Mission Fortify
So No One Stands Alone
Together, On a Mission
Easterseals NH and Swim With A Mission (SWAM) are racing against time to raise funds for the Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus (Campus) that will be a lifeline. This Campus will provide immediate access to essential services, wellness, and recreation opportunities crucial for recovery and transition to civilian life.
In 2021, an average of 17.5 U.S. Veterans died by suicide each day. In NH, a Veteran takes their own life every 8 days. Heartbreakingly, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reported a 7.4% increase in Veteran homelessness in 2023, with 35,574 Veterans living in shelters, cars, parks, or on the streets.
Welcome Home
Our New Hampshire service members deserve to come home to the same support they had while they served. There is no wrong door for individuals seeking assistance, and the Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus promises to provide the necessary tools specifically for service members, Veterans, and their families.
Today, we are building a solution with affordable housing, a recreation center, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and culturally competent, client-driven clinical mental health support and services for military members, Veterans, and their families so that no one stands alone.
The Solution
The Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus in Franklin, NH, will demonstrate to the country how to support Veterans, military members, and their families by:
CONSOLIDATING SERVICES
By creating a space where Veteran Service Organizations can combine forces, utilizing proximity to initiate connection, a Veteran won’t have to search throughout the state to find help, but will be able to simply go to the campus, knowing what they need will be there.
WIDE RANGE OF PROGRAMS
Individuals will have ready access to the resources they need or want to access. From art therapy to equine therapy to a K9 program, from mental health support and clinical counseling to recreation, service members, Veterans, and their families will find what they need for themselves in one place.
ELIMINATING ISOLATION
The campus is specifically designed for Veterans, service members, and their families with cultural competency in mind to provide a familiar environment and familiar culture. Providing a safe and welcoming campus will help to get them out of their homes and engage with peers who understand first-hand what they are experiencing, the chance of getting the individual the help they need increases tremendously.
REDUCING STIGMAS
By highlighting the painful and personal stories of military members and Veterans who have taken their own lives, and the families they left behind, we aim to reduce the stigma so that others who are struggling will come forward and get the help they deserve.
Our Stories
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January 28, 2025 | Stories
Chris | Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be difficult, and for Chris, it was his lowest point. Asking for help was more challenging than facing his problems alone. Despite living in his car, Chris continued to deal with his situation rather than seek the support he needed.
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January 28, 2025 | Stories
Art for Vets
Easterseals New Hampshire and Swim With A Mission are collaborating to offer best-in-class programs and services at the Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus through partnerships with Veteran service providers. Our partner organizations are committed to our mission of supporting service members, Veterans, and their families, helping them live their best lives.
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January 28, 2025 | Stories
Scott | Seeking Mental Health Care for the Battle Within
For many Veterans, admitting their struggles and seeking help is an uphill battle. For Scott, an Iraq War Veteran, acknowledging his posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was the most daunting challenge he had to face. Scott’s PTSD, depression, and anxiety cost him hismarriage and many friendships.
How You Can Help
Easterseals NH is seeking community engagement to support the development of our Military and veterans Campus. More than 60 donor naming opportunities, starting at $10,000, are available for the conference center, hub of services, outdoor amenities, common spaces, recreational fixtures, meeting rooms, housing, and more.