bills too. So wonderful, we are so glad to be a part of their program!
We had no idea about the support that was out there for us. As a combat injured, now disabled spouse of a veteran, when we finally found WWFS, it proved extremely amazing to our family. Not only does it give us a chance to connect with others, but there has been so much support for us over the past year, especially with everything going on in the world. I get emails, and phone calls, just a check in to see how we are doing.
Wow!
I am blown away at the resources, help, activities, and support we’ve received.
I can’t even begin to thank WWFS or the generous donors enough for all they’ve done for our family. Just taking the time, or giving so generously goes such a long way for a family like us. It’s actually incredible to see such good in humanity. I am moved every time I witness the generosity of this group and it’s donors!
I could not thank WWFS for everything they’ve done for not only my family, but many other Veteran Families. They came into our lives during a very difficult time and held my hand through the process to let me know things would be better. It took a very long time before it happened, but they stood by my side the entire time making sure that we were being taken care of. I am so thankful for them for just listening to me when I needed someone to talk to. Hospital stays were much better handled because I didn’t have to sleep in a chair with a 2 and 5 year old sleeping on me because I had no one to help me with my children. They made sure that I was comfortable with my caretaker and allowed them to become part of our family. Thank you WWFS for everything, and I mean EVERYTHING you do!! This journey could not have been possible without them.
Wounded Warriors Family Support has been such a blessing to my family. Once you become a part of their programs you are a part of their family.
My family was gifted a Holiday Meal from Omaha Steaks through WWFS and let me tell you what a gift! Taking the pressure of the monetary cost as well as the shopping and cooking from me was something I would have never thought I needed!
For over 2 years since signing up with them I receive regular calls from a few of their amazing staff to "just check in" with me and make sure we are all ok... but they take the time to talk to me and make sure I truly am ok. This means the most to me.
As a caregiver to a catastrophically injured Veteran, we aren’t supposed to fall ill. WWFS has our backs when we do and they think of everything. From the relationships formed with employees, Christmas, utilities, meals, cleaning services and more, they really make sure we’re taken care of when life hits us hard. With this organization, when we’re the ones who are down, it’s an overcoming sense of relief knowing that WWFS is there for us.
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Wounded Warrior Family Support is truly dedicated and care about every family member. Heather and Wendy go above and beyond to assist in every way possible. Whether it's calling to check in on us, giving amazing advice and resources, mailing a beautiful prayer shawl when I'm ill and sending in reinforcements to help while I'm unable to, they go out of their way to ensure all of us know we are valued. This isn't just a job to them and we aren't just another family on a list. They genuinely care and work hard and quickly to help the entire family. Thank you Wounded Warrior Family Support, Heather and Wendy! We would be lost without you! Meals and housekeeping so I can take the time to properly heal my back is the greatest blessing and we are forever grateful!
Review from Guidestar
I cannot say enough about this amazing organization. If I could give more than 5 stars I would. They truly care and treat each and every person as family. Once you are a part of WWFS, you are forever a part of WWFS. I am forever grateful for the difference they have made in my family's life!
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Upon returning from downrange I had a issues, reduced lung capacity and a wrist that they say is nonfixable as do so many veterans. Finally, my body began to break down and I could no longer handle the rigors of a combat arms MOS, . Since then I have had my right leg amputated, had a shoulder totally replaced, the other shoulder had to be repaired, my MCL, ACL, PCL on one knee repaired, and a plethora of surgeries due to infections and setbacks. Through all of this the beacon of light from careing people and organizations such as The Wounded Warriors Family Support have been unimaginable. The Wounded Warriors Family Support has enabled us to bound as a family and to help my fellow Wounded Soldiers. During a unprecedented in our history they have provided us with a marvelous dinner, ways to exercise and be closer as a family, and have provided some dental assistance when my son needed a procedure. The feelings of love and family from this marvelous organization has effected my family beyond their knowledge and I cannot express how much we love. To them we give our love and never-ending support. Thank you just does not seem like enough.
I’m not sure I can put into words how much Liz, Wendy, and the staff at Wounded Warrior Family Support mean to me. As a veteran caregiver, I have always felt alone and invisible. The personal challenges of caregiving for a disabled veteran are numerous and takes an emotional and physical toll that none of us are prepared for. WWFS makes these challenges bearable and I break into tears every time I hear from them. It amazes me how dedicated they are to supporting wounded warrior families and how much they truly care. I feel blessed to have such support. ❤️
Wounded Warriors Family Support has been there for us in a HUGE way over the last couple months. Our family got COVID-19 and my husband was hospitalized with complications. He was in a VA hospital over 70 miles from home. At the same time, me and my children were also sick. It was one of the most difficult things we have gone though. Stacia from WWFS called and talked to me on the phone. That conversation helped me remember that we can overcome this time of sickness and that it won't always be this hard. WWFS sent us a grant that helped us get caught up on bills. They supported our family. They even sent a lovely holiday meal which was such a surprise! This delicious gift made my husband excited to decorate for Christmas with us. He sang Christmas carols and played with the kids. Some of my children do not ever remember a time when Daddy participated in Christmas decorating. He has struggled with the holiday season since his deployment to Iraq. This year, they got to make new, wonderful memories together. Because of Wounded Warriors Family support, our tummies and our hearts were full!
I am my husband's caregiver. We have 3 children- two of them have special needs. Sometimes I feel alone. Wounded Warriors Family Support truly supports families. Because of them, I feel recognized as a caregiver. I feel heard, appreciated, and cared about. I feel understood. I am so glad we didn't have to face this difficult time without their genuine support for the military families like ours.
WWFS is AMAZING!!! I am a mom of a special needs son and disabled vet. I have developed many health problems myself over the years and life has been very difficult at times. WWFS has done so much to relieve us and be an incredible support to us!!! I want to thank Heather in particular for being extra patient with me as I am terrible to get in touch with! Her consistency and commitment is amazing!!!
WWFS has provided house cleaning for us multiple times when it was needed, had our yard cleaned and added new mulch, and provided numerous resources to us! I am at a loss for words! You can truly feel the love this organization has for the families! They genuinely care and work hard to do everything they can to help! We have been so blessed by them and hope they continue to get the support they need to continue doing their amazing work!!!
This non profit has been truly amazing to our family!!!! We got a donation for bikes for the family. Since Covid we have all been getting depressed and bored my son who struggles with depression anxiety and adhd has been so bored and having so many different changes in his life. These bikes will help us to get out and get moving and spend time as a family. Our 5 year old is so happy to have a bike he asks to go riding even when it’s cold. Thank you so much for making this possible for us! It’s appreciated more than you will ever know!!
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After having our daughter and having a c section they sent Molly maids to help deep clean the house! Not only once but twice!! They also sent care packages full of toilet paper hand soap paper towels lots of diapers and wipes pretty much all the essential needs laundry soap you name it!
Thank you so much WWFS and donors for our activity grant. Covid has been very devastating to so many families. This really has had a hit on our psyche. From having to be quarantined and not able to interact with the many people we were so used to sharing our lives with.
Kids doing online learning and not having too much outdoor exposure. Or be able to interact with neighbors or friends. Now, we are able to go out and ride our bikes and get some fresh air to release stress. Still be able to stay away from others and be able to enjoy sometime outdoors.
Thank you Heather for your continued support. Seems like I’ve known you for so long and appreciate all the advice and calls you make to our family. Informing us on programs and services available to all the families.
Thank you again, Family Martínez!
To Whom it May Concern,
Being married to my Mentally Disabled Husband is not easy, not easy for anyone. My Veteran deserves better! Over the years I have kept busy trail running to help with my Self-Care. Until recently I found out that I have FAI Hip Impingement. I also have a tear in my lower back that has been causing me pain. Trail running was my stress reliver. You don’t have to pay financially to run outside. But lately its been a struggle because the Dr’s want me to limit my running if I want to continue living a heathy life. My family was also hit with Covid-19 as everyone was. This did not help my Husband Ryan or our son Ryan Jr’s Anxiety. Ryan had to get more medication to help with his depression. The pandemic also set off my son Ryan Jr’s anxiety. Our son Ryan Jr. was not dealing well with having to stay home due to the pandemic. As hard as it was to get him to go to school, school was his way of therapy getting him out and social around people. Before the pandemic we had to pay for our son to see a therapist. But we could not keep up the therapies financially and thought he would do ok since he had a few sessions under his belt. With things going the way they were We all decided to get outside together as a family. Our son Ryan was just learning to ride his bike this summer. It took him some time because of his anxieties. We all decided to get outside. Emma our daughter has a bike, Ryan Jr has a bike but he will need a bigger one soon since he is growing out of the one, we bought him. Emma is 13 years old and Ryan Jr is 10. Since Ryan and I do not have a bike we decided to walk while the kids ride their bike. We all are not yet comfortable yet letting the kids ride bikes alone especially with our son’s anxiety. So, my husband and I walk and the kids ride their bikes. They know to stop at the stop light and wait for us since we are walking. We are also teaching them how to be responsible out on the streets. But my husband Ryan can’t walk very far without getting winded. We have talked about Getting a bike for my husband but it would have to be a bigger bike since Ryan is a bigger Guy. We also talked about getting a bike for me since I can’t run like I used too. But we thought it would be a great activity for All of us to get outside and ride bikes together. This Grant would mean so much to our family. If we could all ride bikes and be on the same page that would mean the world to our kids and to us. I have included a picture I took of us out on our walk while the kids ride their bikes.
