NVMM CARES

Creating and Advancing Resilience, Education, and Stability

NVMM CARES connects many of our signature programs and community partners established in our first five years for one all-encompassing initiative that aids community participants and especially Veterans, and their families to live healthy, successful lives after military service.

Together, we will address the Five Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) that impact the lives of those around us as we leverage community assets to supply participants and Veterans with a network of opportunities and partners who can assist them with whole health wellness. ​

Our approach to CARES is rooted in our Museum’s story-sharing mission because we know that a Veteran’s story doesn’t stop when they come home, it is just beginning.

In 2024, our team is focused on addressing three of the five SDOH areas – Education, Health & Wellness, and Social & Community Connection – through 20 different impactful programs. As we grow and enhance these current programs, we will actively evaluate future programs and partnerships that positively impact Economic Stability and Neighborhood Engagement for Veterans, their families, and our communities.

We bring American history to life by connecting students to the powerful, personal stories and firsthand experiences of our nation’s heroes. We strive to be a valuable educational resource for students K-12, college scholars and educators at all levels, offering comprehensive programming that engages learners and shares stories of service and sacrifice.

Click the links below to explore how our team is creating access to quality educational resources for Veterans in the community.

  • Military to Civilian Leadership Certification with The Ohio State University: The Military to Civilian Leadership Certification is a graduate-level leadership course that brings together Veterans who are called to serve in civilian life to learn from each other, build lasting relationships, and demonstrate the value of military experience and leadership to civilian employers.
  • NVMM Reads: Each month, we share books that help further our mission to Honor, Connect, Inspire and Educate. These pieces include additional learning opportunities to make the selected books a valuable resource for educators to share the Veteran Experience.
  • NVMM Educational Resources and Field Trips: Offering free, hands-on learning activities and resources for classroom instruction.
  • Museums for All: A national program focused on removing financial barriers to visiting museums and cultural centers.
  • NVMM Connects (Museum Access & Affordability): Through NVMM Connects, the Museum has made great strides to remove economic and social barriers of entry to visit the exhibits, participate in our programs, and engage with content that is universally accessible.
  • Franklin County Parks & Rec Summer Program: Through a partnership with Columbus City Schools and Columbus Parks & Recreation, we will host approximately 900 students at the Museum during the summer for a series of engaging programs centered around service and leadership.
  • Columbus City Schools Pathways Program
  • National Ceremonies: Our national ceremonies (National Vietnam War Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Patriot Day, and Veterans Day) and signature events honor and celebrate the contributions of our nation’s Veterans. These moving events also play an important role in educating all about the many different types of service and the ways in which we recognize Veterans.
  • Meet the Author Series: Connecting guests with Veteran authors around the country.
  • Exhibitions: Our exhibitions explore the distinctive journey of American Veterans and include themes of continued service, sacrifice, and health and wellness.

Impact:

“From Lt. General Ferriter, U.S. Army (Retired), down through the entire NVMM team, we were treated as part of the team from the minute we walked in the door. NVMM invited our students to engage in the exhibits, invited us to their special events and, importantly, worked collaboratively with us to problem solve issues when they arose. Moreover, the NVMM team actively engaged with our students who, in other settings, would not have been welcomed the way NVMM welcomed our kids.”
MARTIN GRIFFITH, FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL, FRANKLINTON HIGH SCHOOL

Our work through the CARES Initiative to create access to health care services and support networks is bolstered by the generosity of sponsoring organizations. This holistic program positively impacts lives by allowing Veterans and their civilian counterparts to connect through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Yoga, Fitness Events, Art and Creative Workshops and additional activities endorsed and hosted by the NVMM.

Click the links below to explore how our team is creating access to quality health and wellness resources, and promoting health literacy, for Veterans in the community.

  • Art-Based Workshops and Events: Our art-based workshops and events create engaging communities where participants connect with one another and discover new and meaningful ways to share their stories through various art forms.
  • Exhibitions: Our exhibitions explore the distinctive journey of American Veterans and include themes of continued service, sacrifice, and health and wellness.
  • Advocacy and Legislation
  • VA Whole Health Coach Services: Whole Health Coaches partner with Veterans seeking to enhance their well-being through self-directed, lasting changes, aligned with their values.
  • Community Races and CrossFit: These community-building events are open to all people and all levels or fitness or ability. The provide a positive platform to honor our Veterans and teach participants about the importance of health and wellness in our daily lives.
  • Wellness Weekends: From mindfulness sessions to fitness classes, our Wellness Weekends focus on empowering participants to take charge of their well-being. The goal is to leave participants feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and ready to conquer anything that comes their way.
  • VA Community Partnerships: We’ve teamed up with the VA to offer non-clinical therapies such as art, music, and chess. Additionally, our facility serves as a venue for certification training sessions for healthcare professionals who directly support Veterans. Through the VA, we bring the Veteran Arts Initiative and GeroFit programs that provide Veterans, their family members, and caregivers the environment to discover the power of art, as well as the tools to remain active and connected to the community.

