Healing Patriots Receives $5,000 Grant from Homes for Heroes Foundation

The Homes for Heroes Foundation awarded Healing Patriots, a 100 percent volunteer-based nonprofit, with a $5,000 grant to help provide therapeutic outdoor expeditions to injured veterans and first responders. Homes for Heroes, Inc. and the Homes for Heroes Foundation are honored to support Healing Patriots in their mission to provide a starting point to “A New Beginning” of healing for injured veterans and first responders.

The Healing Patriots Mission

Why was Healing Patriots Established?

As it is explained on the “history” page of their website, It began in 2015 when four military Veterans set out on an exciting fishing trip to Ontario, Canada. But for one combat Veteran, the thought of leaving his family triggered painful memories of past deployments. His anxiety ran high. The others saw the trip as a getaway, and the chance to support their brother in need.

All four Veterans made the trip. But, the Veteran who was struggling before the trip had a rough start the first couple days. Brent Kozak, President of Healing Patriots and U.S. Marine Corps. Veteran describes the events like this:

“They were on a calm lake, and he was getting seasick. It was that bad. A couple days into the trip, the guys are sitting around the campfire, sharing stories, and this struggling Vet shared a story. It was something that happened when he was in Iraq. The next day, he wakes up and he’s a completely different person. It was amazing to see what happened by sharing that story, and the guys were looking around going….something really cool just happened here. His appetite and outlook on life was better. He was laughing and joking with the guys. He wasn’t doing that the day before. It was a big transformation for him.”

Surrounded by friends and nature, the struggling Veteran was able to relax as he cast his fishing line throughout the remainder of the trip. He found a bit of healing, rediscovered his confidence and, for the first time, opened up about his combat experiences. This trip became more than just fishing with buddies. It also restored a sense of belonging and purpose. Inspired by the transformation they witnessed, the group made a vow: next time, they would bring more Veterans who needed the same opportunity to heal.

The following year, the mission grew. Ten Veterans and three volunteers returned to the same lodge, this time offering five more combat Veterans a chance to experience the healing power of camaraderie and the outdoors. These Veterans, spanning different war eras, had one thing in common; they all served in combat and carried invisible wounds.

Throughout the week, they regained a sense of family, purpose, and trust. They slept better than they had in years. What started as a simple fishing trip had become a life-changing mission.

Recognizing the profound impact of these experiences, the group officially formed Healing Patriots in 2017, to assist Veterans and First Responders through their healing process.

With each trip, they continue to offer a space where heroes can reconnect, heal, and remember that they are not alone.

What Does Healing Patriots Do to Help Heroes?

Healing Patriots believes in the power of “A New Beginning” every single day. Life comes with challenges, and while some moments lift us up, others knock us down. But with the right support, we can always get back up and keep moving forward.

Outdoor Expeditions

Fishing therapy, or “Piscatorial Therapy,” has been proven to help individuals struggling with mental and physical health challenges by providing a peaceful, stress-free environment. Many who participate in Healing Patriots’ fishing expeditions either rediscover a beloved childhood pastime or experience the joy of fishing for the first time.

By spending time in nature, participants find a therapeutic outlet that helps them relax, regain confidence, and step away from the daily stressors of life.

Beyond the sport itself, these trips offer a chance to build new friendships, and create meaningful experiences with fellow Veterans and First Responders who understand their journey.

Additional Benefits of Healing Patriots Outdoor Expeditions

The services provided by Healing Patriots are designed to assist in the following areas:

• Educate Veterans and First Responders with the latest fishing tactics, techniques, equipment, and the importance of environmental conservation.
• Mentorship opportunities within a risk-free non clinical environment.
• On site trained professionals introduce strategies for coping with the stressors related to PTSD and physical challenges if necessary.
• Additional resources and assistance is provided to Veterans who are in need of physical, emotional, and financial assistance.
• Educational opportunities for Veterans who wish to attend a college / university and provide assistance for employment opportunities.
• Build leadership skills and confidence in a team setting.
• Re-introduce team concepts and responsibilities during the outdoor experience to achieve short term team goals.

