Executive Summary
Research clearly indicates the US, as a nation, is under-prepared to handle the influx of needs and the support our service men and women, particularly those who have served in combat and combat related roles, will require in the coming years. Research also indicates, although actively being improved upon within the military, there is still a stigma, real and perceived, associated with seeking mental health.
There is both an opportunity as well as a need to address each of these issues. Nationally there is a need to offer additional outreach resources to veterans, especially those struggling with reintegration in their homes, community and jobs. There is also an opportunity to equip the veteran with intrinsic tools for personal success to include, but not limited to, dealing with change, effective communication, problem-solving, organizational skills and personal leadership, without the label of mental health but instead through forums consisting of personal and professional development seminars, workshops and training retreats.
The New Terrain Foundation provides veterans, through personal and professional development seminars, workshops and retreats with valuable tools and insights to navigate the reintegration landscape. Readjustment problems may include lack of adequate employment, educational achievement, career goals, and the resources to obtain them. Additionally they may experience family relationship problems, social alienation and homelessness, as well as other psychological problems such as low self esteem, depression and/or substance use disorder. Veterans may have sexual trauma and bereavement issues, employment counseling and job referral needs, as well as preventive health care information, and referrals to VA and non-VA medical and benefits facilities.
Whereas The New Terrain Foundation will not offer medical or counseling services, we can refer veterans to appropriate civilian and/or DOD/VA agencies and encourage use of any and all available resources to triumph over adversity. Our organization does not focus on illness or disability but rather empowering veterans to succeed regardless of their challenges or situation in life. Our purpose is to help veterans develop the personal and professional skills and abilities required to achieve success. Our objective is to provide veterans with a seminar/workshop curriculum that will train, educate and inspire. Recognizing that to educate is to increase one’s intellectual awareness of a subject, whereas to train is to help someone be proficient at the execution of a given task. Even with the proper education and training, inspiration is a vital link in personal success. Acknowledging the limits of workshops and seminars, The New Terrain Foundation learning model will integrate opportunities for the veteran to practice and experience the desired learning skills so as to have an improved awareness AND increased proficiency. We involve them in the learning process so they understand what they need to do, how to stay on track, and the learning resources (mentoring, assessments, professional development plans…) to get there.
The New Terrain Foundation’s plan for accomplishing our mission is to conduct 1.) Veteran Success Conferences in cities across the United States, 2.) Partner with other veteran focused conferences, job fairs and events where The New Terrain Foundation can offer our speaking/training services and 3.) Week-long Rally Point Retreats using a three part approach to include coaches/mentors, a total immersion training experience, and action plans for completing personal goals by applying the skills and concepts presented during the program (OPORD).
There is both an opportunity as well as a need to address each of these issues. Nationally there is a need to offer additional outreach resources to veterans, especially those struggling with reintegration in their homes, community and jobs. There is also an opportunity to equip the veteran with intrinsic tools for personal success to include, but not limited to, dealing with change, effective communication, problem-solving, organizational skills and personal leadership, without the label of mental health but instead through forums consisting of personal and professional development seminars, workshops and training retreats.
The New Terrain Foundation provides veterans, through personal and professional development seminars, workshops and retreats with valuable tools and insights to navigate the reintegration landscape. Readjustment problems may include lack of adequate employment, educational achievement, career goals, and the resources to obtain them. Additionally they may experience family relationship problems, social alienation and homelessness, as well as other psychological problems such as low self esteem, depression and/or substance use disorder. Veterans may have sexual trauma and bereavement issues, employment counseling and job referral needs, as well as preventive health care information, and referrals to VA and non-VA medical and benefits facilities.
Whereas The New Terrain Foundation will not offer medical or counseling services, we can refer veterans to appropriate civilian and/or DOD/VA agencies and encourage use of any and all available resources to triumph over adversity. Our organization does not focus on illness or disability but rather empowering veterans to succeed regardless of their challenges or situation in life. Our purpose is to help veterans develop the personal and professional skills and abilities required to achieve success. Our objective is to provide veterans with a seminar/workshop curriculum that will train, educate and inspire. Recognizing that to educate is to increase one’s intellectual awareness of a subject, whereas to train is to help someone be proficient at the execution of a given task. Even with the proper education and training, inspiration is a vital link in personal success. Acknowledging the limits of workshops and seminars, The New Terrain Foundation learning model will integrate opportunities for the veteran to practice and experience the desired learning skills so as to have an improved awareness AND increased proficiency. We involve them in the learning process so they understand what they need to do, how to stay on track, and the learning resources (mentoring, assessments, professional development plans…) to get there.
The New Terrain Foundation’s plan for accomplishing our mission is to conduct 1.) Veteran Success Conferences in cities across the United States, 2.) Partner with other veteran focused conferences, job fairs and events where The New Terrain Foundation can offer our speaking/training services and 3.) Week-long Rally Point Retreats using a three part approach to include coaches/mentors, a total immersion training experience, and action plans for completing personal goals by applying the skills and concepts presented during the program (OPORD).