Warm Regards
The Esquivel Family
This organization has made it possible for all my kids to be able to do virtual learning. They are able to attend there classes and have helped us with needs from Costco and food that we struggled with. I can not tell you the importance of this organization!
Wounded Warriors Family Support is an Amazing Organization that not only provides support to each of the Service Members and their families but they go above and beyond to reach out to the families with making sure they everyone is well cared for throughout etc..This Amazing Organization help provide my son with a Laptop for College and also they helped with providing a grant to assist with unexpected needs throughout this time of Covid-19. Thank you for everything that you have done and for everything that you continue to do for each of the families.
I just wanted to take a minute to write and tell you how beyond thankful we are for the activity grant you gave us for Emma Rose to ride horses at the same place as her dad's equine therapy. Equine therapy has been life changing for my husband and came into our lives at a time when things were extra hard for him. Emma Rose loved horses from birth and to be able to ride and take lessons has been the best thing for her. It is a holistic approach to life and healing that both my husband and daughter need and we couldn't have done it without you all.
Last month the barn hosted a show and Emma rose was able to attend and take home TWO blue ribbons. Daniel did a lead line class with her and supported her through it. Seeing them together made my heart melt. The judges said she is a natural and were so impressed with horsemanship skills. At 5 years old I have to say we are so proud and we owe it to you all. Thank you for ALL you have done for us. You are truly making a difference in unique ways amongst veterans, caregivers and our families. It is incredible to have an organization that focuses on the caregiver and the children as there are so many that focus solely on the veteran. You have seen a need in our community and have met it and we are forever grateful.
(This is our thank you note to WWFS for all they have done for us)
-a very thankful family
I am a caregiver to my husband and 3 children 12 and under. I needed to have surgery to take care of me and make it so I can better take care of my family. WWFS made that possible by providing me a paid mother's helper to care for my children, get everyone fed and take charge of our children's virtual learning this school year. None of this would be possible without WWFS. I appreciate them taking the burden off my shoulders and allowing me to recover as stress free as possible.
I truly do not have any idea what our family would have done to survive the worst few months of our lives together. My husband has two fingers cut off and required surgery and intense follow up to try and save some of the tissue/fingers, two weeks before I gave birth to our fourth and final baby. I had major complications during delivery and ended up in the hospital for a week after having our baby. Then after I went home in the following weeks I ended up with appendicitis and two other birth related complications which resulted in my having an emergency surgery. And now a month later I had to have a second emergency surgery for yet another issue. It has been so hard both emotionally and physically.
My husband is a wounded warrior and I am normally his caregiver. However with him injured and my not recovering we have needed a lot of extra help. This is where Wounded Warrior Family Support comes in. They are the only organization that will help military/veteran families when a spouse is hurt or in need. Most organizations are there to help when the veteran has surgeries or issues. Which is a great service, but they do not offer assistance in any way if the spouse of the veteran is hurt, injured or incredibly ill and requiring emergency surgery. In our case with my being his caregiver and being in and out of the hospital, that created a huge stressor on both him and I. Wounded Warrior Family Support called immediately once they knew about our situations and offered to send a mothers helper or cleaning service to our house to help with the housework that I have not be physically able to attend to while I have been so sick. They have also helped cover childcare for my younger children so I could get to doctor appointments for myself that I would have otherwise had to miss. With Covid going on I can not bring my younger children to any appointments which means if I can't find childcare then I can't go to these much needed appointments. This service alone is absolutely incredible and fills such a large void. After talking to me one day during my recovery and hearing how awful things were going they also sent a special gift of a prayer shawl and a check that helped us tremendously with being able to purchase prepackaged dinners since I was not able to stand long enough to cook as well as some baby items like having diapers delivered and a grocery order delivered. I can not thank WWFS enough for not only the great amount of help they have provided to our family but also because their employees truly care about each and every family in their program. I received weekly phone calls checking in and also giving me emotional support during this very trying time. By far this is one of the top non-profits I have ever seen.
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My husband is a wounded warrior. One day when our 2nd child was only 2 months old I broke my leg and had to have surgery to repair it. Due to the lay out of our house with all the stairs as well as not being allowed to bare any weight for 8-10 weeks; I was not able to cook, clean, couldn't even get ice for my leg or milk for our baby. My husband was working full time and not able to be at home for my entire recovery. He used all his vacation time and sick leave for when our son was born and for the first few days of my injury.
My husband reached out to every person and veteran/wounded warrior group in hopes of finding anyone that might be able to help us. We were turned away because I (just the spouse) was injured. We were told over and over again that if he would have been the one to get hurt then there were all kinds of people lining up to help. One of my friends whom happened to be another spouse of a wounded warrior told me to reach out to Wounded Warrior Family Support.
At first I said no, because I thought they were connected to WWP and they had already turned us away and then refused to answer other veterans calls on our behalf. Then I realized WWFS was entirely different.
I was in tears explaining our situation again and still remember how hopeless I was because I was hurt and not able to take care of my normal duties but also because it was causing my husband a huge stress not being able to help. They immediately got in touch with a home caregiver agency and sent people out to help with taking me to my follow up doctors appointments, cooking, cleaning, getting ice for my leg, make sure our children were fed and allowing me to take the medicine and breaks I needed so I could recover.
I honestly do not know what we would have done without them! They called us weekly to follow up and make sure everything was going well.
But it didn't stop there. They would call up and ask how things were going and if we had a specific stress...like my not being able to attend doctors visits at the VA with my husband, so they paid for daycare for our children so I could be there for my husband on those days. These are just a few small examples of how much WWFS has been there for our family over the last few years. You can actually hear just how much all of the staff at WWFS love their jobs and the veterans and their families they are in contact with. I simply can not say Thank You enough to everyone at Wounded Warrior Family Support!!
Wwfs is truly a great organization. It's one that some might not know about but they help tremendously. From helping with childcare while my spouse was in the hospital from providing dental care for my children. Can't thank this organization enough!!!
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We are a family of 5 and my husband still has many injuries from his time in service and probably will require a lifetime of care. WWFS has helped where the ball falls short, childcare for WW hospital stays and long term care. A huge stress relief knowing you don't have to pick either your kids or being in the hospital for your spouse. We also have been very blessed to receive dental care as we have no dental insurance. Being a caregiver let alone wife/mom takes it's toll, wwfs has also offered childcare for me to meet with my local caregiver group. I'm truly thankful for WWFS
I am so blessed to have the support of this amazing organization our family has been through multiple tragedies up to and including the loss of our 11 year old son to AML Leukemia. I have been a caretaker to my wounded Veteran husband and his two sons for the last few years and life has hit us with some very trying and financial circumstances that were far beyond our control. I lacked in my self care and as a result succumb to some serious dental issues. This resulted In extensive and expensive dental work needed I just wasn’t able to stop for myself , while trying to take care of everyone else and this organization was able to assist me in obtaining the financial assistance to get my teeth repaired so I could regain my own personal health back. We are so grateful to your all their Donors and this organization for helping us out while we were in need.
WWFS has been an incredible source of ongoing support. In addition to being there for us in our time of need, they have continued to check in with us years later. Their caseworkers are amazing and authentic. Whenever we connect, it feels like chatting with an old friend. They truly care!
Thank you so much to the generous donors who could help provide an activity grant to our kids for swim lessons during the crazy changes in the world. They were able to take classes in a controlled and safe environment, with more one on one time with instructors to help perfect their life saving skills. We plan to continue swim lessons for them every summer, as they love it so much. We appreciate you so much for providing for their activities! Thank you as always to Wendy and WWFS for their continued support. Love them all so much.
Our family is very thankful for Wounded Warrior Family Support . My husband is a combat wounded veteran, I am his caregiver & we have 2 daughters. This organization has done so much for our family, they've been such a blessing the last few years. They offer assistance for not only the wounded veteran, but the entire family. Heather is amazing, she calls to make sure all went well with one thing, checks in to make sure she is in the loop if we are in need, or calls just to say hello in that sweet voice of hers...she truly cares & has become a wonderful friend. With her help, WWFS has provided us with childcare during some of my husbands procedures, they helped pay for a much needed family vacation to Universal & Lego-land. Most recently, with the kids having to give up so much with trying times of COVID, they gifted our children an activity grant, which is helping us pay toward the things they love to do, like dance, volleyball & piano lessons. We are forever grateful for the donors & Wounded Warrior Family Support for everything they do for us & wounded warrior families like ours.