Impact

“For me, it has been a game changer. Working in the PTS wellness community for the past 8 years, I have witnessed not only journeys of healing but also see the preventative attributes this program offers. Connecting the Veteran community while creating a bridge to connect the Veteran and civilian communities definitely supports a post Traumatic Growth!”

RESILIENCE & WELLNESS PARTICIPANT

“I learned about the NVMM prior to experiencing multiple life changing incidents that left me facing a ton of adversity, financial challenges, heart break, and personal problems. The NVMM provides me a safe space and a community of like-minded individuals that I can relate to through these difficult times…providing me a sense of greater purpose in my community.”

RESILIENCE & WELLNESS PARTICIPANT

“A Veteran reached out to me indicating they were having trouble understanding where to go for PTSD support. I reached out to members of this program to see if we could provide a path of support for him to get the help he needed….He let me know it was the first time he felt he wasn’t alone, that others were experiencing similar challenges, and there was path to a better life.”

RESILIENCE & WELLNESS PARTICIPANT

Our work through the CARES Initiative to address Social and Community Context is underscored by programs and events that foster dialogue, understanding, and service. Opportunities for engagement will focus on topics including social cohesion and civic participation.

Click the links below to explore how our team is fostering an environment that creates a strong sense of camaraderie, belonging, and purpose by bringing together our communities and those who served.

  • Art-Based Workshops and Events: Our art-based workshops and events create engaging communities where participants connect with one another and discover new and meaningful ways to share their stories through various art forms.
  • Exhibitions: Our exhibitions explore the distinctive journey of American Veterans and include themes of continued service, sacrifice, and health and wellness.
  • Museums for All: A national program focused on removing financial barriers to visiting museums and cultural centers.
  • NVMM Connects: Through NVMM Connects, the Museum has made great strides to remove economic and social barriers of entry to visit the exhibits, participate in our programs, and engage with content that is universally accessible.
  • Franklin County Parks & Rec Summer Program: Through a partnership with Columbus City Schools and Columbus Parks & Recreation, we will host approximately 900 students at the Museum during the summer for a series of engaging programs centered around service and leadership.
  • NVMM Volunteer and Corporate Volunteer Program: Volunteers bring our mission to life for audiences of all ages. These important members of our team lead tours, support Museum events, and take part in special projects like our Lawn of Flags display throughout the year.
  • Inclusive Programs: Our team works hard to make our space inclusive of all communities through programs like Pets & Vets Week, designations from partners like Kulture City, and through the use of resources such as our Braille Guide to help navigate our core exhibitions.
  • Annual Veteran Employee Resource Group Summit
  • Vetrepreneur Store (Shop NVMM): Shop NVMM is designed to uplift and promote Veteran-owned and Veteran-operated businesses throughout the country. After their service, many Veterans continued on with a new mission: to create and grow their own businesses. Your purchase directly helps support their next mission in life.
  • Community Outreach: At the NVMM, we understand firsthand the power that representation, support, and access to resources can have on Veterans and the communities in which they live.
  • VA Community Partnership: We’ve teamed up with the VA to offer non-clinical therapies such as art, music, and chess. Additionally, our facility serves as a venue for certification training sessions for healthcare professionals who directly support Veterans. Through the VA, we bring the Veteran Arts Initiative and GeroFit programs that provide Veterans, their family members, and caregivers the environment to discover the power of art, as well as the tools to remain active and connected to the community.
  • National Ceremonies: Our national ceremonies (National Vietnam War Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Patriot Day, and Veterans Day) and signature events honor and celebrate the contributions of our nation’s Veterans. These moving events also play an important role in educating all about the many different types of service and the ways in which we recognize Veterans.

Impact

“I have become deeply involved with the NVMM’s Resilience and Wellness programming. For me that means going to weekly Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes, but for others that can mean connecting with yoga or healing through the arts. Through this, I have connected with people who have lived my experiences and understand my perspectives. The NVMM has encouraged me to be more open about talking about my service. After years of not being involved with Veterans, I’m now very active with Veteran-related causes and organizations. My daughter Hannah and I have bonded as volunteers at the Museum, I’ve joined the American Legion, and I’ve found a community of support and friendship through the Veterans I’ve met at the Museum.”
SCOTT, MUSEUM VOLUNTEER & PROGRAM PARTICIPANT

In 2024, our team is focused on addressing three of the five SDOH areas – Education, Health & Wellness, and Social & Community Connection – through 20 different impactful programs. As we grow and enhance these current programs, we will actively evaluate future programs and partnerships that positively impact Economic Stability and Neighborhood Engagement for Veterans, their families, and our communities.

Past programs in this area included:

  • Veteran Workforce
  • Transitioning Service Member Hiring Events
  • Service Member Hiring Digital Platform – Partnership
  • Small Business Administration Summit

In 2024, our team is focused on addressing three of the five SDOH areas – Education, Health & Wellness, and Social & Community Connection – through 20 different impactful programs. As we grow and enhance these current programs, we will actively evaluate future programs and partnerships that positively impact Economic Stability and Neighborhood Engagement for Veterans, their families, and our communities.

Past programs in this area included:

  • Hands-On Inspired Leadership Program (2023)

For more information, contact Nick Wood, Associate Vice President of Development, at nwood@nationalvmm.org.

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