2017 Accomplishments
2017 - How we helped veterans and their families
2017 – Active Heroes’ Accomplishments
- National Peer Mentors
- 86 newly trained peer mentors for 2017 Certified through Active Heroes partnership with QPR Institute.
- 187 Active Peer Mentors total across America
- 13 recorded Lives of veterans saved via Peer Mentor
- Active Heroes Community Center
- 157 Acupuncture treatments for veterans, service members and military family members
- 152 Massage sessions for veterans, service members and military family members
- 7 Jin Shin Jyutsu treatments for veterans, service members and family members
- 3 veterans/military family members have participated in a dog training course
- 6 dog group trainings using facility (35 participants)
- 8 military couples attend the annual Valentine’s Dinner
- Yoga class – 4 veterans/military family members participated
- 10 Veterans enrolled in music therapy and have completed 7 classes
- Over 90 attendees for the June 24th Military Family Cookout
- 21 children attended the Louisville Zoo Wildlife event
- 10 Children attended the August 19th Back to school Bash
- 2 Meetings by Ohio Valley Native American Veterans (16 participants total)
- 2 meetings by Female Veterans Group (24 participants total)
- 4 couples for paint party for military families
- Back to School Bash for military children (28 participants)
- Job Offers listed for 30 businesses connecting military families
- 15 connecting resources listed for military families
- Outdoor Family Movie Night (15 participants)
- Active Heroes Yard Sale ( veterans and civilian supporters)
- Spooktacular Halloween Party (12 participants)
- Thrivent Family Day At Community Center (9 participants)
- 6 Meetings for Community center committee
- Active Heroes Retreat Center
- 434 veterans and and 202 military family members visited the retreat center
- 48 military families camped at retreat
- Over 300 civilians visited the retreat as part of projects
- 2 Homeless veterans were given sanctuary at the retreat until they were helped
- Construction on 1200 square Foot Cabin Finished
- Construction on 4000 square foot Welcome Center finished
- Construction on 6000 square foot Main event Pavilion 80% completed in 2017
- 15 Military Families had free vacation cabin rentals for a total of 61 days
- Moved 5 new animals into enclosures
- Over 1.5 miles of Road and parking lot construction completed by IRR National Guard and Reserve Units
- Outdoor Amphitheater Construction completed
- Hiking trail construction 75% completed
- New walking bridge built by Nucor Corporation
- Land was excessively shaped during 2017 construction
- Fields opened up for future development to include fishing pond and new animal enclosures
- Active Challenges
166 lives saved from all Active Challenge Programs recorded by Team Leaders and Gym Owner
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- Carry The Fallen Ruck Marches
- 27 Events
- 2513 Participants
- Miles hiked by participants: 1,201,733
- Average weight carried during ruck marches: 25 lbs
- Total calories burned: 116,568,101
- 42 Team Leaders trained in suicide prevention certification
- 42 Carry The Fallen Social events
- 4 Social events at end of ruck marches
- Annual Carry The Fallen convention held for Team Leaders with suicide prevention training, event training and visitation of centers
- Special events:
- 75 Mile Ruck from Fort Hood to Austin, Texas
- 130 mile ruck march from Fort Campbell to Fort Knox
- Carry The Fallen Ruck Marches
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- WOD To End Veteran Suicide
- 12 gyms participating in annual WOD To End Veteran Suicide
- 420 Participants
- Average 22 Minutes per 20 Repetition workout per participant
- Total Calories burned: 109,620
- Social Events held by Gyms Throughout the year: 24
- 12 Gym Owners trained in Suicide Prevention
- Annual WOD To End Veteran Suicide convention held for Team Leaders with suicide prevention training, event training and visitation of centers
- WOD To End Veteran Suicide
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- Pound Challenge – Weight Lifting Competition
- Active Heroes hosted Wellness Festival at Waterfront park with business partners serving veterans in the community
- Annual Telethon with WAVE3 News Reaching military families across Kentuckiana
- 5 gyms participated in the Pound Challenge
- Over 23 million pounds lifted
- 760 participants in the Pound Challenge including online
- 20 Hours of weightlifting
- Total Calories burned: 364,590,005
- Pound Challenge – Weight Lifting Competition
