Giving Tuesday 2023 with Sheep Dog
Why the Get Off the Couch™ Program
There are three parts to the Get Off the Couch™ program, the Outdoor Adventures, Warrior PATHH training, and Continued Service and Disaster Response program.
Outdoor Adventures gets veterans off the couch to go outside and connect with nature. The Warrior PATHH training helps them get off the couch to dive deep into themselves and their past traumas. Then the Continued Service and Disaster Response programs help them get off the couch to give back and fill that desire to serve.
When veterans and first responders leave the field, sometimes voluntarily, sometimes due to injury, they don’t get to do things that they used to.
Veterans can feel like it’s not worth it to try to do the things they love like walking in the woods, or being on a boat, and it is easy for them to isolate themselves.
Each of the sections of the Get Off the Couch™ program has a comradery element where they work with other veterans and first responders. Getting them off the couch re-invigorates purpose in them.
Stories of Redemption and Purpose
A great example of lives being touched by Sheep Dog is Mr. George. He is in his 80s and he came to the American Red Cross after Hurricane Harvey and they said no that he didn’t meet the qualifications. So, he came to Sheep Dog.
He deployed with Sheep Dog to Harvey Recovery and has been on 11 of the last 13 deployments over the last 6 years. He works a chainsaw like crazy and his smile is contagious and brings hope to those devastated communities.
He just wanted to serve, and Sheep Dog was able to find a way to help make that happen.
Sheep Dog Looking Forward
In 2024 they are moving to Phase 2 at the Ranch. They plan to build yoga and physical fitness facilities as well as another dorm to serve more veterans and first responders with their programs. The goal is to create a nurturing environment in every way possible for growth.
In Phase 3 and Phase 4 they’ll add foraging, basketball, pickleball, and more life skill classes.
Over time, they’ll increase the number of animals on their farm for equine therapy and more. A staff member is dedicated to taking care of those animals.
They are always trying to expand their reach. They are looking at their formatting and everything they do. Even the smallest improvements can have a significant compound effect.
Serving Those Who Serve
Sheep Dog Impact Assistance's mission is encapsulated in this simple phrase. They're dedicated to supporting our military veterans and first responders by providing programs that genuinely work. Their focus is on addressing the top three issues affecting these heroes: Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), addiction/substance abuse, and mental health. They're not just following the status quo; they're actively saving lives.
So, on this Giving Tuesday, let's come together and make a difference by supporting Sheep Dog Impact Assistance. By shopping with JUNK Brands, you're contributing to a brighter future for our military veterans and first responders. Thanks for joining us on this incredible journey!
