What we do and... Why we do it

Mission:

Our mission is to support veterans who silently battle in the shadow of depression, addiction, anxiety, dissociation and isolation. Founded on the belief that sometimes service members return home but their core, the person they used to be, often does not. We believe no one should ever be left behind. OneStarfish.org proactively casts a lifeline to those who served.

The Problem:

There are many well-intentioned and helpful organizations across America that offer resources to our nation’s veterans. Organizations like the Veterans Administration help veterans in incalculable ways. Religious organizations offer spiritual counseling as well as some material and social aid to get veterans back on their feet. Still other charitable organizations offer training and classes aimed at helping those in need. What they all have in common is that the veteran must first seek them out and ask for help; for various reasons, few seldomly do and choose silence and psychological pain. When veterans do engage, they often receive “appointment” based training and care. The issue here is that the veteran attends appointed, hour-long class or group session, then immediately returns to “real life” which consists of the low-level dissociation and isolation that they so desperately need to escape. Between their appointments, which can sometimes be months apart, veterans forget the training, or the reflection they gained at the last treatment session. They often describe it as simply going back to “reality” and very often do not return to the training because the darkness, silence and self-medication is much more soothing and prolonged then the sessions they sporadically attend. All the while, they have bills, rent, and jobs that take priority over treatment. In other words, “there’s still bills to pay”. This approach is like treating a substance addict for an hour knowing that immediately following the session, they will be surrounded by the triggers they need to avoid. The psychological need to isolate or self-medicate is so great that sufferers avoid seeking the help they know they need. At other times, our heroes may not even be aware of the myriad of benefits they have earned and are entitled to so they suffer in silence, with devastating and sometimes tragic results.

The Dilemma:

Organizations and care professionals truly do care and want to help. Mental health and Substance Abuse professionals have for decades been well-aware of the dilemma; they know, without a doubt, that many of the people they try to help will immediately return to the issues and substances as soon as they leave the counseling session. But what can you do; resources are limited, and the need is too great!??? The answer usually is, “you do your best” and most professionals do just that while still cognizant of the river they are swimming against. The current is so strong that, often, treatment professionals themselves succumb to the undertow and drown in the effects of vicarious trauma or secondary traumatic stress. 

How is OneStarfish.org different:

What sets OneStarfish.org apart is our unwavering commitment to actively seeking out isolated veterans and engage them into holistically reintegrating with the families, friends and communities they returned to. Critical to our mission is the understanding and, more importantly, the acceptance of the reality that surrounds us; we simply cannot “save” everyone. Hence the parable of the Starfish.

OneStarfish.org approach: 

Our goal is to engage those around our veterans and encourage them to nominate our heroes. Once identified, another trained veteran will reach out and initiate the contact with the aim of bringing the sufferer back into the fold of their community, family and society at large. Once a veteran is engaged, the case is assigned to an advocacy team comprised of volunteer mental health professionals, religious and secular community advocates, as well as the assigned trained veteran support specialist. Once monthly, the teams meet, anonymously vote, and then select specific “Starfish” to sponsor.

The journey begins with a thorough assessment to fully understand the individual needs of each veteran. Once selected, they embark on a year-long commitment of support that includes personalized therapy, addiction counseling, mental health services, financial literacy, teambuilding, employment counseling, VA benefits training and assessment (Including application for benefits they may be entitled to) and much, much more. The organization also provides resources for housing, employment, and social integration, ensuring that veterans have the tools they need to improve or rebuild their lives.

As already mentioned, once selected, a “Starfish” is enrolled in a full-time, fully funded, year-long, treatment and learning program. They receive an hourly wage based on completion of structured, time-based milestones and key learning objectives; their full-time job is recovery and reintegration. Upon completion, graduated Starfish may be retained and employed at OneStarfish.org as sponsor veterans who then are assigned to assist newly engaged veterans entering the program. This unique approach ensures that each veteran receives the comprehensive care and attention they deserve. From the moment a veteran is welcomed into the program, they are embraced by a network of compassionate professionals and volunteers who are dedicated to their well-being. Moreover, becoming a sponsor veteran, gives them on-going, life-long sense of purpose and their experience is maintained and enhance by continuing education programs.

Throughout this journey, OneStarfish.org fosters a sense of community and belonging. Veterans are encouraged to connect with one another, share their experiences, and support each other in their healing process. The organization hosts regular events and workshops, creating a safe space for veterans to explore, socialize and grow into thriving and contributing members of their families and communities.

At OneStarfish.org, the message is clear: "You are not alone." This mantra is not just a slogan but a promise that every veteran who walks through their doors will find the support, understanding, and compassion they need to overcome their struggles. By dedicating all available resources to helping veterans for a full year, OneStarfish.org removes all obstacles to recovery and ensures that no one is left behind. Please be assured that all veterans will receive guidance and assistance regardless of selection as a “Starfish” or not. We commit to engaging all internal and external resources to help any veteran.

In a world where many suffer in silence, OneStarfish.org shines as a testament to the power of community, compassion, and the unwavering support of a grateful nation. Together, we can make a difference, one starfish at a time. Please join us!