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- Aiming For Zero
- 8 events
- Over 800 participants
- Special event:
- SIG Sauer Academy event for Active Heroes (300 participants)
- LMPD Top Gun Shooting Match
- Aiming For Zero
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- Stand At Attention Competition
- 4 events
- 20 veteran standers
- Audience of 12,000 reached
- Stand At Attention Competition
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- Zumbathon for Active Heroes
- 5 Events
- 150 military family member participants
- Over 200 civilian participants
- Total calories burned: 24,589
- Zumbathon for Active Heroes
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- Active Heroes 5k Events
- 4 events
- 501 participants
- 1553 miles completed by participants
- Total Calories burned: 133,217
- Special Events:
- 4th Fest 5k for Active Heroes
- Active Heroes Run, Walk & Emergency/Military Obstacle Challenge
- Active Heroes 5k Events
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- Gaming For Heroes
- 24 Hour Dungeons and Dragons Marathon (12 participants)
- 4 veteran gamer Radio shows completed
- 7 live stream events
- Gaming For Heroes
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- Ambassador Athletes
- 15 Athletes participated in 150 Races in 2017 (5ks, Mini marathons, marathons, Obstacle Course Races and Ironman events)
- Total miles ran: 1987
- Total Calories burned: 152,999
- Viral Awareness Campaign – 22 Pushups using #ActiveHeroes
- Over 30 Million push ups completed in 2017
- Total Calories burned: 1,020,000
- Special events:
- Urban Bourbon Half Marathon
- Patriot Challenge at Smokin’ in the Hills (5k race)
- Ambassador Athletes
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- Golf Events
- Enduring Mission Golf Tournament (72 Participants veterans, military families and supporters)
- Annual Fat Man Golf Tournament (over 40 participants)
- Gordon Foods Employee Golf Tournament (Over 50 participants)
- Summit Media Golf Tournament (Over 34 participants)
- Golf Events
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- Motorcycle & Car Events
- 2 Wheels 2 Survive Bike Run across America
- UAW Ford – 2 day rally and concert (Over 60 participants and attendees)
- Local 502 Auto Show (Over 300 attendees)
- Motorcycle & Car Events
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- Music Events
- Rally for our Heroes with Trace Adkins (Over 1300 attendees)
- The American Hitmen: Music event Live (over 100 attendees)
- Music Events
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- Other social events
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- Four Pegs Gives Back Night – Louisville KY
- The Gillespie Annual Bridal Show – Louisville, KY
- Louisville Veterans Day Parade (18 participants)
- Veterans’ Day Tour of West Sixth Brewing – Lexington, KY
- Bourbon Tasting & Tours at Jeptha Creed
- Four Pegs Gives Back Night
- Eangky State Conference
- The Gillespie Annual Bridal Show
- ANTI Valentine’s Day Party 100 participants
- The Southern Ideal Home Show
- Hardin County Honda event for veterans
- Selena’s at Willow Lake Tavern
- Firenza Pizza event for veterans
- 3rd Annual Party for Patriots
- 22 Salute for Active Heroes at LCO Casino
- Spring Phever
- P.J. Whelihan’s Pub + Restaurant event for Active Heroes
- Active Heroes at the Brown County Heroes Tribute
- Point Blank Range & GunShop Grand Opening
- Active Heroes Night at Hickory Tavern – Carrboro, NC
- Boots & Bonfires – St Charles, IA
- North Star Pro Rodeo
- Red, White and Chive
- Corn Hole Luau with Modified Dolls
- Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant event for Active Heroes
- Military Sunday Salute – KY State Fair with over 10,000 attendees
- Getting Our Veterans Help Music Event – Milford, MI
- Freedom Cup Wrestling Match – Green Bay, WI
- Community Spirits by Wander North Distillery, LLC
- Gordmans – Black Friday Celebration for Active Heroes
- Annual bake Sale in Acworth, Georgia
- Community Outreach
- $70,000 in Scholarships to Sullivan University for 2 veterans. 1 Full ride associate degree and 50% bachelors degree
- Job and Resource Fair with over 40 businesses and causes for veterans (125 veteran attendees)
- Provided information for legal services for veterans
- 3 home Repairs Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana
- 2 roof repairs in Georgia
- Crown The Day Pop-Up Wedding for Military Families (8 participants)
- 40 tickets provided to Veterans for U of L basketball game
- 2 Tickets for veterans to a Brantley Gilbert concert
- Referred 15 dogs donated to veteran service organizations
