OUR STORY

From Conflict to Advocacy

Our founders, Joe and Carol, witnessed firsthand the complex challenges faced by veterans returning from service. Growing up in the era of the Vietnam War, they saw the nation’s conflicted response to returning service members—heroes taught to expect honor and respect but met instead with social shaming and hostility. This environment compounded the trauma many veterans experienced, leading to decades of silence and suffering.

After a personal crisis and a long journey through assessments, therapies, and medications, success was finally found through the support of the Atlanta VA Health Care System. This turnaround, although later in life, was transformative and underscored a vital message: the importance of seeking help early. Joe and Carol’s experiences and the eventual success in addressing PTSD later led to the establishment of AboutFace-USA.

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OUR MISSION

Empower and Encourage

AboutFace-USA is more than just an organization; it is a community initiative founded on the principle of peer-led support. We exist to serve as a first point of contact for veterans and their families, guiding them toward the necessary resources and support to understand and manage mental health challenges effectively. Our goal is to help veterans improve their relationships, cope better with daily stresses, and positively alter the trajectory of their lives.

As we approach our 50th wedding anniversary in January 2025, we reflect on our journey and the lessons learned. It’s a celebration not just of our marriage but also of the progress we’ve made in advocating for mental health awareness and support within the veteran community.

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CALL TO ACTION

Seek Help Now

If you or someone you know is struggling with the aftereffects of service, we urge you not to wait. Contact us for a confidential discussion and discover the steps you can take toward a brighter future, feeling better and strengthening relationships.

At AboutFace-USA, we are committed to showing respect and appreciation to our veterans by providing tangible actions and support.

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  • $46 – A Ride to a New Beginning

    $46helps provide transportation for veterans through ourVeteran Ride Service Program, ensuring they have reliable rides to critical medical appointments and essential services. Sometimes, a ride is all it takes to change the course of a veteran’s life. You can be the reason they get that second chance.

  • $150 – Restoring Hope through Mental Health Counseling

    $150covers a one-hour session of mental health counseling for a veteran throughPathlight Behavioral Health. For many veterans, these counseling sessions are the lifeline they need to start rebuilding their lives, overcoming PTSD, depression, and anxiety. You’re not just funding a session—you’re helping them find hope again.

  • $160 – Healing the Whole Self with Holistic Care

    $160funds aholistic healing classwithCarolyn Agostafor up to 15 veterans. These classes focus on mindfulness, stress relief, and overall well-being, helping veterans rediscover inner peace. Your donation helps veterans heal from the inside out—mind, body, and spirit.

  • $50 – Empowering Veterans with Financial Literacy

    $50provides a veteran with a one-hourfinancial literacy class, empowering them with the tools to regain control of their financial future. Many veterans face financial instability post-service, and your support helps them rebuild that foundation of security and independence.

  • $15 – Immediate Emotional Support

    $15funds on-call, immediatepeer supportfor a veteran in crisis. In moments of distress, your donation connects them to someone who understands their pain and can guide them through it.

  • $30 – One-on-One Veteran Peer Support

    $30gives a veteran the opportunity for a one-on-one session with aVeteran Peer Support Specialist. This personal connection can be the turning point for veterans struggling to adjust to civilian life, providing the understanding and support they need.

  • $500 – Building a Community of Healing

    $500helps run our bi-monthly peer support group, led by veteransKeegan MerrittandMike Brooks, where veterans come together to share their struggles and victories. This space fosters community, connection, and the strength to keep moving forward.

Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress and the Need for Support

At AboutFace-USA, we recognize that Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) can manifest in a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, often arriving without any apparent reason and impacting relationships, employment, and daily decision-making. Importantly, PTS is not always combat-related; it can arise from any traumatic experience witnessed or endured. Effective treatments like therapy and medication are available and can lead to significant improvements.

The need for robust support systems is underscored by distressing statistics: An estimated 1 in 5 veterans suffers from PTSD and/or depression. The Disabled Veterans National Foundation highlights that more than a quarter million OEF/OIF veterans have experienced traumatic brain injuries (TBI), with approximately 53% of homeless veterans suffering from disabilities, including mental health issues.

The toll of modern conflicts is severe, with advances in medical technology allowing service members to survive physical traumas but often at a great cost to their mental health and quality of life. Shockingly, post-9/11 service member suicide rates have surpassed combat deaths, emphasizing an urgent need for community advocacy for better services and support.

20 Years of War – A Costs of War Series – click here for full report – 6/2021

Learn More and Get Involved

Thank you for taking the time to learn about our journey and the mission ofAboutFace-USA®. Our story is one of resilience, advocacy, and a deep commitment to supporting those who have served our nation. As we continue to expand our reach and enhance our programs, we invite you to become a part of our community.

Explore Our Programs and Services

Our wide range of programs is designed to address the diverse needs of veterans and their families. From mental health support and financial literacy coaching to peer-led support groups and community-building activities, we have something that can make a meaningful difference in every veteran’s life.

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Join Us in Making a Difference

Whether you are a veteran in need of support, a family member looking to better understand and help your loved one, or a community member eager to give back, there are numerous ways to get involved with AboutFace-USA. By volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, you can help us provide essential services and continue our critical work.

Contact Us

Get In Touch

For more information about our programs, or if you have questions and need guidance on how to start your journey with us, please do not hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to provide support, offer information, and welcome new members to our community.

  • Email: info@aboutface-usa.org
  • Phone: 1-888-766-0222
  • Visit Us Online: Visit our website for more details about our programs and how you can help make a difference.

    Together, we can build a supportive network that not only honors the sacrifices of our veterans but also provides them with the tools they need to thrive. Join us at AboutFace-USA as we work to transform appreciation into action, creating a brighter future for veterans and their families. Your involvement is crucial to our success and to the well-being of our veteran community.