To provide counseling and workforce redevelopment through training with emotional support, service and working dogs for Veterans suffering from PTSD.
In our nation, 22 Veterans commit su***de every day. Restoring Hope for Veterans is a 501c3 non-profit organization with a mission to provide healing and job training for all Veterans including those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. Working dogs and certified handlers are in demand all over the country and our 13 week training program gives a Veteran the necessary qualifications to get back to work. Numerous Veterans have attended our programs and returned to the workforce and are living productive lives.
The leadership of Restoring Hope for Veterans is passionate about helping every Veteran with their next mission. The transition to civilian life is more difficult than we can imagine so we work with them to empower them, develop a new skill and build more confidence so they can see a path to a positive future.
We contract with a service-disabled veteran owned training facility in Carrsville Virginia. American K9 Interdiction, LLC (AK9I) has been in business for 20 years serving Veterans with the highest quality training and certification that enables Veterans to start a new career serving our nation with specially trained dogs in bomb or drug detection or serve as working dogs for protection. AK9I not only provides quality training, but professional counseling for PTSD, TBI and Combat Stress in partnership with “Orders Home”.
AK9I is certified as a post-secondary school by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. They also hold licenses from the Bureau of Alcohol, To***co & Fi****ms and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). AK9I has a reputation among local, state and federal law enforcement across the country as a training facility operated with the highest level of excellence and professionalism.
Nearly 500,000 veterans live with invisible wounds, from depression to PTSD and we are their partner as they go through this transition.
Understanding the Need
What is Combat Stress?
Combat stress is a normal reaction to the abnormal conditions of a combat environment. Symptoms can be, but are not limited to, fatigue, loss of concentration, and decreased reaction time.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a diagnosed condition that can develop after a person is exposed to a traumatic event. PTSD is a very common condition for many veterans after military service. Symptoms can include disturbing thoughts, feelings, or dreams related to the events, mental or physical distress, difficulty sleeping, and changes in how a person thinks and feels.
What is TBI?
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain caused by an external force. The symptoms of the injury can vary. Mild or moderate TBI symptoms can include mood changes, trouble with concentration, headaches, difficulty with sleep, and reduced motor coordination. Severe TBI can cause greatly reduced or lack of motor control, greatly reduced ability or inability to speak, and restlessness or agitation.
What we do for Vets
Veterans will be provided housing and meals during their 13 weeks of training on our 177 acres on two campuses located in Isle of Wight Virginia at no cost to them. Because during their training, life expenses continue, this opportunity allows many more to participate when they otherwise may be unable to afford it
Our staff are either Veterans or family members of Veterans and all have a passion to work with these men and women to help them achieve success in the program and leave with a renewed confidence and positive outlook for their future
All veterans and First Responders are welcome. Our campus holds up to 60 students per month for overnight lodging and we are already seeing months at or near maximum capacity. Our three year plan includes construction of additional dormitories that will triple our capacity.
With a renewed sense of self-worth and purpose, students leave our program empowered, valued and with the dog and certification they need to get employment in the private or government sector
First responders (Police, Fire and EMS) are also welcome as self-pay students. Those Veterans suffering from PTSD or who come to our counseling and prevention program are admitted with all expenses paid by Restoring Hope for Veterans.
Our graduates are currently working in local and state law enforcement and at airports across the nation
Students live on-site at our comfortable, rural campus. Weekly group meetings are held, faith based teaching is voluntary and weekly church services are held on campus in our chapel
Restoring Hope for Veterans provides our Veterans with a future and hope