- Referred 76 families to financial assistance organizations
- 15 new Businesses recruited for national resources online map system to connect struggling veterans
- 12 tickets for Churchill downs spring meet donated to military families
- 2 tickets to St Louis Cardinals Baseball game
- 25 tickets to Nutcracker Ballet
- two tickets to the Eagles concert
- 2 Tickets to the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs
- 2 Ticket Giveaways for Trace Adkins concert
- 100 tickets given to veterans for Active Heroes day at Louisville Slugger Field for Louisville Football Club match
- 12 Tickets for the Churchill Downs Spring meet on 5/29 and 6/24
- Academy Sports + Outdoors $1000 giveaway to 2 military families
- Donations to homeless veterans:
- Hat-Adult #4
- Coat-Womens #1
- Gloves-Adult #4
- Coat-Mens #1
- Twin Blanket 60×90 Polar Fleece #3
- Hand Warmer 4-Ct Pack #4
- Tampax Tampons 40CT #1
- Womens Hipster 3-Pack Size L #1
- Mens Crew Socks 6-Pack (size 9-11) #5
- Volunteers:
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- Community Center
- 534 veterans and civilians volunteered for community center projects
- 2196 total volunteer hours completed at community center
- Retreat center
- 25 volunteer projects, over 800 volunteers
- Over 48000 volunteer hours accomplished
- National Events
- Over 6000 volunteers hosting events
- Over 360,000 volunteer hours
- Peer Mentors
- 187 Volunteers
- Over 2800 volunteer hours
- Community Center
Financials and Reports on how Active Heroes helps Veterans and Military Families
Active Heroes in an Approved 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization.
We raise more than awareness, we directly impact lives!
Active Heroes has programs that help veterans and military families in an effort to eliminate veteran suicide. We record data when we assist to show a direct result from donations. Over the last 5 years, Active Heroes has directly saved over 800 veterans lives while also creating preventative measures through suicide prevention training. We accomplish many activities that support the healing of our Nation’s heroes at our Community Center and Retreat while having an impact in every state with our event activities, trainings and our peer mentor program.
Active Heroes Community Center
- Yoga
- Music Therapy
Active Heroes offers music therapy in the form of Guitar Lessons. This study was originally conducted with Israeli soldiers who suffer from PTSD but has been approved by American Psychological Association.
- Massage
Active Heroes offers monthly massage to help heal veterans and military families. This study proves information for symptoms reduction with massage treatment.
- Acupuncture
Active Heroe offers Acupuncture treatments for veterans and military families. This study invest in the healing nature of stress, pain, muscle tension and the ability to sleep.
https://activeheroes.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/ACUP-AH.pdf
- Reiki
This simple, non-invasive healing system works with the Higher Self of the Receiver to promote health and well being of the entire physical, emotional and psychic body. Therefore it is truly a system of attaining and promoting wholeness of Mind, Body and Spirit.
http://www.reiki-for-holistic-health.com
- Jin Shin Jyutsu
Jin Shin Jyutsu is an energy healing technique that utilizes the same principles of Eastern medicine as acupressure, except that little or no pressure is applied. It is based on the premise that energy flows through our bodies along certain pathways, and when that energy is blocked, we experience disharmony, including pain.
http://bottomlineinc.com/jin-shin-jyutsu-touch-therapy-relieves-pain-and-stress/
- Self Defense
Students who have taken self defense classes often report feeling more prepared in case of a violent attack or a sexual assault. They also report feeling more empowered in everyday situations – like when walking at night. Self defense teaches tips to reduce vulnerability to by making participants more aware of their surroundings and teaching them how to react to a variety of situations.
https://police.gwu.edu/self-defense-class-benefits
- Family events
Parents and children both benefit from spending quality family time together. Active Heroes offers a monthly family event at the community center that helps bind families.
http://source.southuniversity.edu/the-advantages-of-family-time-113366.aspx
- Crossfit
Active Heroes partners with Crossfit Fixation, 2 doors down from the community center. Tickets are available at the center for military families who are looking to get in shape. Beginner to experienced classes are offered.