The goal is to help these heroes not only heal but also find renewed purpose in their communities.

With a strong support system and a focus on teamwork, Healing Patriots empowers participants to embrace a positive, healthy lifestyle while continuing to serve in new and meaningful ways.

Aaron Chapin, 25 year law enforcement officer and Air Force Veteran, was a guest on a Healing Patriots Expedition, and shared this about his experience:

“I went on this trip with people I didn’t know. It was very uncomfortable for me. Being a veteran and a first responder, we like to be in control of things. I had zero control over the things that were going to happen other than my participation and my attitude. I had to sit back and let these individuals who I had just met kind of speak into me, and take care of me. When I came back, my wife looked at me and said, ‘My husband’s back.’ That was incredibly powerful for me. I knew I had to pay it forward. So, I’ve volunteered, and I have gone on expeditions as a helper, and volunteered at different events to help raise money. I think Healing Patriots has a special place in trying to work towards healing. And it’s specifically for those people who, throughout their lives and their careers, have done nothing but try to give to other people. So I look forward to continuing to give back to those that need it.”

How will this Grant be Used to Support Heroes?

The $5,000 Homes for Heroes Foundation grant will be used to cover the cost of an upcoming Outdoor Expedition by Healing Patriots and help a group of Veterans and/or first responders with experiencing “A New Beginning” and healing.

Watch the grant presentation video:

Brent Kozak described what the Homes for Heroes Foundation grant will cover:

“This will pay for an entire trip. We will be able to take 12-13 people on a trip for a week, likely to northern Wisconsin, or up into Canada. These funds will cover all the lodging, the food, and all the essentials for the week.”

How You can Support Healing Patriots’ Mission

You can help support Healing Patriots’ mission by visiting their website and taking in what they offer, and how you can volunteer if you’re interested. To further support their efforts, please consider making a donation to help support their mission.

Following his retirement after 28 years of service in law enforcement, Homes for Heroes Real Estate Specialist, Sean Coffey, attended a Healing Patriots Outdoor Expedition to Canada. Sean nominated Healing Patriots to receive a Homes for Heroes grant, and when asked why he chose to do his part in supporting Healing Patriots he replied by saying:

“I saw what an impact they had, not just on me, but on the other 10 or 12 people that were on the trip with me. When I joined real estate, became a part of Homes for Heroes, and I learned about the grant awards, the first thing that came to mind was this organization. In addition to the impact that it had on me, I know they’re all doing it on a shoestring budget. I think at times, they’re probably dipping into their own pockets to pay for things and don’t tell us. So I just really wanted to help out in a way that would be impactful toward their mission.”

Foundation Grants: Part of Homes for Heroes Circle of Giving

Grants from the Homes for Heroes Foundation are made possible by the Homes for Heroes Circle of Giving and its network of real estate and mortgage professionals. Homes for Heroes, Inc. is committed to providing savings to community heroes; including firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, military (active duty, reserves and veterans), healthcare professionals and teachers.

To expand its Circle of Giving, Homes for Heroes, Inc., donates a portion of its earnings to the Homes for Heroes Foundation. So, every time a hero buys or sells a home using the Homes for Heroes program, they are helping other heroes across the country who are facing a housing crisis or are in need of urgent financial assistance.

If you are interested in learning more about how Homes for Heroes can guide you through the home buying, selling or refinancing process AND save you an average of $3,000 after closing on a home, simply sign up to be connected with our local specialists. They will follow up with you to answer all of your questions.

If you’re interested in learning about our wider impact, simply visit the Homes for Heroes Foundation for more information about recent grants to hero organizations, how much it has awarded, and how it all works.

If you’re interested in supporting and donating to the Homes for Heroes Foundation to assist heroes in need, please visit the donation page to submit your contribution via PayPal. We thank you for your interest and support.