Page 42 - Giving Guide_FINAL

42 A TIME FOR GIVING

Structure.

Connection.

Purpose.

Men and women sign up, train, Service members must leave
serve their country — in the Air behind the structure, — of
Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy knowing what and when to eat,
and Coast Guard. what to wear, what to do — the
Then, many come home — but, connectedness of their unit, — important part of establishing that many cases, have not had the
they may not be mentally back. people who become friends, more connectivity,” Taylor said. financial performance they would
Leaving that environment of like family — and an incredible Warriors can seek professional normally have; some grant makers
structure, connection and purpose sense of purpose — defending the certifications, two- and four-year have changed their priorities to
has challenges, said Brent Taylor, nation and protecting freedom. degrees and graduate degrees address direct impacts of COVID-19,
president and CEO of the Wyakin “Our job is to replace those in their chosen career field. More and some foundations may not
Foundation. Veterans transitioning three things,” Taylor said. information is available at wyakin. be earning traditional returns as
into civilian life, and getting an Founded in 2010, the intent of org. markets are down.
education to start a new career, the Wyakin Warrior Foundation “Part of that process is “That’s certainly impacted our
may require some help. has been to provide a pathway for reestablishing that purpose,” availability to raise funds in a
“One of the most powerful wounded and injured post-9/11 Taylor said. “[That] ‘I can feel as significant way,” he added.
things we do as an organization veterans to transition through good about being a social worker “What we’ve found is the need
is to advocate for greater education into careers of their as I can about being a Marine.’” for what we do has been greater
understanding in the community choosing. than ever,” Taylor said, “not only
what the process of veteran Today, when veterans, wounded Donate, volunteer, for veterans dealing with isolation
transiting looks like, why it can be or not, become a Wyakin and take the pull-up ... with [the] sudden change with
and often is a significant challenge Warrior, they participate in a online learning, stress of being at
for our veterans, and what some structured environment around challenge home, loss of employment, we’ve
of the outcomes look like when accountability for their education “Obviously, as a nonprofit, there’s also found the number of veterans
those veterans don’t find help,” in a connected culture with a always need,” Taylor said. coming through the application
Taylor said. “I didn’t necessarily mentor and other veterans. Taylor noted, this year in process has really gone up too.”
understand either. It was very eye- “That comradery and fellowship particular, corporate donors, in This past October, the Wyakin
opening.” environment ... that’s a really

The Wyakin Mission

To serve as a conduit,
connecting wounded and
injured veterans to their
successful and fulfilling

TO DONATE GO TO: civilian futures through
education, development,
wyakin.org and guidance.