http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-benefits-crossfit/
Active Heroes Retreat Center
The Active Heroes Retreat offers:
- Camping
- Archery
- Hiking
- Horse Programs
- Agriculture Training
Healing Activities
Our National vents provide support in:
- Fitness
- Stamina
- Smoking reduction
- Alcohol reduction
- Camaraderie
Active Heroes Peer Mentors
Peer Mentors offer support in:
- Connecting struggling veterans
- Referring program support
- Follow up
2016 Active Heroes Financial Information
2016 was a pivotal year for Active Heroes in the development of the retreat center, improvement of the community center, expansion of national activities and the addition of peer mentor training. We continued to create unique programs to combat the stress, depression and trigger points that many of our veterans and their families experience. Our focus in 2016 was to serve more veterans than any year before. We accomplished that by SERVING MORE THAN 13,180 VETERANS ANd THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS combined through our programs spanning across the United States.
In our second year of the Active Heroes Community Center in Louisville, we helped thousands. We doubled the amount of acupuncture and massage treatments while also increasing family events. We introduced music lessons and events for children. Many of our military families expressed how much they loved the Community Center. Because of the desire for more community centers, we began fundraising for a future location in a new state.
At the Active Heroes Retreat Center in Shepherdsville, KY, we finished the first cabin and made vast improvements at the retreat with the help of volunteers from UAW-Ford, UPS, The Home Depot, General Electric and many more. Improvements were made on the land including pergolas, fire pits, a new horse eld, new roads, a new parking lot and repaired barns. By the end of the year, we finished 90% of a second cabin that is accessible to wounded veterans. We also raised enough funds to begin building the welcome center and main event pavilion. Construction projects continue through 2017 with the goal of opening in the summer of 2018.
It’s been more than a year since the passing of Active Heroes Board Member Justin Fitch. Justin was a key supporter of Active Heroes, and our mission was his passion. Our supporters embraced his dream of helping us to build the Retreat Center. His vision for building the Retreat Center will continue to be a driving force as we move forward. We will continue the ght to reduce veteran suicide as Justin envisioned.
In all states across America, we expanded Active Challenge events. We added Peer Mentor training for certi ed suicide prevention volunteers to assist struggling veterans. Combined with trained Team Leaders who coordinated our events, we were able to SAVE THE LIVES Of 215 VETERANS who reached out for support. We improved to 134 incredible volunteer Team Leaders for the Carry The Fallen Ruck Marches. One hundred twenty ve gym partners hosted the WOD To End Veteran Suicide and Pound Challenge weightlifting competition. Additionally, we added the Aiming For Zero competitions, motorcycle runs and grew the list of Ambassador Athletes to round out the ways veterans and their families can get involved with Active Heroes.
Active Heroes has an important mission that will continue in 2017. We look forward to completing major construction at the Retreat Center that will further support veterans.We are excited to expand our peer mentors with a goal of training volunteers in every state.
2016 - How we helped veterans and their families
Updated last: December 31st, 2016
- National Peer Mentors
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- 81 peer mentors trained in 23 states. Certified through Active Heroes partnership with QPR Institute.
- 4 veterans confirmed saved through peer mentors.
- Active Heroes Community Center
- 474 veterans and civilians volunteered for community center projects.
- 1896 total volunteer hours completed at community center.
- 124 military family members received acupuncture treatments.
- 56 military family members received free massage / reiki treatments.
- 21 military family members received jin shin jyutsu treatments.
- 3 participants in the Self Help Jin Shin Jyutsu Class.
- 34 military family members attended free storybook nights.
- 60 veterans received music lessons.
- 25 veterans received a free guitar.
- 14 yoga sessions, 48 participants.
- 12 military couples served Valentine’s dinner.
- 20 military family members got free tickets to a Colts game in Indianapolis.
- 20 Colts gift bags giveaway to military couples.
- $200 Visa gift card giveaway to military couples.
- $25 Outback Steakhouse gift card giveaway to military couples.
- $25 gift card to Main Event giveaway to military couples.
- $25 gift card to Jet’s Pizza giveaway to military couples.
- 11 date night packages given to 11 military couples (valued at $50 each).
- 31 veterans received free legal advice/assistance through Legal Aid Society.
