While service members are deployed, someone needs to look after their spouses and families. And when they come home, it's important that they aren't forgotten about. Each of these organizations does its part to help those who have served and their family members to feel appreciated, get involved in the community, and lead happy and productive lives.
5 Trusted Organizations Helping Military Families
Our Military Kids - McLean, VA - Provides grants of up to $300 for sports, arts, and other enrichment activities for the children of National Guard and Reserve members.
American Corporate Partners - New York, NY - Through mentoring, online career advice, and networking, helps returning veterans and active-duty spouses find meaningful career opportunities.
Gold Star Wives of America - Arlington, VA and Birmingham, AL - Congressionally Chartered non-profit service organization for those who have lost their spouse to a military-related cause of death, members appear before Congress on issues such as compensation, educational benefits, medical care, and other programs pertaining to the welfare of military survivors.
Hope For The Warriors - Springfield, VA - Offers comprehensive support for service members, veterans, and military families, focused on transition, health and wellness, and peer engagement, including spouse and caregiver scholarships, career resources, and the Warrior's Wish program.
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation - Dulles, VA - Provides college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.
Facts About Military Families
There are 1.4 million active duty military service members
14.4% of the active-duty force is female
5% of active-duty service members are single parents
5% of military spouses are men
Military families relocate 10 times more often than civilian families, averaging a move every 2 to 3 years
Since 2001, more than 2 million children in the U.S. have had a parent deployed at least once
Roughly 42% of the children of active-duty service members are under the age of 5
1/3 of school-age military children show psychosocial behaviors such as being anxious, worrying often, or crying more frequently
Nearly 80% of military children attend public schools
The unemployment rate among military spouses is over three times the national average
55% of LGBTQ service members said they feel that the military community does support them
18.3% of active-duty service members have a bachelor's degree or higher
56% of Army spouses reported feeling stressed or overwhelmed, and 39% reported experiencing loneliness
In Depth
America owes a great debt to its military service members for the sacrifices they've made. To fully serve veterans and soldiers, the financial and emotional toll experienced by their families must be acknowledged. From advocating for positive legislation, to providing funding for youth extracurricular activities and college scholarships, addressing the needs of military families is an important part of the effort. Featured here, in no particular order, are five organizations helping service members, as well as their spouses and children.
#1 on the list is Our Military Kids. This group serves National Guard and Reserve families, who sometimes have difficulty accessing support services from military installations. It provides grants of up to $300 for sports, arts, and other enrichment activities, which help compensate for the financial gaps that are created when military members accept positions overseas. These opportunities help children of deployed or recovering soldiers cope with stress and build self-confidence.
The work it does helps the entire family, with 98% reporting improved well-being. Seeing their children involved in extracurriculars also helps the service member, as 95% experienced an increase in morale. The grant money can be used for youth sports, fine arts, STEM programs, or even activities like bull riding and comic con. To help this nonprofit continue serving military families, you can host or attend a fundraising event, or start an online fundraising campaign.
At #2 on the list is American Corporate Partners. ACP is a national nonprofit helping returning veterans and active duty spouses find meaningful career opportunities. Through one-on-one mentoring, online career advice, and networking, it engages the American people in a unique volunteer opportunity. This group works to make the transition back into civilian life as smooth as possible for our veterans.
ACP has corporate sponsors to provide career guidance and advice. Through its Citizens Mentoring Program, it also allows individuals to guide returning soldiers into their next career by providing monthly mentor sessions for one year. There are also programs specifically for women veterans and military spouses. If you meet the qualifications and can commit to volunteering once per month, you can apply to be a mentor. You can also donate to the cause on the ACP website.
Next, at #3, is Gold Star Wives of America, a Congressionally Chartered organization that provides assistance to those who have lost their spouse to a military-related cause of death. GSW believes that surviving spouses and dependent children deserve an organization dedicated solely to their concerns and needs. Its members appear before House and Senate Committees to advocate for issues pertaining to the welfare of military survivors.
Its purpose is to safeguard the principles for which America's soldiers fought and died, and promote interests that allow its members to face the future with courage. You can donate to this group if interested in supporting its mission. Individual donations are used to hold conventions, maintain government relations committees, and hold the Stay-at-Home Tea fundraiser.
Coming in at #4 is Hope For The Warriors. Founded in 2006, this group strives to meet the changing needs of service members and their families. Those touched by military service can be successful at home by improving their sense of self, hope, and family. Its support programs focus on transition services, clinical health and wellness, and recreational activities. This organization provides spouse and caregiver scholarships, career resources, critical care coordination, and sports and recreation opportunities.
It partners with civic groups, corporations, foundations, and individuals to improve military and veteran engagement. Its Warrior's Wish program improves the quality of life of severely-injured veterans by granting unique wishes, such as adaptive equipment, tools, or a vacation with family. Those interested in getting involved can attend fundraising events, mentor veterans, or participate in races with Team Hope For The Warriors.
In the #5 spot is Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, a non-profit organization serving military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. By ensuring every child of a fallen soldier receives all necessary college funding, this group is honoring those who died defending the country. It promotes the work being done by other groups, as well, in an effort to positively impact every member of the family.
Fallen Patriots have funded educational opportunities for students all over the country. It also recognizes that the existing need is sometimes greater than what it can offer, and provides information on additional resources. An easy way to show support is by displaying the group's promotional poster. It also provides a fundraising kit for those interested in coordinating an event.