The social media world is rough right now as our networks focus on polarizing political issues. No matter what side of the aisle you are on, this is heavy stuff, and people are passionate about it. But what if you want to do more than talk about the issues? How can you back up your words with actions?
Military spouses are good at doing things for our community, so we want to highlight a few military nonprofits aimed at helping the world at large.
We asked for recommendations of military spouse-launched nonprofits that problem-solve for their communities, military or not. There's a big world out there, and these spouses are doing incredible things in it and for it.
Don't see your favorite spouse-launched military nonprofit listed? Tell us about it.
Be a Doer: 7 Military Spouse Nonprofits
1. The Unquiet Professional. Gold Star spouse Krista Simpson Anderson started this nonprofit with the hope of helping Gold Star families heal from the wounds of war. The Unquiet Professional hosts events each year to honor service members lost in combat. One of note is the Memorial Mile, in which people worldwide run, swim, bike, hike or walk a mile each May 31 in honor of a few selected service members.
2. Philippians Place. This nonprofit provides housing and life-skills training for the homeless community in Onslow County, North Carolina -- home to Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River -- in an effort to break the cycle of homelessness. Started by Marine Corps spouse Lenize Patton in 2014 after she learned there were more than 370 homeless children in the county, Philippians Place aims to provide faith-based assistance. You can get involved by volunteering or donating.
3. Military Spouse JD Foundation Justice for Military Families. This offshoot of the Military Spouse JD Network, a bar association for military spouse attorneys, meets legal needs within the military community. It has a specific focus on military survivors' needs through a partnership with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.
4. Wear blue: run to remember. This nonprofit was started by Gold Star Army wife Lisa Hallett and her friend Erin O'Connor after Capt. John Hallett was killed in combat in Afghanistan in 2009. This one is particularly close to my heart: John was my husband's commander at the time of his death, and I helped produce this awesome documentary directed by Glenn Osten Anderson and Ian Connors.
Wear blue: run to remember has brought thousands of military families and community members together through running as they honor the fallen, the still fighting and the families in a moving memorial. Spending time with them is an incredible experience as they speak the names of fallen troops before each group run and host their famous "Blue Mile" of flags and posters of the fallen at races nationwide. You can get involved by attending a local chapter or community run, joining the wear blue mile at a local race or by donating.
5. Wrapped in Strength Project. This nonprofit was started by Navy spouse Gina Palmer in memory of her son, Derick, and donates hooded bath towels to kids battling cancer. Gina sews the cozy towels in her spare time. You can help by donating.
6. Stroller Warriors. I admit it, I like running. But even more than that, I like nonprofits that get their start through local problem-solving. Marine Corps spouse Stephanie Geraghty started Stroller Warriors because she, personally, wanted running pals. Now, the volunteer-run nonprofit hosts workouts for moms and non-moms at bases worldwide, providing a way for spouses to get out and get active in a social setting.
7. The Bautista Project. Army wife Marla Bautista has used her personal experience with homelessness as a young adult to help those experiencing it now. She created The Bautista Project, which helps the homeless community with educational resources, support groups and reintegration. It also provides basic living essentials and has a shelter in the Tampa, Florida, area. By providing this support, Bautista believes they can help restore confidence to those in the homeless community.
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