- 6 military family members each received 12 free CrossFit workouts.
- 1 self defense class with 4 participants.
- 8 military family members got free dog training in partnership with Kentucky Humane Society.
- 4 Proud – “Patriotic Rehabilitation of Untrained Dogs” participants and 4 dogs trained.
- Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association met 3 times at the community center (33 members).
- 2 veterans received box tickets to the Kentucky Derby Races.
- 9 veterans and military family members received box tickets to the Kentucky Oaks Races.
- 40 participants for pancake breakfasts.
- 62 participants for BBQ dinners.
- 2 Participant in parent’s talk group.
- 17 participants in Gaming for Heroes Event – video game tournament.
- 1 veteran received help with acquiring his military records.
- Halloween family night – 25 military family members.
- 15 military family members got tickets to the Louisville Ballet Nutcracker.
- 55 participants for the Polar Express family night (Christmas Events).
- 8 Churchill Downs tickets for veterans/families for fun night.
- 20 tickets to UofL basketball game.
- 5 tickets to UofL basketball on-court recognition night.
- 20 tickets to Louisville Soccer game.
Active Challenges
- 215 lives saved from all Active Challenge Programs recorded by Team Leaders and Gym Owners.
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- Carry The Fallen
- 45 Carry The Fallen Ruck March events (4207 participants).
- Miles hiked by participants: 1,703,835.
- Average weight carried during ruck marches: 25 lbs.
- Total calories burned: 165,271,995.
- 40 Team Leaders trained in suicide prevention certification.
- Annual Carry The Fallen convention held for Team Leaders with suicide prevention training, event training and visitation of centers.
- Social Events held by Teams: 225.
- Carry The Fallen
- WOD To End Veteran Suicide
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- 125 gyms participating in the WOD To End Veteran Suicide.
- 2357 WOD To End Veteran Suicide individual participants.
- Average 22 Minutes per 20 Repetition workout per participant.
- Total Calories burned: 615,177.
- 5 Gym Owners trained in Suicide Prevention.
- Annual WOD To End Veteran Suicide convention held for Team Leaders with suicide prevention training, event training and visitation of centers.
- Social Events held by Gyms Throughout the year: 502.
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- Pound Challenge – Weight Lifting Competition
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- 35 gyms participated in the Pound Challenge.
- 870 participants in the Pound Challenge.
- 22,782,566 lbs lifted in Pound Challenge.
- 20 Hours of weightlifting.
- Total Calories burned: 398,694,905.
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- Aiming For Zero
- 17 Aiming For Zero competitive shooting events.
- Over 1000 participants.
- Active Heroes attended IDPA National Championship.
- Aiming For Zero
- Stand At Attention Competition
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- 4 Stand at Attention Competitions (Audience of 15,000 reached).
- 20 veteran standers.
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- Zumba for Active Heroes
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- 3 Zumba Master Classes.
- 1 Zumba Strong event.
- 245 participants (military spouses and veterans).
- Total calories burned: 245,898.
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- Active Heroes 5k Events
- Hosted 3 separate 5k events including w/Hillview Police Department.
- 542 participants.
- 1684 miles completed.
- Total Calories burned: 149,050.
- Active Heroes 5k Events
- Ambassador Athletes
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- 118 Athletes participated in 350 Races in 2016 (5ks, Mini marathons, marathons, Obstacle Course Races and Ironman events).
- Total miles ran: 6801.
- Total Calories burned: 525,754.
- Viral Awareness Campaign – 22 Pushups using #ActiveHeroes.
- Over 100 Million push ups completed in 2016.
- Total Calories burned: 3,400,000.
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- Golf Events:
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- Enduring Mission – Naples Florida Golf Tournament hosted for 72 Participants (veterans, military families and supporters).
- Summit Media Golf Tournament.
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- Additional Active Heroes Events:
- United States Marine veteran, Steve Lesage finished over 2200 miles on Appalachian Trail for Active Heroes.
- Hike For Heroes:
- Additional Active Heroes Events:
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- Fishing Tournament
- 50 participants.
- Fishing Tournament
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- Riders For Heroes
- 2 day motorcycle run with 90 participants and music show with 500 tickets sold.
- Riders For Heroes
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- Rallypoint Kentuckiana
- 2 day event including job and resource fair and speaking conference.
- Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel Woody Williams as featured speaker.
- Rallypoint Kentuckiana
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- Race To Recovery – Drag Race
- 18 veterans drag raced at event.
- Race To Recovery – Drag Race
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- Whisker Mania (Beard Competition)
- 90 participants. 400 in attendance.
- Whisker Mania (Beard Competition)
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- Active Heroes Retreat Center
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- 20 volunteer projects, over 600 volunteers.
- Over 48000 volunteer hours accomplished.
- 317 veterans and and 255 military family members visited the retreat center.
- 2 Homeless veterans were given sanctuary at the retreat.
- 75 military families camped at retreat.
- First Navy family stayed at Justin Fitch Cabin.
- 2 cabins built by UAW – Ford.
- Horse field fencing built.
- Accepted 2 alpacas and 2 donkeys into animal enclosure.
- Canoeing day on Kentucky River with Canoe Kentucky – 20 participants.
- 8 horses rescued in partnership with Kentucky Humane Society for “Healing Horses, Horses Healing Vets Program”.
- Cleaned out 30 acres of land for future projects.
- Began repairing and building new animal enclosure and petting zoo area.
- Began development sites for welcome center and main event pavilion.
- Prepping roads for major construction in 2017.
- Built 60% of hiking trail.
- Built new 14 foot walking bridge.
- Community Outreach
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- 2 scholarships to Sullivan University donated. 1 Full ride associate degree and 50% bachelors degree worth over $70,000.
- 2 military family weddings given away (worth $7500 each).
- 2 military families got a VIP tickets for Bruce Springsteen concert including meeting Bruce Springsteen and his 2 sons.
- 1 track wheelchair for wounded veteran (Value $20,000).
- 70 families went to Barry Manilow concerts.
- Provided information for legal services for a veteran in Texas.
- Provided information to 51 families about financial assistance – Referrals.
- 10 Businesses recruited for national resources online map system.
- 30 military family – baseball game tickets in North Carolina.
- Trailer donated to veteran of disabled child. Previous trailer was stolen so Active Heroes provide a trailer. (value $2500).
- 1000 military family members including Gold Star Mothers received free tickets to Brad Paisley Concert Series.
- 30 U of L basketball game tickets.
- 200 female veterans, military spouses and supporters received makeovers at Dillard’s in Louisville. KY.
- 20 veterans meet & greet with country music artist, Brantley Gilbert via Summit Media.
- 30 military family members and supporters participate in Louisville, KY veterans day parade.
- 10 military family members participate in Alabama veterans day parade.
- 462 homeless veterans were fed for Thanksgiving (320 PB&J’s were made, 6 large jars of peanut butter, 5 large jars of jelly, 20 loaves of bread, 750 buns, 38 turkeys, 4 large bags of stuffing, 12 boxes of stuffing, 120 lbs of potatoes, 60 cans of veggies just for the dinner).
- 65 homeless military spouses were fed for Thanksgiving in Arizona.
- 287 canned goods, 143 boxed goods, 78 blankets, 16 jackets and 233 pairs of socks were donated to homeless veteran shelter.
- 60 Free Haircuts for Veterans and current active military.
- 4 Christmas Dinners given to military families.
- 29 veterans adopted for Christmas in NJ. Each received a pair of pants, shirts, shoes, socks, toiletries and presents.
- 30 veterans attended a Durham Bulls (Triple A baseball Team in NC) game sitting in a suite and included food and beverage for the game.
- Active Heroes partnered with “Veteran Radio Syndicate” for national communication to thousands of veterans.
- Home Repairs
- WTVM News partnership for 1 “Dream Room Makeover” for Gold Star child.
- 1 new roof for military family in Georgia.
- WBRC News partnership for 1 home remodel for military family.
- Wave 3 News partnership for 1 home remodel for military family in Louisville, KY.
- Community Center 14%
- Retreat Expenses 19%
- Active Challenges Program Expenses 25%
- Community Outreach 21%
- Financial Assistance 5%
- Administration 11%
- Fundraising 5%
2015 Active Heroes Financial Information
2015 was a year we can always remember for Active Heroes. We once again continued our support of veterans and their families in unique ways to combat the stress, depression and triggering points that many face. The focus throughout 2015 was to develop the first cabin at the Military Family Retreat Center, open our Military Family Community Center, and grow our national events into life saving networks.
