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 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.

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.

  • The Certificate in Public & Nonprofit Leadership for Veterans (LCERT): The Certificate in Public and Nonprofit Leadership for Veterans 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.
  • 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.

  • Resilience & Wellness Program: Through 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, and additional activities endorsed and hosted by the NVMM.
  • NVMM Jiu Jitsu: Hands-on classes bring world-class instructors and experienced and proven leaders who teach the gentle art of Jiu Jitsu to all experience levels.
  • NVMM Yoga: Certified yoga teachers lead each class through basic poses to advanced movements to help you find your inner peace of body and mind.
  • Community Races and CrossFit
  • Wellness Weekends: Weekends filled with wellness initiatives including Jiu Jitsu Seminars, restorative yoga, rooftop workouts and more.
  • 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.
  • Annual Resilience Summit: This one-day event is focused on the resilience and wellness of our nation’s service members, their families and our beloved Families of the Fallen.
  • Art-Based Workshops and Events 
  • Exhibitions: Our exhibitions explore the distinctive journey of American Veterans and include themes of continued service, sacrifice, and health and wellness.

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

A Veteran’s story doesn’t end when they depart the military. With 8.8 million Veterans currently employed in the US and another 200,000+ Service Members transitioning annually, the NVMM is uniquely positioned to expand our reach beyond telling Veterans’ stories of service to directly impact their journey to meaningful employment. Their stories not only demonstrate how military service can lead to economic opportunities but inspire future generations of servant leaders.

Click the links below to explore how our team is creating economic stability for Veterans in the community.

  • Veteran Concierge Program: A national network of resources to guide Veterans and transitioning service members on their journey from service to meaningful employment and create access for employers to Veteran talent. The Veteran Concierge program highlights transitioning service member hiring, Veteran employment, Veteran Employee Resource Groups, and an annual VERG 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.
  • Small Business Administration Summit: Our Small Business Summit brings together a group committed to preparing, guiding, and growing Veteran-owned small businesses. The information and knowledge shared during this two-day summit will help pave the way for aspiring and established Vetrepreneurs, small businesses seeking to employ Veterans, and those interested in exploring franchise opportunities.

Impact

“I don’t have any family here in Columbus, so the NVMM is a place where I truly feel welcomed like a member of this family. I’ve joined the Veterans Resource Group and I attend events when I can. I appreciate the sense of camaraderie here and I would encourage other veterans to take advantage of this amazing resource.”
MAGGIE, VERG SUMMIT ATTENDEE

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.

  • Rally Point: Rally Point is a free, monthly event on the first Saturday of every month dedicated to connecting and educating Veterans, Veterans’ families, and those who wish to support Veterans.
  • 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.
  • NVMM Volunteer and Corporate Volunteer Program
  • 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.
  • NVMM Jiu Jitsu: Hands-on classes bring world-class instructors and experienced and proven leaders who teach the gentle art of Jiu Jitsu to all experience levels.
  • NVMM Yoga: Certified yoga teachers lead each class through basic poses to advanced movements to help you find your inner peace of body and mind.
  • Art-Based Workshops and Events
  • Exhibitions: Our exhibitions explore the distinctive journey of American Veterans and include themes of continued service, sacrifice, and health and wellness.

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

Our work through the CARES Initiative to engage our neighborhoods in constructive dialogue and community building is underscored by programs and events that address relevant and timely issues facing our local and national neighborhoods.

Click the links below to explore how our team is leveraging the principles of service, teamwork, and conversation to engage people across many different neighborhoods.

  • Hands-On Inspired Leadership: This program offers a unique opportunity to empower those looking for an innovative approach to strengthening culture and morale, increasing engagement, and promoting a more productive, efficient, supportive, and mission-driven environment.
  • Franklin County Parks & Rec Program: Through a partnership with Columbus City Schools and Columbus Parks & Recreation, we will host about 900 more students at the Museum during the summer for a series of engaging programs centered around service and leadership.

Impact

“[Hands-On Inspired Leadership] inspired us to think bolder, do better, and be our best selves as it relates to our core values.”

HOIL PARTICIPANT

“Thank you for engaging our team in such a unique and impactful way. You got me out of my comfort zone while I learned ways to become not only a better leader, but a better version of myself.”

HOIL PARTICIPANT

“This experience showed me the importance of direct and clear communication, especially in setting expectations and welcoming push back in order to help me grow as a person.”

HOIL PARTICIPANT

For more information, contact Candace Brady, Vice President of Advancement, at cbrady@nationalvmm.org.

WEDS-SUN 10 A.M. - 5 P.M.
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The NVMM is Open on MLK Day!

$1 Admission on Jan. 16 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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