Give an Hour started as an idea that we can and must do better with and for this generation of veterans; that we can and must capitalize on the spirit of service our military men, women, and families embody; that we can and must work together for the common good.
“Not all scars are visible to the human eye. We all have them inside. It is what we choose to do with those battle wounds that make the difference. I will never be cured, but I can manage my condition and today I am able to have hope for a better tomorrow.” Jennifer – U.S. Army Veteran, Operation Enduring Freedom
At the tender age of 17, Jennifer joined the military seeking guidance and stability. She deployed to Afghanistan and earned the right to call herself a veteran of foreign war at 20 years old. When Jennifer came home, the effects of war remained. The flashbacks of bodies and explosions consumed her. Jennifer began to self medicate with illicit drugs, could not hold a job, and ended up homeless. She was arrested and given a choice — stay sober and get help for her PTSD or go to jail. She entered a local drug court program, had the support of a longtime friend, and received proper treatment. After her VA benefits expired, she was able to keep seeing her therapist, at no cost, through Give an Hour.
Today, Jennifer is the capable mother of two and is employed as a nurse at a hospital. She still sees her GAH therapist and continues her role as a spokesperson for Give an Hour.
Give an Hour has learned many things over the last decade. In particular, we have learned that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to providing care and support to our military and veteran community.
