Interactive Strategies’ Post

When we think about post-traumatic growth, we often focus on personal healing—rebuilding our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. But an essential component of this journey is often overlooked: service to others. At Second Responder, we believe that by serving our community, we not only give back but also create space for our own healing. For first responders, veterans, and their families, engaging in meaningful work that benefits others can be a powerful catalyst for growth. It reconnects us with our purpose, strengthens our sense of identity, and fosters resilience. When we step outside of ourselves to help those around us, we discover that our experiences—no matter how difficult—can be a source of strength and inspiration. Service allows us to transform our pain into purpose, our struggles into strength, and our challenges into opportunities for connection. Through acts of service, we heal. Through community, we thrive. See what we are up to at http://besecond.org #PostTraumaticGrowth #CommunityService #Veterans #FirstResponders #HealingTogether #SecondResponder

Day 3 #22kill 22 PUSHUPS FOR 22 DAYS Day 3.. I nominate @reyesroyaltyconstruction Today is day 3 of my 22 day push-up challenge, we had my little pup join us on the challenge as well. I was nominated by @inspiredbykchev to do 22 push-ups a day for 22 days to raise awareness for combat veterans/1st responders. Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online, or text 838255. There are 22 veterans a day that are committing suicide, and this is a small way to raise awareness for that issue, and honor them. Once you are nominated your 22 days start the following day. Every day you record yourself doing 22 push-ups. Try your best to reach 22. This is a simple and fun way to get the word out about a matter that more people need to be aware about. These brave men and women put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms. #22kill #VeteransAwareness #22Pushups #mentalhealth

VetREC's motto is *research with, not on, Veterans." 🤝 Through a community-engaged and culturally attuned approach to designing, implementing, and translating research, VetREC helps those who help Veterans. VetREC can help you measure your impact, track your growth, and tell the story of how your organization changes Veterans’ lives. VetREC partners with: 1️⃣ organizations offering direct services to Veterans and affiliated communities (i.e., nonprofit Veteran Service Organizations) and, 2️⃣ institutions engaging in research with Veterans (i.e., colleges and universities) VetREC offers services in the categories of impact assessment, needs assessments, funding support, and Veteran research readiness. Learn more and reach out to explore some awesome work together: https://vetrec.us/ #VeteranOwned #WomanVeteranOwned #Veterans #Veteransupport #VeteranServiceOrganizations #VeteranCommunity #VeteranshelpingVeterans #SmallBusiness

The Veterans’ Places, Pathways and People programme (VPPP) is a multimillion pound national programme of support for veterans. In South West England, The Invictus Games Foundation is leading the work. Your views are really important to us – they will help us design support for veterans across the Southwest and directly impact how funding is allocated. Have your say! Please complete one of the programme surveys by 15 July, 10am. Are you a veteran in the Southwest? Share your experiences of services to improve veteran support. Complete this survey https://lnkd.in/ebGNVRsf by 15 July. Are you a family member of a veteran in the Southwest? Share your experiences to improve family support. Complete this survey https://lnkd.in/e4XBM95F by 15 July. Does your organisation support veterans in the Southwest? Share your experiences to improve veteran support. Complete this survey https://lnkd.in/ewMqmhVx by 15 July. #outdoorsisbetter #invictusgamesfoundation #veteranspathway #veteranssupport #fundingpathways #haveyoursay

On #LaborDay, we reflect on the strides made and the journey ahead for inclusive employment. Despite advancements, many working-age Americans who are blind remain unemployed. NCSS, in collaboration National Industries for the Blind is on a mission to transform this reality. Congressman Glenn Thompson & Daniel Meuser, #ChampionEmploymentGrouth and make a 1% Department of Defense utilization goal for the AbilityOne Program mandatory. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eQdNAVxn

Of all the things I did in my military career, transitioning to life as a civilian was probably the hardest. Aside from the normal career and culture shift challenges and opportunities, navigating things like health insurance and other systems you've never had to worry about can be daunting. If you're a transitioning service member or just looking to understand your benefits and resources better, check out this VA Summit!