While development of the first cabin has taken place, the retreat continued to stay open for veterans and military families to visit. Astonishingly, 868 veterans visited the retreat with 1,512 military family members in this second year of being open. Many of the veterans utilized the archery range, hiking trails, ATV’s or sought out peaceful time in the “Healing Areas.”
The Military Family Community Center program officially opened on March 1st, 2015. With the opening of the community center, Active Heroes rolled out a long list of free activities for military families. Instantly, we began filling up openings and appointments for acupuncture, massage therapy, reiki therapy and family nights. Free music lessons through the SOAR program were offered towards the end of 2015. Through a partnership with the Kentucky Humane Society we began hosting one of a kind veteran dog fostering programs and dog training. Our dedication to the veteran community continued with partnerships including the DAV and Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association to host their monthly meetings at our facility. Altogether, the Active Heroes Community Center was a low cost solution to serving more veterans and their families. The results within the first nine months are outstanding and we hope to develop the program more in 2016 in preparation to expand to other cities within the next 5 years.
Thirdly we accomplished a major change in the ways we hosted Active Challenge events across America in 2015. On top of always having a free option, we added the ambassador packages to help individuals learn and spread awareness about veteran suicides. Next, we added additional suicide prevention training for team leaders and gym owners so these volunteers could support individuals in need. These new changes created more camaraderie and larger support networks within our events.
2015 - How We Helped Veterans and Military Families
Organization Accomplishments 2015
- Community Center (opened march 2015)
- 2 classes, 36 participants for yoga
- Halloween Military Family Night 35 participants
- Polar Express Military Family Night 55 participants
- 12 veterans received Free legal advice/assistance through Legal Aid Society cookout
- 5 Self Defense Classes with 40 participants
- 96 Military Family members received acupuncture treatments
- 100 free tickets to Wrestling
- 1 Military Wedding given away (worth $7500)
- 2 Scholarships (100% associates and 50% bachelors) given away to one reservist and one veteran
- Lopp – Program: scholarship $39,560
- Morgan – Program: scholarship $29,440
- 10 Tickets for U of L Football Game
- 20 Tickets for the COLTS NFL football game
- 10 Tickets for the KY Oaks given away to Military Family members
- 16 Veterans got a free guitar and music lessons in partnership with SOAR
- 5 military families got free dog training in partnership with Kentucky Humane Society
- DAV met 10 times at the Community Center (40 members)
- CVMA met 9 times at the Community Center ((33 members)
- 1 Dog paired with Military Family for behavior training until the dog was ready for adoption through KHS (to be grown in 2016)
- 6 Military Family Members received free massage / reiki treatments (program didn’t start until November 2015)
- 14 military family members got free tickets for the louisville ballet
- $300 in Gift cards for military family who couldn’t afford christmas
- Active Challenges
- 68 Carry The Fallen Events (2080 participants according to sign-ups) -HW
- 75 Team leaders trained in Suicide Prevention
- 175 Gyms participating in the WOD
- 50 Gym Owners trained in Suicide Prevention
- 1300 WOD individual participants
- 10 Stand at attention competitions (awareness audience of 35,000)
- 3 Zumba Master Classes with a total of 350 participants
- 28 million lbs lifted in Pound Challenge
- 200 in-studio participants in Pound Challenge
- 35 Gyms participated with 703 participants
- 186 Lives saved from this program
- Retreat
- 868 veterans and and 1512 Military Family Members visited the retreat center in 2015. Giving a total over 1500 veterans utilizing the retreat center in the first two years.
