My Nonprofit Reviews

Great organization with a great mission.

I am a combat-wounded, medically retired OIF Veteran, who was notified of Catch A Lift by a fellow wounded Veteran. The application process was simple and straight forward, and after a few months I was notified that I would receive a one-year gym membership grant. I am now going on my second year as a Catch A Lift Veteran, and decided to volunteer as Squad Leader to provide support/mentorship to new Catch A Lift Veterans.

Their mission is very logical: basically, provide gym memberships and/or at-home gym equipment to wounded Veterans, with the resulting goal being mental/physical healing. And, it makes sense. The benefits of exercise and social activity decrease anything from weight gain to symptoms of depression. Sleep improves, medications decrease, etc., and the Veteran is improving his/her health.

One of my favorite aspects of Catch A Lift, is that there is an accountability factor to their grants. A recipient is expected to exercise at least three times per week. Progress is monitored, and each Veteran is assigned to a Squad Leader who is required to have monthly phone contacts with the Veteran. These contacts are charted by the Squad Leader, which include how the Veteran is doing, their progress, challenges, a review of their goals, etc. The Catch A Lift Veteran is not just issued a grant, they are issued a grant but are also provided actual support and encouragement during the entire time of their grant.

Receiving a Catch A Lift grant has been one of the best things that has happened to me. The organization is great, and very helping. You feel like you are part of something larger than yourself. But getting back in the gym has been the most beneficial for me. I have found that same kind of camaraderie, sense of accomplishment, support, physical activity, and sense of belonging at my gym, which I have yet to experience since leaving the military.

WWP has been the single most beneficial type of support/healing that I have received, compared to any other veterans organization ( VFW, MOPH, IAVA, DAV, etc..). It has been great connecting with other veterans while at WWP events, and I would highly recommend applying for participation in WWP'S Project Odyssey. ...it was absolutely amazing. Keep up the great work, WWP.

OIF veteran, combat wounded, medically retired.