Veterans may face a variety of challenges due to the effects of war and can have obstacles transitioning into civilian life after their military service. With growing economic demands and lack of veteran resources, many fall into difficult times.
Take a moment and explore how these charities are making a difference in San Diego by providing vocational training, housing, health, and education services to veterans in need.
Workshops for Warriors provides vocational training to veterans along with commercially-viable work experience, job-placement, and a path to long-term independence and integration into the workforce.
Since 2008, WFW has been delivering on its promise to provide veterans with training and credentials that lead to successful careers while addressing the skilled manufacturing workforce shortage in the U.S.
Pegasus Rising partners soldiers with horses through Equine Assisted Experiential Health Therapy (EAT) programs to facilitate the healing of military personnel who are reintegrating back into civilian life.
Since 2009, Pegasus Rising programs has offered personal development and healing in a natural and fun way while also helping military families address issues which may have arisen since their loved ones returned from overseas duty.
Since 2006, Freedom Dogs has been devoted to serving wounded members of the military through the use of specialty-trained service dogs.
Freedom Dogs provide both physical and emotional support, helping wounded warriors successfully make the challenging transition back to civilian life, or in some cases, return to active duty.
Operation Game On gives injured combat troops and their wives a special custom intro-to-golf package including golf lessons and equipment, as well as golf apparel and multiple playing opportunities.
Combat troops regain confidence and an active lifestyle through golf rehabilitation which allows them to compete, laugh, relax, focus, and challenge their muscles outside of regular PT.
Since 1981, Veterans Village of San Diego has been a leader in serving homeless veterans of all wars and eras by offering housing, food, clothing, substance abuse recovery, job training, and job placement services.
VVSD's rehabilitation programs lead to renewed self-worth and independent living and each year VVSD serves more than 3,000 veterans throughout San Diego County.
Since 2015, One More Wave has provided wounded and disabled veterans with customized surfing equipment and community which enables veterans to get back in the water and achieve surf therapy.
By equipping veterans and connecting them to a network of surfing volunteers, One More Wave empowers veterans to find peace, health, and wellness in the surf zone.
Shelter to Soldier offers a valuable service by adopting dogs from local shelters and training them to become service dogs for post-9/11 combat veterans suffering from PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, and/or other psychological injuries.
Shelter to Soldier’s expertise in training service dogs is unmatched and provides a great platform to serve military personnel and honor their service to the country.
Warrior Foundation’s mission is to be the leading force in assisting, honoring and supporting military men and women who have bravely served and sacrificed for the country.
Warrior Foundation offers veterans with quality-of-life items, support services and transitional housing designed to assist veterans and their families during recovery and transition from military service to civilian life.
Paws for Purple Hearts offers Canine Assisted Warrior Therapy to wounded Service Members and Veterans and produces some of the best trainers and highest quality assistance dogs in the world.
Since 2006, Paws for Purple Hearts has improved the lives of America’s Warriors facing mobility challenges and trauma related conditions such as PTSD and TBI and by building public awareness about the important role dogs play in helping Warriors along the road to recovery.
Wounded Warrior Homes mission is to provide transitional housing and re-integrative services to post 9/11 veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury and/or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
For over 10 years, WWH has successfully crafted and implemented a transitional support program with a 95% success rate of transitioning wounded warriors to successful civilians.
Healing Wave Aquatics mission is to bring warm water therapy to active duty military and veterans who have experienced trauma. Healing Wave leads the way in research-based aquatic bodywork therapies, a technique that reduces stress, promotes better sleep, and helps with the ability to think more clearly.
Since 2010, Healing Wave has focused its aquatic bodywork on veterans to help overcome the effects of trauma and enhance the recovery process.
Poway Veterans Organization offers assistance to veterans or their dependents residing in Poway and surrounding areas who have demonstrated a financial need due to illness, injury, lack of employment, or an unexpected hardship.
Since 2014, PVO has provided support in areas such as home repairs and upkeep, repairs on personal transportation vehicles, and similar activities that are requested by veterans/families that apply for assistance.
San Diego Veterans Coalition serves the needs of regional veterans, their families and significant others by improving collaboration and coordination among community service providers in all sectors (non-profit, county, state) so that delivery of services is more comprehensive and veteran family-centric.
Founded in 2009, SDVC brings together over 150 unique organizations and supports these partners in their services, events and activities.
SDMFC's mission is to support and strengthen the military-connected community through education, advocacy, and engagement.
SDMFC envisions a county where all members of San Diego’s military-connected community can easily gain access and navigate critical information, programs, and resources when faced with military life challenges through streamlined services and a network of support.