- Over 100 military families camped
- 1 cabins built
- 25 Volunteer projects
- We completed over 12,000 volunteer hours in 2015, made up of 450 civilians, several business employee resource groups, Jrotc, Built East, Bullitt Central baseball and many countless others who show up all the time
- 1 pavilion and 2 pergolas built
- 2 additional carved statues to honor the fallen
- build of Horse Fence and Horse run in shed for 2016 programs
- Community Outreach
- 3 Home Repairs in Louisville, KY area
- 1 Home Repair in Indiana
- 1 Backyard fence install in Florida
- 1 roof install in Massachusetts
- 1 wheelchair ramp in Leitchfield, KY
- 1 Children’s Room in Georgia
- 1 Home Repair in Alabama
- Community Center 25%
- Retreat Expenses 25%
- Active Challenges Program Expenses 23%
- Community Outreach/Home Repair Program Expenses 10%
- Financial Assistance Program Expenses 4%
- Administration Expenses 10%
- Fundraising Expenses 3%
2014 Active Heroes Financial Information
Active Heroes continued our support of veterans and their families in tremendous ways during 2014. We put a huge focus on providing free events, seminars, volunteer projects, and team leader training for our veterans and families. No other charity in America puts this much emphasis on providing FREE events for military families, and we are proud that more than 12,000 veterans have joined us in participating.
Our Carry The Fallen team leader trainings have helped to make an impact in communities across America to promote teamwork among our volunteers. This training has proven to directly save veterans lives by building camaraderie and friendships with team members. Our team leaders and volunteers tracked 155 cases of veterans claiming to be suicidal and were instrumental in reaching out to our struggling comrades and families, connecting them with Active Heroes events, other social functions or direct assistance in their regions. 2014 was also the year that we saw big changes at the Active Heroes Retreat Center.
More than 2,000 volunteers worked on the 144 acres and helped to clean up 30 percent of the land. We also completed work on several projects, including the construction of the first pergola, more than 40 benches, 16 picnic tables, 10 grills, trails, and the side entrance parking lot. Your donations helped to get the equipment needed to clean up the rest of the land and develop the entire retreat.
More than 650 veterans visited the retreat in its first year, and the results were amazing. The veterans enjoyed the retreat’s “Healing Areas” designed for relaxation and reflection, as well as the archery area, trails and the new statues honoring heroes. The retreat will continue to be the place where Active Heroes can do the most to help heal the invisible wounds of war.
- Retreat Expenses 45%
- Active Challenges Program Expenses 22%
- Community Outreach/Home Repair Program Expenses 10%
- Financial Assistance Program Expenses 6%
- Fundraising Expenses 9%
- Administration Expenses 8%
2013 Active Heroes Financial Information
Active Heroes’ 2nd full year was even better than our first! We focused on how we can impact the lives of veterans and their families with 4 programs. Each program expense is listed on our 2013 IRS Form 990. One of largest program expenses was the purchase of the military family retreat location that is marked as an asset or under other expenses. We set our goals for fundraising and administration expenses to be as low as we could and still function efficiently to support hundreds of veteran families. Funds saved are earmarked for building phases during 2014 – 2016.
Program Explanation:
- Financial Assistance – Direct Bill payments for Wounded Veterans from Lifetime Endowment Funds
- Active Challenges – Physical and Mental fitness teams combined with seminars that build camaraderie for hundreds of veterans across America
- Community Outreach – Home Repairs and construction projects that helps veterans and their families. Over 25 veteran’s homes have been repaired by Active Heroes.
- Retreat – A Military Family Retreat Center where veterans and families can grow with outdoor activities, educational programs and partnerships and job opportunities from partnered companies.
- Retreat Expenses 23%
- Active Challenges Program Expenses 25%
- Community Outreach/Home Repair Program Expenses 26%
- Financial Assistance Program Expenses 14%
- Fundraising Expenses 5%
- Administration Expenses 7%
2012 Active Heroes Financial Information
Active Heroes was incorporated on December 28th, 2011 and approved as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization by the IRS on March 27th, 2012.
Our 2012 IRS Form 990 is for the entire first year of our existence after receiving our nonprofit status. As is typical with other not-for-profits in their first year of operations, our start-up costs are the reason the ratio of money spent on military families was not higher for this initial tax period. Since its inception, Active Heroes has had only 2 paid staff members who facilitate the distribution of grants to military families. Volunteers, ambassadors or advocates are not compensated for their services, work, or time. Team Active Heroes or online fundraisers are not compensated in any way. They donate their time to train and participate in physical challenges, and they cover all of their own expenses to do so. Our organization is driven by volunteers whose only compensation is the satisfaction of knowing they are impacting the lives of military families, veterans and wounded heroes.
- Program Expenses to Help Military Families 81%
- Management & General Expenses 12%
- Fundraising Expenses 7%