WWFS is an AMAZING organization! I was referred to them by a fellow wounded warrior caregiver as I was recovering from a stem cell transplant for cancer. They paid to have our home cleaned before I was discharged as I was severely immunocompromised. Then, they continued to pay for cleaning services until I was strong enough to do it myself. Not only that, but they called every week to check on me & make sure we didn't need anything! We also received a special grant that Christmas which helped offset the financial hardship of me being unable to work during my cancer battle. That was 5 & 1/2 years ago. I'm cancer-free and able to take care of my wounded warrior again, yet I STILL hear from my WWFS 'family' regularly. They call to make sure I'm okay & don't need any help. Mostly, we catch up on the latest news & talk about our families - the struggles we're facing & the victories we've won. Most Wounded Warrior nonprofits focus mainly on the wounded soldier, but WWFS truly cares for and helps the caretaker and family. That kind of support is rare, priceless, & appreciated more than words can express. WWFS cares for me so I can care for my wounded warrior! WWFS ROCKS!!!!❤️
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We have been blessed to receive services/assistance from a number of Wounded Warrior organizations since my husband, SFC (Ret) Alan Hornaday was very seriously injured in a suicide car bomber attack during his deployment in support of OIF in May 2004, but WWFS has been one of the most gracious & accessible groups we've worked with! Not only have they helped us financially, they've also been very supportive emotionally by reaching out on a regular basis to make sure all is well & we don't have any needs. Specifically, Wendy Tatro-Walker has been our earth-angel & we are SO very thankful & appreciative of her & this wonderful organization!! May God bless her & her fellow angels as much as they have blessed us!!
WWFS has been such a blessing to our family when my husband had surgery they helped with making sure our 4 children were taken care of when we had to be over 3 hours away. And our boys play hockey and they helped pay the fees for them.. The staff is amazing and so caring. Such a blessing. Thank you so much
This organization is beyond amazing. They took our family on a much needed retreat during a time that we needed it most. I remember feeling “relaxed” for the first time in years!! They’ve also blessed our family with computer grants and dental grants. There are no words to describe the impact they’ve made on our lives.
WWFS sent my family on an all expense paid vacation with tickets to Universal Studios and Legoland. Having a large family and disabled spouse doesn’t always leave time for fun but they made it happen! It was an amazing stress free experience and we made so many wonderful memories.
This is a wonderful organization. I was blessed with a computer grant which has been helpful for school. It’s also a blessing in disguise with children going back to school virtually! I was blessed to be selected and I appreciate the donors who graciously give to this organization.
My husband is a combat injured veteran of the Iraq war. We have 3 young daughters. Our middle daughter has a complex mitochondrial disease. I have to travel 1200 miles for her specialty care. Due to my husbands injuries, he can not care for himself or our other two girls. WWFS grants me the ability to travel for the specialized care and have someone capable at home to keep my husband and children well cared for. That is a piece of mind that nothing can repay. I am incredibly grateful for WWFS.
Our family can’t thank WWFS enough. Throughout the years they have provided support in various was from providing childcare while my husband had surgery so I could focus on him to dental care for my children. Wendy is a listening ear when it seems know one else can understand. Being a caregiver to a veteran and a mom of four can be overwhelming at times and Wendy is always there to listen and provide comfort. Knowing you have someone in your corner is such a comforting feeling. If there was ever a charity to donate to this is the one! They truly provide needed services to veterans and their families.
Wounded Warrior Family support has been a great resource, They have helped with dental expenses for my family. It was great to get everything the kids needed fixed knocked out and not have to worry about that in the future.
They also provided my kids with a computer grant that came right in time for virtual learning. We are beyond thankful for the help.
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Thank you Wounded Warrior Families for always being able to assist with answering questions when I call. Our families request for assistance was handled fast and efficient. Ms. Wendy followed thru immediately and I didn’t have to worry any longer. Thank you Amie Sittner wife of medically retired veteran.
Wounded Warriors Family Support is amazing! From helping with childcare when our youngest baby was born to helping with babysitting while my husband faced cancer treatment, Wounded Warriors Family Support has always been their for our family. We also were blessed to receive help sending our children to their favorite sports which otherwise would have been a significant financial burden, if not impossible. They are always checking in and seeing how our family is or what is going on in day to day. We are forever thankful for all of their services and they are now an extension of our own family.
When caring for my husband they provided help with childcare. This was a most needed service that helped more than any other. Then when I became sick as well they provided help with deep cleaning my home while I got medical care. They have always been there checking in and really care. This had allowed me to be able to care for my husband and get back in my own feet after my own illness to continue caring for him and my children
WWFS is such a blessing. They literally saved our family when we couldn’t find help anywhere else during the covid pandemic. Heather and Wendy are amazing and really go above and beyond. I love the way they checked in with us and make sure the kids have what they need for distance learning. These are tough times for everyone and it is so good to know that WWFS is adapting to help military families in ways that make a difference! Keep up the good work! Thank you so much!!
Wounded Warrior Family Support nonprofit is truly a blessing! They take the time to check in on my family and always have time to listen and help in anyway they can!
I am so thankful for their help, I need dental work done, and because of their help I finally can!
Heather you are amazing and thank you!
Thank you for all you do for Military families such a blessing!
Always Grateful!
Jacque Doman
WWFSP is absolutely amazing!! They go above and beyond to help the Veteran, spouse, and family. When I needed urgent dental care they were there to help me and I could not be more grateful to them. Thank you for everything you guys do!!
Blessings,
Melinda Bean
Wounded warrior family support allowed my wounded warrior and our family to unwind without the stress of finances. We wouldn’t have been able to take our daughters to Florida on vacation without their help. They made the process from getting there to the parks to the resort simple. As a caregiver it isn’t often I get to just relax with my family in tow. WWFS allowed me to do that and that in itself is the greatest gift I could ever receive.
My family was incredibly blessed by Wounded Warriors Family Support. With a family of 5 and balancing caring for health difficulties and injuries, we have been running on empty for a long time. This trip rejuvenated our strength, and gave us the quality time and fun as a family that we desperately needed. Thank you Wounded Warrior Family Support for your kindness, generosity, and grace that you showed us. You truly made a difference in keeping our family strong and together.
My husband was wounded in June 2012 and was medically retired May 2014. He tried several jobs before finally settling into law enforcement. He’s had several surgeries and we’ve had some financially tight months. When we didn’t have enough money for gifts on Christmas the WWFS was there. (We have a large family with four kids, ages 11 to 4 months) They have also helped us with medical bills when the VA coded my husband’s appointments wrong.
The WWFS is not only a great local group but the BEST veteran group we have ever worked with. They call to check in on us and are always asking if I, as the caregiver, need assistance. I don’t know where we would be without their support. Especially Heather, thank you so much!
-Tasha Johnson-
What a wonderful group that does amazing work with our nation's veteran caregivers! I love reading the stories that are posted here and learning more about the families they help!
Wounded warrior family support provided my family with a condo and tickets to several Orlando area parks. We had an amazing time! Our accommodations were very nice. Our family could never have afforded this trip, but it couldn’t have come at a better time!
My husband Ed and I are caregivers for our Hero Gabe. He is a medically retired Marine. I was introduced to WWFS through a friend. When I contacted Wendy, she was like a long lost friend. She immediately got me a list of resources we needed at the time and then asked, "are YOU get everything YOU need?" Truly, I hadn't thought much about my needs, only that of our Marine! Wendy shared about the Caregiver retreats, especially those for parents. Hubby and I were blessed to be one of three couples on the very first "Couples (parent) Caregiver Retreat" in Pierre, SD. Wendy and Erin organized such an awesome weekend for us. We typically don't get away together. This weekend at the Ranch Ministries was so much more than a "few days away". All our needs were taken care of, we we pampered and spoiled for sure! I am sharing with all our family and friends exactly what this group can and does for our Wounded Warriors and their families, in hopes that they will offer help and donations to all for all the programs this group offers to continue. We made some great friends this past weekend and renewed our commitment to each other and the care of our son. Thanks again to Wendy and Erin, and to Erin's husband Ken who took care of "the boys"(husband). Only other Hero families can understand our daily routines and struggles. WWFS knows and truly cares!!!!
I initially heard about Wounded Warriors Family Support from fellow caregiver friends who have used their services for sitter care. While we’ve never used that service, we were able to have them help us with part of a dental bill for me. I am beyond grateful they helped me during a big time of need. Thank you WWFS!! Maria
This non profit is beyond amazing. My husband got blown up in 2010 and had it not been for this organization, we would have had to pay $1000s in babysitting cost for doctors appts for myself and my husband. I’m am forever grateful for the donors. Thank you so much!
My husband is a 100% disabled veteran who got injured while serving in Afghanistan. WWFS financially helped us twice covering dental bills for my son and myself. I can’t thank them enough! Heather is absolutely wonderful ❤️
Review from Guidestar
This non profit is wonderful. They gave my family an opportunity to go on a vacation. More so, they gave our family an opportunity to reconnect in a wholesome and stress free environment. Being a wounded veteran often takes away from not only the soldier, but from the family. This organization did everything within their power and limits to provide us with a much needed reason to rediscover ourselves as a family. Support this organizations cause, it is well worth it and what they offer is life changing to other wounded military.
WWFS is an amazing organization! They have helped us with child care expenses multiple times over the past several years while my husband and I have been traveling for his continued medical care due to injuries over seas. Recently they helped us with child care so we could attend a marriage retreat that was such a blessing to us both! They have also provided us with a family vacation that was incredible for us and our 4 kids! We cannot thank this organization enough for everything they do for us and other wounded warrior families like us!
