Millstone Times August 2022

Heroes on the Water Founded in 2007, Heroes on the Water is a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides recreational wellness experiences. Their primary modality is kayak fishing, which has proven to have cognitive and emotional benefits. These programs incorporate structured activities in a pressure-free environment creating opportunities for community building and personal healing. Their participants receive much needed camaraderie and support. All events are organized by a dedicated group of volunteers at no cost to participants or their families. There is no prior experience or equipment re quired. Recurring activities provide participants with consistent access to healing support as well as involvement in a community of people with shared experiences. In 2018, they officially expanded their services, not only to include military veterans, but first responders and their families. Heroes on the Water programs are proven to be effective in reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress, increasing healing of traumatic brain injury, and improving overall well-being for participants. Their goal is to provide heroes with a way to positively improve their lives, enhance their family dynamic and impact their community in a healthy and lasting way. They help to provide a future where our heroes and their families can heal through the therapeutic power of the outdoors. Events are open to family members of veterans and first responders at no cost because they believe that the focus should be on the whole person, which includes family as well. United States military veterans and personnel make the ultimate sacrifice for us daily. Heroes on the Water understands that this role can come with stress and trauma and they are dedicated to supporting the overall physical and mental healing process. Their goal is to build a community where veter ans and active-duty participants feel comfortable and valued. Their chapter events are designed to create a welcoming and pressure-free environment and are proven to help reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. They provide a chance for participants to reconnect with themselves and others. There are over 48 volunteer-Led Chapters all over the U.S. Their method is simple – PADDLE. FISH. HEAL. Heroes on the Water empowers heroes to decompress and reconnect with themselves and their families while becoming part of a lifelong community. These experiences and new connections help participants continue to heal and thrive. To Find a Chapter to participate, or volunteer in your local area, go to https://heroesonthewater.org. Each chapter is composed of a leadership team and a group of volunteers, veteran and first-responder participants and their families, and equipment purchased with chapter-raised funds. If you are interested in starting a Heroes on the Water chapter in your local area in NJ, check them out on Facebook: Heroes on the water-NJ chapter New Jersey- Heroes on the Water is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides no-cost therapeutic kayak fishing experiences to veterans, first-responders, active-du ty military members and their families. Their volunteer-led chapters hold regularly scheduled events that improve lives while supporting our heroes. Connect by Email: Nj@heroesonthewater.org.

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