The Courageous Project
Because Caring Takes Courage
Caregivers are heroes to the heroes and can often times find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of caring for those in need. AFM has developed the Courageous Project for the specific purpose of providing caregivers of America's guardians with a time of respite and a network of peer support. Veteran caregivers enjoy a time to get away to beautiful Lake Wedowee, Alabama for some much needed R&R. No duties, no responsibilities - the only requirement of participants is that they enjoy themselves. Through peer to peer support and encouragement from AFM staff, caregivers find renewed strength and restored resilience to continue in the mission of caring.
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“An extraordinary way of reaching people!
MAJ Connie Gonzales, Suicide Prevention Officer USAR Apply for the Courageous Project Weekend Retreat Care givers who have participated in or have helped organize an I WILL INTERVENE CHALLENGE will be given priority preference for participation in the Courageous Project Weekend Retreat. Our ultimate goal is the reduction of suicide among our veterans. Your service as a care giver is vital to this effort.
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Background
Inspiration for the Courageous Project came, not from a licensed adult caregiver, but from a 13 year-old female in 2013. As the oldest of five, this young lady was attending to the household details while her mom was recovering from surgery and her father was deployed. She was in attendance at a meeting where I was sharing my own story of restored hope. After I spoke she came to me and very boldly looked me in the eye and said, "I realize tonight that my life is at risk." She shared her story and concluded by saying "I feel like such a coward for feeling this way". My response to her, "You are the most courageous 13 year old young lady I have ever met." We got her the help she needed and today she is a sweet 16 and doing much better. As a result of an encounter with a teenage caregiver AFM launched the Courageous Project, to care for caregivers. Our encouragement is that, like this 13 year-old girl, caregivers would have the courage to admit when they are at risk. Through the Courageous Project caregivers of America's wounded service members find a safe place among their peers where they can admit their fears and frustrations. Most of all they find the renewed strength to stay in the battle of saving lives on the battlefield of personal despair. Those who serve as caregivers deserve and need time to get away and recharge the heart, mind and spirit. This is the mission of the Courageous Project. Because Caring Takes Courage, Chaplain Kenneth Koon Executive Director |
Boats for the Mission |
Cars for the Misson |
Your donation of a used (or new) boat or car goes directly into AFM's Courageous Project! Simply complete the contact form and we will do the rest. Upon pick-up, we provide you with a receipt of donation. Within 7 of delivery days you will receive an IRS tax-deductible receipt for your donation.