I am a spouse of a recently retired SOF medic with 3 young busy children. I had the opportunity to attend an amazing retreat to relax, decompress and take some time for myself (which never happens). With the help of the Wounded Warriors Family Support, I was able to travel STRESS-FREE knowing I would have the help of our babysitters without a financial strain. I am so grateful for this organization and the help they have provided.
WWFS is such an amazing organization. More than once they have stepped in and helped in a time of need. It can be hard to ask for help but they make it easy and comfortable and they are great about checking in regularly to make sure we are doing well. We can not explain how grateful we are to be a part of this generous and passionate organization.
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This organization is a hidden gem that does amazing and needed work for our active and veteran military families. The most often question I get from patriots who want to thank military families is “what can I do?” You can give to this organization because I can promise you that the money is given directly to a military family for things they need but would never ask for like help with an emergency dental bill for a child or help with meals during an illness. Please think about giving this this amazing organization!
We received a free vacation from Wounded Warriors Family Support. As a family of four, whose soldier was almost always away, it was fantastic to get to reconnect. The condo was clean and had a pool, hammocks, volleyball, among other things. Short drive to Universal Studios where we got to spend two days. Another day at a water park and a fourth day at Sea World. We also managed to get down to Coco Beach. It was a trip we will never forget.
The Wounded Warriors Family Support program is invaluable. They went above and beyond in order to assist our family and provide us the comfort and support we needed to heal and reconnect. We're amazed by the friendliness and caring generosity of all those within the organization we encountered. Thanks so much for all that you do for us and for others in need!
Hello, my name is Dave M. and I proudly served in the United States Marine Corps Infantry for 20 years. My wife is my full-time legal VA caregiver for my combat-related injuries. This past year my wife could no longer take care of me and our 2 young children when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Wendy and WWFS stepped up to the plate and let us know that we NEVER WALK ALONE! I can't thank Wendy and the organization enough for what they have provided for my family. Meals on wheels during my wife's radiation therapy, merry maids to help clean the house when we could not and they also helped my mother-in-law travel to help with respite care. We are forever grateful for such an amazing group of patriots that continue to sacrifice and give back to all veterans alike. My wife's recovery is going great thanks to the Wounded Warrior's Family Support organization. God bless you all!
Thank you WWFS for helping us during my difficult pregnancy! The extra help with cleaning services took pressure and stress off our family! Now we are enjoying our new
Addition!
Wounded Warrior Family Support has been so helpful to our family! Throughout the extended recovery and rehabilitation period, their staff has been an integral source of support and assistance in making sure our families needs were met. WWFS staff are caring, kind, persistent, determined and just overall phenomenal at providing resources when families have an unmet need; whether it be respite care, much needed family R&R, or even urgent dental work. I'm so very grateful to them, as well as all of the donors that make their mission possible!
Wounded Warrior Family Support has been a blessing to our family. They really help when and how you need it. Whether it has been respite for me as a caregiver, a family weekend to regroup as a family or a monetary grant when a need arises WWFS has been there. We will be forever grateful for this organization.
I reached out to this organization and they have been outstanding. They assisted me with sending me and my family to Orlando for a much needed vacation. Carol was outstanding with keeping in touch with me through the entire process. Additionally, when my family and I was in Orlando and ran in to some issues, she answered my calls and assisted immediately! I will continue to recommend this organization to any one who needs help. Thank you for all that you do to help wounded warriors!
This organization is amazing I recommend them to every veteran. They came into our lives a few years ago for us to do ohop. From there they have called at least once a month if not more just checking in on us. They have provided child care for our kids. Right now we are getting help with some extreme dental needs for myself which I couldn't do without them. I love this organization
THE go to organization for veterans and their caregivers and families - HANDS DOWN!
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I ran the Marine Corps Marathon in 2012 to raise funds for this organization and to raise awareness for what they do. There is no other organization out there quite like this one. They not only support the wounded vet but the family too. THE WHOLE FAMILY. The different ways and means they employ to do this are tailored to the needs of the veteran and their families, each in their own unique way. This just goes to show how they look at each and every family unit that comes to them on a case by case basis and not just in a cookie cutter process. Wounded vets and their families don't come with an SOP but WWFS has founded a way to meet their challenges by improvising, adapting and overcoming in the spirit of the warrior way. Thanks for being there!
This organization is wonderful. It provided dental coverage for what the VAinsurance did not when my kids needed MAJOR medically necessary procedures. They also paid for my mother in law with a grant to help while my husband and I went on a seminar to help with his PTSD. I would have given 5 stars, but the restricting nature of it's Bahama Bay resort (not considering PTSD as a primary condition) is my only issue. If that we're to change, I would change it to a 5.
For as long as I can remember, my children has asked me to take them to Universal Resort. When I was active, I deployed every 15 months for five deployments. I had two deployments prior to these five, both in the early 1990's. Each deployment lasting 12 months or longer. The fourth deployment, my vehicle was hit by a IED, resulting in my lower back injury. I deployed three more times and then the military medically retired me. I believed that this moment was when their dream had died. I was actually looking for veteran benefits when I happened upon WWFS.org. I was not sure about them at first but with a little research I found they were real and what they said was real. A veteran watchdog site has them listed as the #2 organization for veteran support among all other organizations. I contacted them through the site and Carol Reifenrath was absolutely amazing. We were approved for 6 night say in Bahama Bay Report in Davenport, FL. My wife asked me if we can sell our house and build just like this place. My family had an amazing time, one we will never forget. My oldest son and I even did a little healing, I had been gone for most of his youth. The picture of the archway also has him in the bottom left corner, with the blue collar. The smile has been absent, but you have given it back to our family. We can never say thank you enough. I rate your service 15 out of 10.
We were able to reconnect, unplug and just enjoy each other and we are so very thankful for that! Among all of it, it gave me an “ah ha” moment in realizing just how much My husband has sacrificed for us. It’s amazing that you guys love him so much that you offer these experiences to us, without anything in return!
Most days our family seems normal and other days my husband is battling hard with his ptsd! This was so needed for us all!
In March I had to have abdominal surgery and WWFS was their in my time of need. Per the Dr. I wasn't allowed to life more than 7 lbs for 6 weeks. As a Caregiver to my husband and mom to two active teens this was a huge issue. WWFS provided my family with a Mother's Helper and house cleaning and when post surgical complications they even extended house cleaning for 2 more cleaning. I can't thank them enough for all they did for my family.
The support our family has received from WWFS and the amazing staff has strengthened our family. Not only has the compassionate staff been there to encourage us and assist us with our practical needs, but WWFS has also given us the gift of creating positive experiences and memories as a family. WWFS has given us hope, encouragement, and practical support during difficult times; we are a more resilient family because of the generosity and support we have found in WWFS. Thank you, WWFS!!
Wow!! This organization is one of kind!!! They listen, and truly really care for veterans, caregivers, and our children !! With so many organizations out there that claim to help, Wounded Warriors Family Support truly does.
They have a wonderful support team with case managers that actually check on you. My family is extremely grateful for everything they have done. My heart is full to know that there is an organization that genuinely has our best interest at heart.
Kudos WWFS!!
The Escobar Familiy
My family and I have returned from Orlando. Not in a million years I thought that something like this would happen to me especially for free when I know how much the total trip would have cost us. We had a wonderful time! We all would like to thank you and Wounded Warrior Family Support for such a humbling experience. Once again, thank you so much!!!
If it wasn't for the Wounded Warriors Family Support, our family would have been without food for close to a month. We had an error with the VA and did not receive payment on time. Wendy is amazing, along with the other staff, and always makes my family feel welcomed.
Wounded Warriors Family Support has been a blessing to our family. We were introduced to Wendy a few years back through a caregiver friend, right before I was due to have major surgery... She quickly set up meals and cleaning services for our family during my recovery period... then we had a death in the family, I needed to fly out of town..being my husbands full-time caregiver, she arranged to cover for someone to come in to the house while I was gone... Then our case was turned over to Stacia... and our family suffered a horrific accident... they were there for us again... and just this past December, I was hit head on... and yet again, they helped us, because I was laid up... It is all about helping the family in times of need.. We were also blessed to attend a retreat with Wendy in Virginia one year, what an amazing time that was.. number one, just to MEET HER in person, number 2.. the place was AMAZING! To say this organization, goes above and beyond to support the family and caregiver does not say enough. We have been more than blessed and are eternally grateful for all they have done for us...Thank you Wounded Warriors Family Support, and all your wonderful Staff.
The Wounded Warriors Family Support has been beside me as my son, Sgt Kevin Ash struggled in the final 3.5 years of his life before he died from PTSD and CTE blast related injuries in January 2017. They continue to provide support and encouragement after his death. They have introduced me to a whole group of sisters who are mothers of wounded soldiers. They have been here for me when I need it the most. Thank you
WWFS has been the most amazing opportunity we have ever had! It really gave our family time to relax and reconnect as a family. It was the most stressfree relaxing time we have had in a very long time. My husband had a week to him self with just his family not worrying about doctors or anything else. We are truly thankful to everyone who made this time so special for us!
