In 2023, Warrior Foundation Freedom Station launched an innovative and specifically designed 18-month Transitional Housing Program that guides and supports residents who are medically retiring service members.
Freedom Stations provide subsidized donor funded affordable housing at one of three transitional housing complexes. The foundation provides qualified professionals to offer hands-on guidance and direction on new career paths, colleges, trades, financial counseling, wellness and mentorship programs.
Warriors are provided with fully furnished cottages with common spaces that promote peer-to-peer support that is crucial to long term success as they transition to civilian life. Monthly gatherings further foster a sense of community among those facing similar challenges.
The Transitional Housing Program was designed and implemented by Andrew Gasper, President of Warrior Foundation Freedom Station. Gasper is a medically retired Marine. Post military service, Gasper worked for 15 years with the Marine Corps and Navy Wounded Warrior Commands providing guidance and support for transitioning medically retiring service members.
“We are very proud of the Transitional Housing Program we have developed and evolved over the years,” said Sandy Lehmkuhler, CEO & Co-Founder. “With this enhanced program we are excited to positively impact Warriors lives.”
Additionally, the foundation offers a voucher program where Warriors take personal ownership of their future by developing skills, strategies, and goals that will assist them in creating a detailed transition plan – while at the same time, provide an opportunity to monetarily reduce their rent.
The Transitional Housing Program is divided into five phases: (1) Assimilate, (2) Identify, (3) Develop, (4) Execute, and (5) Graduate. Each phase promotes setting short term attainable goals. Warrior’s meet quarterly with staff who provide guidance and appropriate resources. During each phase, the Warrior experiences and develops new skills by accomplishing tasks such as: transferring utilities to their name; creating a VA Benefits account; meeting with career, educational, mentorship and financial counselors; writing a resume, crafting personal and professional goals; participating in a health and wellness activity; attending group functions and partaking in an activity giving back to the peer group or community.
As part of professional development, each Warrior will select one of five Transition Tracks and be supported by experienced professionals during the 18-month period: (1) Employment, (2) Education, (3) Vocational, (4) Entrepreneurial, or (5) adjusting to the Warrior’s new normal (medically driven).
“It is extremely rewarding to be able to apply first-hand experience of what motivates Warriors to achieve their goals and employ those techniques through our Transitional Housing Program at Warrior Foundation Freedom Station,” said Gasper. “With the construction of Freedom Station III in late 2023, we will be able to expand our reach and influence to impact even more Warriors.”
It is through the generous support of DVNF, and other organizations, we can continue to help Warriors successfully transition from military to civilian life.