The Wounded Warrior Project
By Matthew G & Connor D
introduction
Mission Statement
How did the orginization begin & grow into what it is now?
The WWP began in 2003, in Roanoke, Virginia. In 2006, it moved to Jacksonville, Florida to become a bigger and more advanced project. When the WWP first started, they only had 14 employees, with only one office in Jacksonville, Florida.The WWP had a difficult time getting people to support their cause in the beginning, but they no longer struggle to get volunteers.
The WWP has worked very hard to get where it is now. Now, in 2015, the WWP has 15 U.S. offices, and one German office. The WWP also now has over 200 employees, and many people volunteer every year. WWP has definitely become a much larger organization in the last 12 years .
What is the issue/cause that your charity support?
The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) supports veterans with mental and physical disabilities. These disabilities range from amputated limbs to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a very serious condition brought on by exposure to traumatic events (1, D-1). Almost all vets that see combat suffer from PTSD, and it impacts the way they live. Many vets end up homeless because of their PTSD (19, B-1).
PTSD is one of the largest reasons for veterans' suicide. About 18 veterans commit suicide every day due to their PTSD. PTSD can be especially problematic, because it can be difficult to self diagnose, as symptoms vary widely from person to person. This can cause PTSD to be masked, sometimes until it’s too late to get these veterans help. The WWP works to help veterans with PTSD to overcome their fears and get back to living normal lives.
Helping hands
What does your chosen charity do for the community?
The WWP has many projects that help the community. One such project is the backpack project, which gives backpacks to wounded soldiers in the field. Another example is when the WWP held a veterans bike ride from San Diego to Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles. They also provide vets with access to government benefits and details on all of the programs and community resources.
How effective is this charity in accomplishing its goals?
The WWP has spent the last 12 years working to raise awareness about the problem of injured vets, and it’s worked. They have received many donations since the WWP started. They’ve also worked to get vets the aid that they need, so they can live their lives as close to normal as possible.
Works Cited
"Wounded Warrior Project." Charity Navigator. Charity Navigator, 2015. Web. 13 Apr. 2015. <http://www.charitynavigator.com/>.
"Wounded Warrior Project | Home." Wounded Warrior Project. Wounded Warrior Project, 2015. Web. 14 Apr. 2015. <http://www.woundedwarriorproject.com/>.
Gagne, Tammy. Charity and Philanthrop Unleashed: Helping Our Veterans. Hockessin: Mitchell Lane, 2015. Print.
Issitt, Michah. "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Overview." Points of View. Ebsco, 2014. Web. 15 Apr. 2015. <http://web.a.ebscohost.com/pov/detail/detail?vid=2&sid=3e594da8-7c4d-4445-a9be-76d8e0a6b9f7%40sessionmgr4004&hid=4101&bdata=JnNpdGU9cG92LWxpdmU%3d#db=pwh&AN=97663679>.