I cannot say enough about this amazing nonprofit! I truly consider Wendy to be a friend after all the "family support" she has provided us through the years! As the wife of a USMC Wounded Veteran, it is such a relief to have a nonjudgmental ear to turn to in times of need. Wendy and WWFS have given us hope for our future... I know it sounds corny, but it's so true. The least I can do is have them as my charitable organization on Amazon Smile:
www.smile.amazon.com
Thank you, Wendy and WWFS!
Wounded Warrior Family Support is an amazing non profit. They came into our life in 2014 and have been by our side to help in so many ways. They are by far the best non profit out there to help military. My husband medically retired in 2013 and WWFS has been like angels coming into our lives since day one. I would recommend them to anyone. They have helped bless us with help with child care and dental. They have stepped in to help with school and Christmas for us. We couldnt be more blessed to have them by our side. Nina Coble
We have been with Wounded Warrior Famiky Support for about 5 years. They are truly amazing and have helped us like no other. Our oldest son had lung failure and we were at the hospital for 62 days. They helped us through it. I have had many surgeries and they offered to hire a cleaning service to help with my home. Have worked wonders with their support for dental wit my son and I. They truly care by just checking in with us and being a part of our lives. I hope to someday meet some of their dedicated staff in person. We absolutely love them!!!!
This is the BEST organization that goes above and beyond to help our veterans and their families. My husband was injured and became wheelchair bound, and Wendy and Sarah reached out to offer some help out. We have a 4 year old, 2 year old and I was in my 3rd trimester with our 3rd. They helped out so much to make our “new normal”, well a lot more normal. Our children have benifited from this help more than one can imagine, as well as us. We LOVE YOU ALL and continue to be grateful each day for your help.
When I was freshly retired medically from the Army this was the first and ONLY program that reached out to my family. They were not only concerned about me, but also my wife and our daughters. WWFS goes above and beyond any expectations to help and make us feel loved. I recommend them to all service members and Veterans alike.
When you need some friends that care and have the resources to help as well, you can't do much better than the staff at Wounded Warrior Family Support. An unusually tough period for our family was quickly addressed by Wendy Tatro. She allowed us to step back from our problems and spend some much needed family time in Florida. She saw to almost every detail taking the burden and pressures off of us. WWFS stayed in constant contact with us. This allowed my family to just lay on the beach, go fishing and spend time with family. It will truly be a summer to be remembered. Thank You from the bottom of our hearts.
The Wounded Warriors Family Support has been beside me for 4 yrs now. Once you are connected with this organization, they never stop caring! It's not an organization that takes you on one Retreat or helps you with one project, this is an organization that makes you family! You are a part of their family and they are always there for you! I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart, for everything you've seen me through and help me accomplish! God Bless.
When my husband medically retired from the army due to mostly severe combat PTSD and a TBI I wasn't prepared for all that came with assisting in his care, the care for our 2 autistic kids, and caring for myself. WWFS reached out to me and offered their help during this difficult transition. When we need it the most they assisted with back to school and Christmas help. There are not even words available to express the gratitude for all this organization. Wounded Warriors Family Support does exactly what their name says. Thank you ever so much.
This organization exemplifies what it means to “support the troops”! We have experienced some very trying times and this organization stepped up to help when nobody else did. They are the epitome of what every organization should strive to be. I cannot say enough great things about Wounded Warriors Family Support, but what I can do is express my gratitude by leaving a review of our experience and hope that those in a position to donate will, because I can tell you that this is hands down the best organization out there!
Amazing non-profit that has helped us several times with childcare that we otherwise could not afford.
I don't know where to start but all I can say is I am grateful to Wounded Warrior Family Support for all the help they have provided my family. We are forever thankful to this wonderful organization. My daughter came two weeks earlier than expected. I got in touch with Wendy when my mother arrived from Kansas to help me for two weeks during post partum and adjusting to our new lives with baby number three. My mother was financially compensated and, if it were not for Wounded Warrior Family Support my mother would not have stayed and helped me for that long. Jason and I are forever thankful because not only did it give us time to go out on a date which we never do, we found time to just relax and, not have to worry about the children while we are out because Grandma was there. Thanks so much!!!
Wounded Warrior has helped us more than any other organization. They have gone far beyond what we ever imagined. We contacted them scared and unsure of what was happening to my husband. No one, not even the VA, would tell us what his injury really was except for wounded warriors. They sent us to a retreat with other veterans going through the same thing, and gave us information and resources to get the help he needed. It didn't stop there. They never quit helping. They helped with finding and paying for a babysitter when we didn't have one for appointments. When our baby was diagnosed with leukemia the called regularly to check in to make sure we didn't need anything. They have even helped with school grants for the children. Because of Wounded Warriors Family Support, we have had a huge load removed time and time again so that we could focus on what is important.
Thanks to one of my husband's Army buddies we met an Amazing Veteran & humanbeing whose a part of an awesome non-profit that reached out to us to see how they could help. This non profit relays on donations from the public to help our military/veterans that need help the most. My husband requires 24/7 around the clock care, needs total assistance care, from brushing his teeth, showering, dressing him, getting his feedings through a peg-tube, getting him in & out of bed using a ceiling lift to transport him from his hospital bed to the shower chair to shower him then transport him back to his bed to get him dressed & on his wheelchair. Anson was left non-verbal after he sustained a severe TBI caused by a grenade blast that left him wheelchair bound, non-verbal & feeding through a peg-tube. Wounded Warriors Family Support is a non-profit that hearts are touched with the stories of injuries wounded warriors sustained while serving. They become a part of not only the wounded warrior's life but also check in on their families/caregivers, making sure we are getting selfcare for ourselves so we don't experience burnout. If we need a respite break we are able to, they work with others to help find proffesional caregivers to help, they also help in making sure the VA is doing what they are supposed to for the veteran this non-profit has caring people who help advocate or provide you with resources to contact depending on the veterans need or challenge. I ask you to touch your hearts & donate so veterans like my husband have a non-profit like this to help them in a time of need or going through a difficult time or feel like they have no voice or feel alone dealing with the VA system. Most of us as spouses of veterans don't know how to navigate through the VA system but thanks to a non-profit organization like this they do their best to help, either walking you through it or providing resources to educate yourself with knowledge to be able to fight & get the benefits, medication or medical equipment your veteran needs & rightfully earned by fighting & defending their country.
When we least expected it, the wounded warrior Faily support group was generous enough to send my family to a vacation in the middle of the year! This was such a neat experience that we were able to enjoy because we did not have the burden of having to worry about paying for tickets to all these neat places or even worry about a place to stay. The kids had so much fun and the best part was that I got to see my husband (wounded vet) smile at the kids happiness For the first time in a while. It made my heart happy. I am very grateful for the organization and I know that the donors money really does get used for the veterans and their family. I will always cherish the memories that were made that week and forever be grateful for their dedications the veterans. I also want to thank Stacia for randomly checking in on us to make sure we are ok and if we need help she is on the lookout for anyway she can help.
I can't say enough about WWFS, Wendy, and the entire WWFS organization. From their respite program, to financial assistance for urgent needs like dental care and childcare, they have helped countless families in the Wounded Warrior community. I have refered families to WWFS over the years who had all but given up hope and I continue to do so confident that WWFS will be there for every one of them. For my own family Wendy knew that it is extremely difficult for me to accept help and definitly difficult for me to ask for help but she and WWFS were there for my family and I through some very difficult times over the years. They treated us with dignity and kindness and made my husband feel like the hero that he is. I am forever thankful for Wendy and the entire team at WWFS.
WWFS has been a huge blessing to us the past few years! There assistance has meant that we have been and are able to continue to go to medical appointments without having to drag the kids to every appointment. This is really important because it allows me as my wounded warrior’s caregiver and advocate to give my undivided attention to the appointment and what’s going on with my warrior. Both of my children have special needs and the WWFS have worked tirelessly to find the perfect child care match for my kids and their needs while I take my husband to his appointments.
They also gave a wonderful opportunity a few years ago to take the entire family to Florida so our family could make memories together. They coordinatated the entire trip and to this day my children relish the memories of the first vacation that we as a family have gone on with my wounded warrior. Our lives are forever changed by his injuries and illnesses and to be able to give the kids a memory like the WWFS afforded us is indeed something we are really grateful of. Please support WWFS and know they are doing a lot in the areas other not for profits don’t think about. The day to day grind is less stressful because of the great work this group of people do.
