Mission
To END veteran suicide and ensure EVERY United States Veteran receives the care, compassion and support necessary to successfully transition to civilian life and pursue a meaningful future.
Stepping Out of Service is uniquely structured with the goal of filling gaps where Veteran Affairs and other support organizations fall short in supporting the transition from active duty to civilian life for not only the veteran but their families and community. Our goal is to END veteran suicide and to ensure that those who have served our country, can step back into their civilian lives with honor, purpose and hope for a meaningful future.
The reality is that a returning service member has to RELEARN not only how to be a civilian but also overcome a lost sense of belonging and purpose, injury and often mental health challenges. This coupled with also managing the needs of family and friends who struggle to understand that the person that left for the military, is often not the person who returns after discharge.
We approach veteran support with a big picture mindset, in which the veteran is viewed as the central piece of a unit that includes spouses, loved ones, friends, employers, church affiliates and other relationships within their community. Addressing the needs of the veteran alone, does very little to impact sustainable social change.
New veteran or veteran loved one?
Reserve your spot now. Join the wait list for our upcoming programs!
Join us for Heroes at the Hangar, 50’s Style NEW date TBD!
“When supporting a person who has been through trauma, the benefit of similar lived experience will always supersede a formal education. The closest you can get to understanding the raw experience of another person is through living the same reality. Feeling understood breaks down barriers, builds connection and opens the door to begin healing. That’s why veteran-to-veteran partnerships are the foundational element of SOS.”
Our
Services
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Transition Support
VETERAN-TO-VETERAN PARTNERSHIP with a well-trained, transitioned veteran with a similar military background and home life dynamic to provide support and lay the foundation for a smooth transition from active duty to civilian life. Review your VA benefits, learn about education, training, employment, housing and more.
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Care and Healing
ACCESS TO EVERY OPPORTUNITY FOR MEDICAL CARE AND HEALING. Scholarships for independent medical assessments and support paying for care not covered or partially covered by the VA are available.
COMING SOON
Our one-of-a-kind Veteran Transition and Resilience Center provides a judgement free environment for veterans to recalibrate and relax during especially challenging times during their transition. This space includes an outdoor garden and meditation space, access to hobbies, education opportunities, quiet areas, gym and tvs, and video games. This is facility also houses our family and community education programs and alternative medicine team.
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Pre and Post Discharge Education
Spouses and loved ones of deployed service members can learn what deployment is REALLY like from those with lived experience and learn what to expect when their loved one returns home. Education classes also include topics such as: common challenges new veterans face, depression, PTSD, brain injuries, the neurological impact of trauma, understanding triggers, suicide prevention and children’s programs. Support, resources and self-care opportunities are also available as well as community and public education events.
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New Beginnings
Those discharging from active duty often feel misunderstood and initially have trouble connecting in the civilian world. WE PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAMARADERIE, friendships and social engagement. This includes outdoor outings and family friendly gatherings such as gun range experience, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, bbqs and more.
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Battle Paws
Research supports the positive benefits of emotional support companions for those experiencing anxiety, PTSD and other mental health challenges. In collaboration with Legacy of Love, a California based non-profit we are proud to provide emotional support animal training, fostering opportunities and adoption services for veterans and their families.
This program will launch in this summer Click below to join the wait list or to learn more about general foster and adoption opportunities, visit www.legacyoflove805.org
