This guest blog was written by the Hope For The Warriors®.Bush Center Military Service Initiative events such as the upcoming Warrior Open golf...
This guest blog was written by the Hope For The Warriors®.
Bush Center Military Service Initiative events such as the upcoming Warrior Open golf tournament, highlight the bravery and sacrifice of the warriors wounded in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as those organizations that have made continuing commitments to supporting America’s heroes. Hope For The Warriors® is one of these organizations using sports as an important part of the rehabilitation process and supporting competing Warrior Open golfers. The swift and sure swing of a golf club. A determined push on a handcycle. A sigh of relief that the rent will be paid. Each of these sounds are unique and yet each is a signal of hope. They are the sounds that the staff and volunteers of Hope For The Warriors® hear each week and the sounds that propel them forward in their work of restoring a sense of self, restoring families and restoring hope in service members. 
The mission of Hope For The Warriors® is to enhance the quality of life for post-9/11 service members, their families, and families of the fallen who have sustained physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty. A group of military wives founded the organization in 2006. They stood together as they witnessed, firsthand, the effects of the war on service members and their families. Since that time, Hope For The Warriors® has grown tremendously in the span of programs offered and the number of wounded and family members assisted. Their programs offer a full cycle of support starting with Immediate Needs financial assistance, and continuing through A Warrior’s Wish®, Hope & Morale, Above & Beyond Transitional Program, Spouse/Caregiver Scholarships, Family Reintegration Program, Family Support, Team Hope For The Warriors® and more. 
Through Immediate Needs financial assistance, the staff aids overwhelmed families who are learning to navigate the medical centers. As a family transitions from shock, to fear, to acceptance and determination—Hope For The Warriors® tracks their needs each step of the way. Through Hope & Morale and Outdoor Adventures programs, wounded service members utilize golf, hunting, fishing, kayaking and more as part of their physical and emotional rehabilitation. The Above & Beyond transitional program has paired service members with mentors—teaching heroes how to succeed within the civilian employment market. Athletes, who run, bike, swim and more join Team Hope For The Warriors®, engaging their competitive spirit and allowing them to be defined by their accomplishments, not their injuries. Family members are an integral part of a service member’s recovery and an important focus of each program. The Family Support Program and the Family Reintegration Program ensures that the needs of the families are addressed alongside the needs of the service members. Hope For The Warriors® understands the challenges, pride, and joy of being a military family. For today, tomorrow, and years to come, they will strive to meet the changing needs of service members and their families. This post is part of a series to help highlight the good work of military support organizations and fulfill the mission of the Bush Institute’s Military Service Initiative to honor the sacrifices and service our U.S. servicemen and women and their families make for our freedom. The Institute helps military support organizations achieve their missions more effectively by raising awareness and spotlighting best practices.