Wounded warrior family support came into our lives and have been the biggest blessing since! Having a support system you can truly count on more than family. The team they have to help families is by far the most amazing. From needing someone to truly lean on and talk to to being there when your family nedds help with certain expenses. Dental bills back to school or christmas. Wounded warrior family support provides the up most support of any non profit out there. They ensure you can make it to Doctor appointments and you dont have to worry about taking kids with. Knowing all of your attention is on your wounded warrior, not having to worry about being distracted is a blessing in the least of words. We experienced the most amazing vacation of our lives from wounded warrior family support. Having time to bond as family. Something we wouldnt havent ever been able to give our children. Over the last few years since Wounded warrior family support has came into our lives they have been our back bone and a bigger support system than even our family. A thank you isnt even enough to say to them. As when ever life gets so incredibly tough, they are always there. They are the backbone for not only my family but many military families! They go above and beyond and are the type of non profit that stands behind there name, they are simply amazing. Thank you for all you do! For all of the military familys you bless and will continue to bless! Nina Coble
I am blessed to have met Wendy at a CARE event in Las Vegas where she was promoting their resources. I was still a little iffy asking for help from others, but when I got the courage, she and her entire team were there to answer the call. They have helped our family with childcare services so we could attend medical appointments (that would have been canceled otherwise), a couples event, respite care, and on top of that they provided me with house cleaners after I obtained an injury. They are still at the other end of my call or email when I am in need. THE BEST ORGANIZATION TO INCLUDE THE WHOLE FAMILY!
This has been a God sent Organization my husband Lee Hernandez has a TBI and is completely blind, I was exhausted and then they send people to help with with out hesitating and has really help us out !!!
I can not say enough good about Military Warrior Family Support. When our daughter was diagnoaes with Type 1 Diabetes they were the able to help us pay most of her medical expenses from the doctor and hospital. They were also willing and able to cover her medical supplies for 3 months. Thank you again for helping our family.
As the wife of a disabled Veteran that needed to travel for a month to medical treatments, I was completely scatterbrained. I learned that WWFS would help with respite care for our two young children, and was immediately at ease! They provided funding so that my folks could afford to take on our kiddos while we tackled a difficult month's schedule. When any Caregiver/Veteran faces a hardship needing respite, WWFS is the ONLY resource I recommend. They truly fill in the gaps that are woefully lacking by the VA system.
When I was facing surgery to remove my gallbladder, I didn't know how I was going to handle all of my caregiving responsibilities, let alone vacuuming the house for a few weeks while I recovered.
Wendy Tatrow and her team completed my intake quickly and had Merry Maids helping me out with the cleaning.
It was such a godsend.
A few months ago when I really needed to get away and have a bit of respite to recharge my batteries, Wendy arranged for me to stay at a condo in Galveston, which was amazing.
I am eternally thankful for what WWFS has done for my family and I.
Thank you to everyone that contributes to this amazing non-profit.
Wounded Warriors Family Support is an incredible organization! Not only has my family been blessed by them when our fence fell down during a wind storm, and offered me, a caregiver, a safe place to take a well needed three day respite trip, but I volunteer working with wounded veteran families, and have been able to refer many others to their care. WWFS fills a unique niche in the support community of wounded veterans, by offering service and support for situations that can be overwhelming to a disabled vet family, like medical emergencies for family members, repairs on homes, and caregiver respite.
My families experience with Wounded Warrior Family Support was amazing from the start. Their application process was very smooth and easy to fill out to make sure you get all the information in properly. Once accepted we were able to schedule our family vacation for Oct, 2015 at the Bahama Bay Resort in Orlando for a week. Also along with the week in Orlando the organization donated free theme park tickets to the local large theme parks and a couple of gift cards to help cover cost of vacations. My family and I enjoyed the time we were able to spend together and go to some of the parks we have never be before. It's great organization and people like this that make it a lot easier to deal with some of the thing I personally and my family go through on a daily basis.
We are a family of 8. My husband is a wounded veteran and I care for him and our 6 girls. WWFS has been an amazing blessing with the help and support we have received. Wendy has been very understanding and willing to work through our issues as a family.
Wounded Warrior Family Support helped save my husbands life.
My husband is a Combat Marine, who was suffering horribly with PTSD, Night Terrors, Flashbacks & TBI. Not to mention other Combat related physical medical issues. My husband refused to seek treatment as he was the Sole provider for our family of 6.
They were instrumental in providing the help we needed, So he could get the help He needed.
Wendy, the Respite Director has been a continual support for us emotionally, and spiritually. Where would I be, and our family with out their encouragement, and support.
My husband is on the road now to Recovery. Which means, that our family is too.
God Bless Wounded Warrior Family Support. May God continue to richly bless this Non Profit, and all whom serve the Wounded Veterans and their families.
Wounded Warrior Family Support has been absolutely wonderful for our family!!! We went through so much during transition and they were there for us. We would never have been able to get through all that we faced without them!!! Even after initial contact and services they continued to contact us to check on our well being and continued to offer us services and resources! They have been truly amazing and I owe them more thanks for what they have done for my family than I could possibly give them!! Love them all so much! Thank you WWFS!! For truly caring and asking nothing in return!
I want to thank all at the Wounded Warrior Organization for the out standing trip to Bahama Bay Resort and tickets to three theme parks in Orlando, all expense paid made possible for my son's family and I. When he told me of it I was planning on driving from NC to meet them. When my son called to tell me that they were paying for my trip too as caretaker, I was blown away. Was a once in a lifetime gathering for all of us to be together and having fun.
It was a blast we had the best time didn't have to worry of nothing except to have fun and relax. It was like I was a kid again especially at Wet& Wild, I at 60 years old kept up with the young ones, not even sore the next day from all that stair climbing! Then Universal Studios got to have my photo taken with my favorite Transformer Bumble Bee, loved the ride too! Harry Potter ride was fun, but the dragon one was way too rough for me. I made a hit with my grandkids for they were wanting to ride with me! go figure grandma was the cool one! A week I will not forget! I do donate to WW and will continue to do hope everyone else does too! I pray for all service personal to stay safe.
First and foremost I just want to say that I pray that the staff at Wounded Warrior Family Support and your loved ones are in the best of health, body, mind, spirit and heart.
My sincere Thank you is not enough for what you and WWFS has done for my family and myself. We had an amazing and fun loving time at Yellowstone. The experience was just so Heavenly, especially because it involved spending it with my family. My deepest Thank you again for blessing us with such an amazing gift. Thank you for the love and care that you have demonstrated to me for the service in gave this great nation. Its because of organizations and people like yourself that I went to serve to defend this nation. You all will forever be engraved in our hearts...nothing can ever take away what WWFS has done for us. May the Lord bring an abundance of Peace, Love, Happiness, and Joy to everyone that was able to make this blessing happen. Thank you again for sharing your hearts with us.
God bless you and America,
Harrison Manyoma
U.S. Army (SGT) retired
Purple Heart ( July 04 )
Thanking everyone involve first of all, we were some grateful and blessed to be able to take a vacation that took us outside the home. I can not even begin to express our feelings. Just to see my family all so relax having fun and even the weather was perfect all because the WWFS. Thank you for moments and memory that will last forever in our family generation of story be told. GoD bless
First of all, Thank You to everyone who made this trip possible! It was such a great & positive memory we made as a family! When dealing PTSD & TBI I always say that my spouse isn't the only wounded warrior. My kids are too. They are the lil warriors in this battle that get left unheard or forgotten. They have been through a deployment and had to say goodbye to their daddy. The next they're welcoming a stranger. They've seen him at his worst and continue to walk on eggshells. I reluctantly applied for this trip. Crowds, noise, fireworks just doesn't work for us but this was different! We did rush through the parks, picked end seats in the stands at shows, just minor adjustments. This trip made our family seem whole again. It was worry free. Dealing with him is a lot and not having to worry about the finance part of it was even better! Seeing my husband smiling and posing with characters, enjoying rides with our kids was priceless! I can never thank you enough for this opportunity. I hope to some day give back and help another family!!!!
WWFS really made myself and my family feel special. They sent us to Universal Studios in Orlando, FL. The accommodations were above our expectations, and they provided everything we needed. To see the smile on my children's faces everyday, was priceless.
WWFS allowed my family to take a once in a lifetime trip to Yellowstone park in Wyoming. We had the best time, reconnected and enjoyed exploring one of our nations most incredible national parks! Every day was something new and exciting for my family and I to explore and learn. They thought of everything from travel accommodations, spending money and all lodging planning. We are so happy were were chosen and I hope more families get the chance to experience this great service for our wounded.
WWFS is an amazing organization. They sent our family on a vacation to Florida that we would otherwise have not been able to afford to make. My husband is an Iraqi war veteran that sustained a spinal cord injury and neck injury. This July he had to go in for surgery again on his back and on his neck for the first time. Thanks to WWFS we were able to go on a family vacation to Florida the end of June, where our daughters were able to spend quality time with both of us prior to my husband going in for surgery again and once again being limited in how he can interact with them.
The week vacation was amazing. WWFS took excellent care of our family and we could not have been happier. Thank you so much WWFS for everything that you have done for our family as well as for others.
As told to me by my son, a 29 year old veteran who sustained major injuries to his head, face, and body during a vbied (vehicle born explosive device) attack while serving his country in Iraq: I've just been doing the best I can do to get better to be the best father to my daughter who knows me no other way than the man I am now since she was born shortly after my injuries. I'm just a country boy who wanted to serve my country. Sometimes it gets so hard to go through another surgery but I just have to because I want my daughter to know I'm doing my best and going to be my best so she'll strive to be the best she can be. I missed so much of her life while I was in and out of hospitals and now I'm getting the chance to make up for some of that time I missed. That's where WOUNDED WARRIORS FAMILY SUPPORT helped me and my family so much. I wanted to take my daughter on a much needed time away to just focus anything not medically related, but I can't travel without the people that take care of me and her, my mom and dad. That wasn't a problem for Wounded Warriors Family Support. They provided us with the time away we needed that gave my daughter time with her daddy instead of time with her daddy when I don't have to go to another medical appointment/treatment. And they provided my need to have my parents with me.