It was blue skies, sunshine, aromatic coffee and lively conversations at our inaugural fortnightly Soldier On Sips session for Newcastle Veterans this morning. 🌞 A big thank you to Dean Mainey Programs and Engagement Officer with Soldier On Australia who helped to create this social connections event for our Newcastle based veteran community. Hosted at our Newcastle office, as part of Aurecon's ongoing commitment as a Pledge Partner with Soldier On Australia, we understand the importance of social connectedness in maintaining your identity, receiving support, and improving your quality of life after your service. The power of social connection cannot be understated - what can it offer you: Sense of Belonging: Maintain the strong sense of camaraderie and trust experienced during your service, even as you transition to civilian life. Wellbeing: Social connectedness plays a vital role in your overall wellbeing, determining how often you interact with others, the support you feel, and your community participation. Mental Health: Benefit from strong social networks protecting against mental health issues such as depression and loneliness, which may be more prevalent among veterans. Reintegration: Find a new sense of community and successfully reintegrate into civilian life, preserving the camaraderie and identity formed in the military. Protection Against Isolation: Active membership in veteran-specific organisations like Soldier On Australia and connection with military peers can shield you from social isolation and improve your overall health outcomes. Support During Crisis: Build a strong social network that provides support during challenging times, particularly relevant for veterans facing unique post-service challenges. 📢 Shout out to Newcastle veterans to join us at our recurring fortnightly event, Soldier On Sips. It's an opportunity for you to connect with fellow veterans, enjoy lively conversations, bask in the sunshine and sip on some aromatic coffee. If you or someone you know would like to join our fortnightly Soldier On Sips sessions, we'd like to encourage you to register using the following link: 👉 https://lnkd.in/ggaJksK7 We look forward to welcoming you at our next Soldier On Sips session scheduled for Thursday, 6 June @ 10am and providing an inclusive space for engaging conversations and camaraderie. #strongertogether #veteranconnections #whatdoesittake #veterancommunity #soldieronsips #coffeeandcomradery #pledgepartner

TTKTOTD 🦑 The "Why" Behind our Pacific Challenge [Row to Recovery] At Tame The Kraken, our mission goes far beyond just rowing across the Pacific, it will hopefully be the catalyst in becoming a new program, 'Row to Recovery'. It's about something much deeper—it’s about creating a platform that raises awareness and funds and opportunities for veterans' to heal through doing. It's about giving back to those who have given so much for all of us. Veterans face unique challenges when they return to civilian life. For many, the battle doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. The lingering effects of trauma, depression, anxiety, and PTSD take a toll on veterans every day, and the resources to support them are often limited. This is where Row to Recovery steps in. Over the coming weeks leading up to our departure from California we'll explain what started as an idea while out rowing across the Atlantic will become a reality with your help. This row isn’t just a physical challenge—it’s a commitment to our veterans' well-being. By joining the Cephalopod Squad or becoming a sponsor, you’re directly helping us provide critical support to those who need it most. Your contribution helps amplify the voices of veterans and ensures they receive the care they deserve. Together, we can row for their recovery. 🌊💪 #TameTheKraken #RowToRecovery #VeteransMentalHealth #SupportOurVeterans #CephalopodSquad #MakingADifference

Veterans Healing Veterans from the Inside Out (VHV): Empowering Veterans in the Justice System. This week, we were honored to host Ron Self, Founder and Executive Director of Veterans Healing Veterans from the Inside Out (VHV), on the Your Next Mission® video podcast for a profound conversation. 𝐀 𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝 23 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐬. With approximately 200,000 incarcerated Veterans in our nation, the takeaway…VHV’s approach to the reduction in recidivism and suicide for our Veterans is extremely important. #DidYouKnow VHV is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Veterans within the justice system. Founded by Ron, with the mission of providing mentorship, counseling, and resources to all Veterans in need. They are committed to fostering a sense of community and empowerment for Veterans during their reintegration process. 🤝 How VHV Helps Veterans: 👉With their established curriculum and interpersonal involvement, VHV have reduced the number of Veteran suicides in and outside of the facilities that participate ion their program. 👉Offers mentorship programs to provide guidance and support for Veterans navigating the complexities of the justice system. 👉Provides access to counseling services to address mental health challenges and trauma experienced by Veterans. 👉Facilitates peer support groups, creating a safe space for Veterans to share experiences and seek mutual support. 👉Assists Veterans with job placement and access to educational opportunities to aid in their successful reentry into society. 👉Collaborates with community partners and organizations to ensure Veterans have access to comprehensive support services. VHV's programs have helped countless Veterans find hope, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose. How? ⁉️By addressing the unique needs of Veterans in the justice system, VHV contributes to reducing recidivism rates and supporting Veterans successful rehabilitation. VHV's commitment to empowering Veterans fosters a ripple effect of positive change, not only in the lives of individual veterans but also in their Families and communities.  #Veterans #JusticeSystem #Empowerment #Community #VHV #FacetheFight American Freedom Foundation Council on Criminal Justice Jim D. Seward U.S. Army Soldier For Life Texas Veterans Commission Kristin Walt Caroline K.M. Smith Teresa Duncan, PhD Brian Pearce Gordon Sumner Ph.D. Dwayne Whiteside Babs Chase Tiffany Benjamin Ted Hacker Jack Tilley