SDMOM is a nondenominational organization dedicated to serving junior enlisted military in San Diego County with basic needs to help stretch their limited funds while they live in one of the most expensive areas in the country.
SDMOM’s offerings are free of charge in appreciation for their service and consists of food, children’s supplies, personal emergency assistance, and helping families feel a sense of community, especially spouses of deployed members.
Us4Warriors is dedicated to helping veterans, active-duty military, and their families overcome hardships and reach self-reliance for a brighter future.
Established in 2013, US4Warriors offers several programs and services such as food distribution, basic needs assistance, home repairs, wheelchairs, and employment opportunities to enhance quality of life and provide support.
Established in 1967, DAV directly supports programs which help disabled veterans improve their physical, social, and mental conditions.
DAV supplies vans to transport veterans on a daily basis, to and from medical appointments at the VA Hospital and various outpatient clinics, at no cost. In addition, DAV purchases medical equipment for local veteran hospitals, as recommended by the VA Hospital Administrator.
Honor Flight San Diego is dedicated to escorting San Diego County Veterans to Washington D.C. to visit and reflect at the Memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.
Since 2010, HFSD has escorted over 1,400 veterans on their “Tour of Honor” in which veterans receive free charter airfare, two nights in a hotel, charter buses, all meals and bottled water for three days, t-shirt, lanyard, photo book, and more.
The Veterans Art Project serves veterans, active duty, and their spouses through process-driven, deep arts engagement, which helps servicemen find their voice and work through the life-changing process of transitioning from military to civilian life.
VETART offers free classes in ceramics, glass, woodworking, and bronze casting that take place in state of the art facilities in a safe and welcoming environment.
Helping Paws keeps military families united with their pets by removing financial burdens in which vets would otherwise face the heartbreaking decision of premature relinquishment or economic euthanasia.
Since 2013, Helping Paws has supported more than 2,600 military pets by offering low and no-cost veterinary care for service members and veterans in need.
Support the Enlisted Project serves active duty and recently discharged veterans and their families facing financial crisis through counseling, education, and grants.
Since 2012, STEP has served over 5,600 military families by offering a holistic approach to personal finance. Every client leaves with a better understanding of their financial situation and a personalized plan. If needed, STEP provides a financial assistance grant to prevent the loss of a critical basic need.
Foundation for Women Warriors serves women veterans as they transition to civilian life on their next mission to impact the world.
Foundation for Women Warriors enhances the personal and economic wellbeing of women veterans and provides services such as stipends for basic needs and childcare costs, professional development, access to scholarships and internships, and a built in support system.
Veterans Association of North County helps active-duty military, veterans, and their families navigate life during and after service as a one-stop resource center offering job assistance, education, benefits, health, and wellness.
Founded in 2007, VANC also provides rooms which are perfect meetings, banquets, workshops, presentations, and more.
Courage to Call improves the mental wellness for military service members, veterans, and their families through outreach and education, 24/7 peer line, as well as individual short-term prevention plans. The programs are led by veterans and their family members.
Courage to Call also offers an optional deeper level of care with case management to help navigate resources and advocate for the client within a continuum of care.
Wounded Warrior Tennis Program uses tennis as a means of rehabilitation and community re-integration for wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans of all ages. The programs satisfy physical, emotional, and social needs, promote a fit and healthy lifestyle, and enhance quality of life.
Since 2011, Wounded Warrior Tennis Program has offered free weekly tennis clinics and annual national tennis camps to military folks ranging in age from 20 to 91.
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Resounding Joy provides music therapy to military service members and veterans to enrich lives and progress toward non-musical goals, such as symptom management, pain reduction, career development, and building stronger familial relationships.
Resounding Joy offers service members a variety of music-based interventions such as interactive music-making, songwriting, and improvisation which helps them achieve their goals in a therapeutic and supportive setting.
Founded in 2017, Saddles in Service seeks to combat the suicide rates of service members and to promote mental health and healing to these heroes and their families through equine-assisted learning and activities.
Saddles in Service’s horsemanship program partners service members with a rescue horse and offers an opportunity to explore healing and help rediscover joy, hope, confidence, and purpose.
Next Step Service Dogs mission is to renew the lives of Veterans and First Responders with PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and/or Military Sexual Trauma through the training and placement of highly trained service dogs.
Founded in 2012, Next Step Service Dogs does not charge for service dogs or their training and supports each dog through its lifetime.
Zero8hundred eases the transition from the military to civilian life by connecting service members to resources specifically suited to their goals for joining the civilian workforce and community.
Zero8hundred offers free individualized support up to a full year prior to military separation through a full year post-military. Zero8hundred is committed to walking alongside participants helping them design and execute their post-military journey.