My husband was injured in Iraq on Veteran's Day 2005. He lost his right leg below the knee and severely fractured his left ankle. Since then, our family has been under a lot of stress, both emotionally and financially. We have two children and hadn't ever been on a vacation. We heard about Wounded Warriors Family Support through another veteran and his family and decided to put in an application for a family vacation. We were so excited to see that one of the vacations offered was to Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone was my husband's dream vacation and had been his whole life. Shortly after we put in the application we were contacted by the organization. They set up everything from flights to hotels to money to help with trip expenses. Our family's week in Yellowstone was the best week of our lives. My husband was happier than I have seen him in a long time. We have been back for about a month and he has been just as happy. I think the vacation that Wounded Warriors Family Support was just what our family needed. It provided us a week of stress free fun and we are forever grateful to this organization.
WWFS has been a Godsend to my family. I was introduced the organization from Hearts of Valor when I was invited to attend a conference to learn more about my husbands illnesses and how to better take care of myself. WWFS has changed my life. After 3 years of caring for my husband who requires more than 40 hours of care weekly, with no break, I was beginning to suffer from caregiver burnout. WWFS provides me regularly scheduled respite care. The VA pushes the necessity of respite care as part of self-care in their Caregiver training and certification but never advises on how to obtain it. I called various organizations that could care for my husband so I could get a break here and there especially over the last year and honestly could not afford any of their rates. They all charged double what the VA covers with the caregiver stipend. Being a woman with so many demands already caring for my husband, I can't call a hundred places to find one that fit's in my budet. WWFS worked diligently to meet every one of the character traits and qualities to find a caregiver that would be necessary to match the needs of my husband and children. They were able to find someone that my husband is comfortable with and that my children feel loved, understood and encouraged by. WWFS found someone that could come in and feel like family. WWFS is meeting a huge and what I find neglected need for Veterans. What they do is really lifesaving. It is saving marriages which is potentially saving the lives of our heroes by offering us women who love, respect and honor our husbands enough to stand by their sides through every trial room to breathe. I can't thank them enough.
Review from CharityNavigator
Impressive doesn't seem to be quite fit the word, nor does excellence, efficient and speedy! WWFS has been more than that to my family. It has become my rock when I had no where else to turn to. Not only did WWFS (Wendy) help me with education on some subjects such as TBI when trying to cope with new changes in my husband (wounded 06-07 Iraq), she immediately came in, took charge and helped me to ease some of the fears I had as a spouse, mother and caregiver. Realizing the stress I had, she helped me get my respite care and helped provide someone who could come in and take care of my family while I was gone. Wendy also helped me get through the application process for the flight costs and Air Compassion for Vets. She knew my biggest fear was being the only one carrying my family through all this and what a weight it can bear on the person doing everything for everyone at all times. She even made sure the night before my plane ride to respite, I didn't have to cook dinner for my brood. It had been soooo very long since someone just talked to me, helped me help myself which is something I hadn't quite learned just yet and because we are a little further back in years, they didn't mind at all because we didn't have to be judged just on "less than 24 months of injury". WWFS is helping me with a care plan so I may have much needed surgeries, much needed time to myself and help me get myself back to me. WWFS has exceeded beyond my cynical view of some organizations that help Veterans and their families. I mean that, so many times we were turned away and I wasn't sure why when we were just like everyone else. They not only took us in when I needed a family but, they have continued to call me and check in and just chat. Sometimes that adult conversation is the highlight of my week! I haven't participated in the retreat yet or used any of their programs but, they have been offered to my family. I would bet my last dollar that they exceed anyone's expectations just like what they have done for us. It is very easy for a non--profit to take in a lot of money, shell out so many checks to veterans and their families and then their job is done. The reason WWFS has my recommendation and review is because they went above and beyond to make sure we felt like we mattered, they cared about my Veteran and his family members. Often we families get lost in the shuffle so it was nice to have someone ask ME how I am feeling or doing. Colonel and Wendy and all who help, have been nothing short of a small miracle for my family and look forward to working with them some more. I hope my review helps anyone willing to help this non-profit financially will look at all aspects that sometimes money isn't what we need all the time and often, we get what people think we need. WWFS asks what we need, then takes charge to make sure it gets done. They didn't leave us behind and to me, that says it all right there. Thank you so much Wendy, Colonel and WWFS for taking us into your family and organization. It's appreciated far more than you realize. Kat and The Honaker Family (Rural Moo-Cow Town that's lost in TN)
Living with PTSD and TBI (www.armyreservistwife.blogspot.com)
Review from CharityNavigator
My husband is a OEF Combat Veteran. He has multiple injuries sustained in 2007, including PTDS (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), as well as multiple physical injuries as well. I was introduced to WWFS in mid 2012 through Hearts of Valor (another organization for families of Wounded Warriors). I was given help through WWFS to attend a Caregivers Retreat for Hearts of Valor. Wendy Tatro has been so amazing from the very first conversation we had! Not only did I get respite care for the retreat, but she has also looked for help for our family to move (twice in 4 months) as well as getting our family on-going in home respite care! I have told quite a few of my fellow Wounded Warrior friends about WWFS, and I know they have received help as well! I believe this organization is one of the best for military/post-military families, because they have the families at heart, and not profit, not "getting a name" for themselves. They have proven to me and my family that they truly do care for our military and those who have served, and want to provide the very best for these families. I am looking forward to the on-going care that they provide for my family, as well as the help I know other families are getting as well.
Thank you Wendy and WWFS!! You truly have changed our lives for the better, and have shown us, and our friends that there are still heart-filled people out there who truly want to give back to our military!
Review from CharityNavigator
My name is Kacy, I am the wife of a disabled veteran, who served in the Marine Corps. My husband did two tours in Iraq. He suffers with PTSD and has a Purple Heart. I am a mom of four girls and pregnant with a boy. Wendy Tatro from the WWFS, got in contact with me and invited me to lunch. I met with her and another wife of a disabled veteran. It was really great to go and meet this ladies. One, I never get out and do anything for just me. Two, it was nice to be around people that knew what I was going through. 3, WWFS treated us to getting our nails done. I haven't had my nails done in so long (years). It was nice to not feel overwhelmed and be able to just relax. WWFS helps me feel free of the everyday stress just through a lunch date and conversation. I am thankful for that alone. I do not have close friends, and often feel isolated. I often feel that people don't understand just how bad, war, has affected of lives. WWFS without judgment, understands and is there to listen when you need to vent. Thank you WWFS and thank you Wendy Tatro.
Review from CharityNavigator
Wendy Tatro from WWFS helped me to attend a Hearts of Valor retreat in San Diego this past March, 2013. To be selected to attend the retreat was such a blessing and when they told me that there was support to help me pay for child care I was floored. Life can be so overwhelming as the spouse of a disabled warrior and a mother of a one year old. The idea of leaving for a weekend seems out of reach most of the time. The last time I had left, the caregiver who was supposed to help out with my husband made a real disaster of the situation. This situation included care for my husband and son. I need to have people that I trust and I do but of coarse it gets very expensive for a weekend.
Not only did WWFS make it possible for me to attend the retreat which was so helpful, but she talked to me about my role as a caregiver and validated my experiences of challenge. She gave me a lot of helpful advice as someone who has tremendous experience herself. She also gave me hope that maybe some day my family can get some support to go on vacation, where it would be connected to the military so my husband might be willing to go. He is still recovering from his time as a soldier, and it's hard to get him our of the house to do anything new.
Well, to make a long story short, the really amazing part about the help I received from Wendy and WWFS is that it really touched my heart to feel that people care enough to make sure I get a little break from my tough job. I learned so many things that I really needed to know on the retreat. Things that I was having a hard time finding on my own. Wendy also enlightened me with information that really helped.
That weekend and the care I received from Hearts of Valor and WWSF strengthened me to continue to do my best to care for my husband. Slowly but surely, things are improving from the love and care that we have received from these groups.
So thank you! You do make a difference.
Best,
Eliza Knight
Review from CharityNavigator
My husband was injured initially in Afghanistan in 2009. Over the last few years he has had multiple surgeries and was in a coma last year that contributed to him developing ABI (Acquired Brain Injury) which is similar to TBI, he has multiple incomplete spinal injuries and a myriad of other health issues that all stem from his injury in Afghanistan and the subsequent treatment. My husband requires full time care due to his injuries/illnesses- and this falls to me as his wife. On top of being my husbands full time care giver I also have 2 of my 5 kids who live at home, and my youngest son has 2 behavioral disorders and my daughter has special needs and health issues of her own. I also work part time to help with the finances in supporting our family and I do some volunteer work with other wounded warrior families as well. I am telling you this because I want you to understand how full my life is,which means that there is no "me" time, or time for me to be able to regroup. Caregiver burnout is a very real threat to myself and my family. Even though my journey in life the last few years has been very hard and very rough, the Wounded Warriors Family Support team has contributed to making it so much more bearable in the last few months (since I enrolled with their program).
