Going Fishin' - veterans having a reel-y good time!

Website

http://www.veteransinc.org

What is your idea to address an unmet need of service members, veterans and their families?

We want to expand on an activity for veterans that has been wildly popular in the past. We want to go fishing again! We provide housing and services for homeless veterans who are working together towards self-sufficiency. The Veteran Reel Retreat provides exercise, relaxation, fresh air and camaraderie – contributing to overall health and well-being as veterans work towards a better future – and it provides a tangible sense of accomplishment to reel in a fish! When it comes to helping homeless veterans, we don’t just put a roof over their heads; we give them the tools to rebuild their lives and reintegrate with their families and communities. In short, as our clients tell us time and again, we save lives.

What specific population do you plan to work with? What is their unmet need?

The veterans we serve cope with disabilities and mental health issues like PTSD and depression. Many are in treatment for substance abuse. Fishing excursions offer these homeless veterans a much needed outlet. We have come to understand and appreciate these types of activities over our more than 20 years helping veterans. When we take veterans fishing – we see firsthand that they become less tense, less anxious about the problems they face, and more positive in their outlook overall. These veterans need the sense of belonging and achievement that fishing provides. Fishing builds their confidence while it lowers stress levels. And there is also a sense of adventure.

What is your implementation plan, and how would the $1,000 be used?

We want to respond to the requests of veterans for a bigger and better fishing experience to include salt water fishing. To date, we have only gone fishing to local, fresh water sources. Our plan includes enhancing and expanding our Reel Retreat to include salt water trips for our vets to experience a day out on the ocean reeling in the “big one!” The $1,000 would be used to participate in Fishing Derbies for Veterans sponsored by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Money would be used for transportation costs and to cover the $65 per person fee.

How are volunteers the key ingredient to your solution?

Veterans Inc. relies heavily on volunteers. Since 1991, we have helped more than 45,000 veterans and their families, and we couldn’t have done it without volunteers. While we have 70 salaried staff, we have well over 1,000 volunteers every year, and that number is growing. Volunteers originated the idea of a fishing project, volunteers have done all the planning, and volunteers supervise the trip. We could not afford to staff all of the special programs for our veterans were it not for the dedication, zeal, talent and commitment of volunteers. There would be no Reel Retreat without volunteers. They organize the outings. Volunteers make it happen!

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