I was able to go on a retreat for wounded warrior caregivers at the end of March because WWFS brought in a wonderful, professional caregiver to care for my soldier. For me to be able to go to the other side of the country and know that the love of my life, the light of my universe was in caring and competent hands was the biggest factor that allowed me to go on this weekend retreat. This retreat went a long ways in delaying caregiver burnout for me thus far. Not only has WWFS provided a caregiver for my retreat but at other extremely stressful times as well, and a few times just because I needed a day to myself. Being a full time caregiver of a wounded warrior is very hard, very very hard- regardless of how much you love your solider-your relationship with them is completely different then that of a couple who doesn't have this same kind of relationship. If I didn't have WWFS on my side and in my corner I wouldn't be able to cope as well as I do with my situation in life. Wendy Tatro-Walker and her team has provided so much support, emotionally, personally and physically (by providing a caregiver when I need a break) that if I won the lottery I would donate every penny to them to continue this project for the future and for other caregivers. I really can not stress how amazing and wonderful and supportive this organization is and how this organizations programs have enabled me to be a better, healthier,happier wife,mother and caregiver-by providing a professional caregiver that I can feel safe leaving my family with when I need one.
Not only do they do this, but they are also sending our family on a trip at the end of August to Orlando,Fl for a family vacation. This is the very first time that we have been offered the opportunity to take a vacation as a family. Being the family of a wounded warrior affects not only my soldier and myself, but my children also. It guarantees that our children don't have the same kind of childhood that most parents dream for their children.Our families plans and goals for life have been changed so dramatically by the injuries/illnesses that my solider suffers from because he is not able to do the normal dad-kid things that other kids get to do with their dads. So this trip to FL for a week, where they have the appropriate accommodations for my husband that will also allow us to make amazing and lifelong family memories is a blessing that we are very thankful for. Again, this wouldn't have been possible with out the WWFS and their volunteers.
Review from CharityNavigator
My husband is a two-time combat veteran. As a result of his service, he now has multiple injuries, including PTSD and a brain injury. Since his return in 2008, my day-to-day life has been one battle after another - fighting to get him the proper discharge, fighting to get him his VA benefits, fighting to get him proper care, and fighting against the self-loathing and apathy that pulled him down so low that he couldn't see the point in trying to recover. As his caregiver, and the mother of two small children, it felt like I was all alone, that I had ceased to matter except in regards to the needs of others. While it was, in some ways, rewarding, it was also frustrating, depressing, and unbelievably stressful.
A friend recommended me to WWFS. I balked at first; my experience with non-profits serving the veteran community had been nothing but negative, and had never yielded any kind of measurable result. My husband does not have a Purple Heart. He declined it, for complicated reasons, and that has often led to organizations treating us as lesser or simply ignoring us altogether. I wasn't up to another fight that was going to end in disappointment, especially when the beneficiary wasn't my husband or children, but me. As I said, in my mind, I had ceased to matter as a person. However, my friend persisted, and I finally agreed.
From the very beginning, Wendy (the Respite Director) was wonderful to work with. She took the time to listen to my story - not just my husband's, but mine. She understood my stress, and asked the question : "What can I do to help you"? I'd heard it before. The difference is, this time, the person asking followed through.
Wendy spent a lot of time screening potential childcare providers, looking for someone that would fit the criteria we set, while also understanding my family's unique situation. She never recommended somone just to get the job done. She kept searching until we found the perfect person. As a result, I can now tend to my own health and take part in the counseling that I so badly need to help me deal with the stress that comes from caring for a wounded veteran. For the first time in five years, I have the kind of help and support that actually *helps*. The relief I feel is incredible, and I am immensely grateful for WWFS. This is exactly the kind of support that families like mine need. It provides real support, not lip-service or false promises. I feel incredibly blessed to have been helped this way. It means more than I can really say.
Review from CharityNavigator
Feeling overwhelmed with my son's newly acquired disability due to his deployment in Iraq, Wounded Warriors stepped up to the plate and provided me with a weekend of mental wellness and for that I am eternally grateful. My son's traumatic brain injury has left him permanently in need of care which, I now provide. Having the brief respite with other mother's of wounded warriors allowed me to have time for myself to take in and digest my new role from afar yet surrounded by newly acquired friends that truly understand what it is to have to deal with the consequences of the war long after it has ended. This non-profit agency truly understands how important it is to provide assistance to those that are now caring for our nation's heroes.
Being married to a disabled veteran and the mother to a special needs child, my name and story was passed around to several larger organizations. I was given bumper stickers, plastic cups and access to websites to read about how rough life is for the caregivers of disabled vets. Nothing that really helped me not feel so isolated and alone. WWFS showed personal interest in my life issues and pulled me out of a depression that was heading for suicide. I have been given a better understanding of my husbands mental state and in the few short months that we have been in the program, our family is building strong happy accepting relationships again. I can laugh and smile again thanks to a special lady that works for this organization. They have a wealth of knowledge of what disabled veteran's families go through - they tailor their program to you and what you need to get your life back on track. WWFS even found a program where we could apply for a mortgage free home - we did and we got it. The point is that this non profit is not looking for all the glory - they are really trying to help these veterans whose lives are forever changed due to their sacrifice. These men will carry the price of freedom and democracy on their backs and in their minds to their graves. WWFS understands that and is providing outlets and education for families like mine to enjoy life again. Their level of personal involvement with the families in their program exceeds any expectation you would expect from an organization like this. You are not just signed up and put on a mailing list. They want to make sure you are given the skills you need to adjust. They want to inspire you to find solutions to issues you may be having and will help you solve them. In short, they give you a foundation of hope for your future again. We could not be happier with WWFS.
The Wounded Warriors Family Support is AN AWESOME ORGANIZATION!!! After my husband nearly lost his life in Iraq his AW2 counseler referred us to the WWFS charity. They flew our family to Florida where they put us up in a beautiful townhouse for an entire week and gave us 7 day passes to go to Disney theme parks. They included a deep tissue massage for my husband which greatly helped with his injurie site. All in all the WWFS gave our family life changing memories that we would have probably never been able to afford without the WWFS!! So many times those that have take for granted the simple things that mean the world to those that don't have!! Thank you WWFS!!! You have been an awesome blessing to our family and so many others!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
I'm a caregiver for my husband who is a disabled veteran as well as a caregiver for my father who is on in home hospice care for CHF. I also have 3 kids and 3 dogs. I broke my foot in early November. WWFS's volunteer Wendy contacted me to offer their services. They had maids come in to get my house caught up and kept clean to take the stress off of my husband an I. They also had a catering service provide fully cooked meals 3 nights a week for several weeks so that I could stay off my foot and let it heal. This helped us in so many ways and Wendy has become a friend for life. She checked on us daily and if I needed anything they were quick to act to help.
I've actually been searchin for others in my position to recommend for help!!
I have had the pleasure of working with the Col and others at WWFS for the past 3 years in regards to our non-profit Operation Recover. We provide retreats & resources for wounded warrior families and the WWFS donated monies to help sponsor 2 of our retreats. Their generosity allowed 8 families to participate in 2 retreats we did in VA, 2012. I have found that working in the non-profit community you often encounter organizations that are unwilling to work together on projects or to help each other. Our philosophy has always been that we can reach more people by helping each other and referring our families to those who provide resources we don't. I am happy to be able to let our families know about other non-profits available and WWFS is a good one. Thank you for your support as we first started our organization and for your continued support. I now have the pleasure of working with this organization and team personally as well.
Hello, my name is Priscilla Suiter. I heard of the WWFS while on a retreat for Operation Purple from other families that had wonderful experiences with them and others that went on like myself to have wonderful experiences with the WWFS... I've grown to know and respect them greatly. They're wonderful people with very large hearts. Please contact them and see for yourself. I guarantee you a friendly welcome and people readily to help you out with whatever your needs or questions may be. They're very helpful, kind, and highly respectable people. They have done so much for our wounded heroes and their families. Take a few moments to visit their website and see what they're all about because if you pass up Colonel Folsom and his wonderful organization you will truly be missing out!!! There you can also find real experience stories with these wonderful people including mine. This page may say they're a three star, but to me they're a five. Don't waste anymore time and go see what I'm talking about!! Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!!!
My family was referred to this organization in early 2010 by a VA counselor who knew that we desperately needed some quality family time. The application process for a vacation was simple and straightforward, and within a couple of days we were scheduled for our first family vacation in years. I will never forget the smiles that my children had for seven days straight, the laughs and squeals that we shared together, and the look of contentment on my husband's face for being able to provide something to us that he thought he'd lost. WWFS still continues to engage with us, always seeking further ways to give us the family support that they promise. I could list so many things that they have done in almost three years, but the overall picture is that they have focused on the well-being of my injured husband, me, and both of our children as well. I truly believe their impact on us as a family has been emotionally critical and life changing.
Review from Guidestar