Our Story
We were homeless and had no way to get help......
After being Honorably Discharged from the US Marine Corps, I got a job with a respected defense contract company. I had no military benefits or disability rating at the time, and to be honest, I had no idea what military benefits I should have had access to at the time, mainly because in the veteran world, veterans don't tend to share their issues with others and don't ask for help because of the shame that society puts on veterans, and the military tends push you out the door with a handshake and nothing else.
After some time in the world, I found the love of my life, got married, and started a family. I moved up in the technology world, and after working on several top-secret projects that came with top-secret stress levels, I had a mental breakdown, and it caused me to lose my job. That led to me losing my home and forced me to start getting help from Veterans Affairs. I was forced to get on welfare and move my family into Section 8 housing.
Needless to say, as a combat veteran, that did not go well for me or my family. At the VA, we were given a list of people to contact to provide help and services.
There was a list of very exciting therapy opportunities, such as spas, retreats, equine therapy, etc. However, every one of them required my family to pay out of pocket to do them. That was not possible due to being on welfare, which paid us $800 a month for a family of five. I am ashamed to admit that during that time, I struggled with suicide.
After a "swift response time" from the VA (2 years), we were able to get my VA rating and receive compensation that allowed us to find a home to rent and get on our feet after being homeless and living in Section 8 housing during those two years of waiting.
That portion of our story is what led my family and me to have a passion to provide top-tier services to veterans and their spouses. Not only does the VA offer services to veterans, but they offers the lowest bidder services. Now I'm not meaning to speak ill of the VA and their programs, God knows veterans need them, and they do help, and I'm beyond thankful for them. I'm just simply stating my experience and bringing light to an area that I know can be done better.
Veterans and their spouses need support that includes both of them, not just the veteran. Suicide is not the answer, but I can speak firsthand about how tempting that can look. Services should be easy to access, readily accessible, and free of charge to veterans and their spouses.
Restore Forty Four was named due to the forty four veterans who take their lives EVERY DAY! You read that correctly, every day, not every year. Forty-four veterans take their own lives every single day because they feel hopeless, helpless, and lost. Much of that is caused by sleeplessness, depression, intrusive thoughts, feeling they are failing their families, etc.
Those issues have been addressed in the world, and solutions have been created and thoroughly researched by medical experts. However, those solutions seem to be out of reach or unavailable to veterans and their spouses when they need them the most. While many veterans are prescribed medication (and there are many cases where it is the best help), it is not the only solution. Technology provides an immense amount of help as well.
Red Light Therapy, Halo Therapy, and Salt Room Therapy are but a few of the solutions that aid in a veteran being able to relax enough mentally to induce better sleep, release endorphins, and provide a sense of calm and relaxation that allows the veteran, and thier spouse, the break they desperately need to regroup mentally so they can tackle the challenge of healing together.
Receiving these state-of-the-art healing services is great anytime, but they are most needed when the veteran and their spouse are trying to get help during the dark and scary times, and while going through a sometimes slow and frustrating process to receive VA benefits.
Restore Forty Four is designed to help veterans and their spouses when they need it the most, free of charge, to ensure that the number of veterans who take their own lives is reduced to zero.
Our Mission and Vision
Exhibits
Interactive Exhibits
Our interactive exhibits bring history to life, offering a hands-on experience for visitors of all ages. Explore the rich narratives and artifacts that define our local heritage.
Lectures
Informative Talks
Join us for engaging and informative lectures that delve deep into various historical topics. Our expert speakers share insights that make the past come alive.
Workshops
Educational Workshops
Participate in our workshops to learn new skills, crafts, and historical techniques. Our workshops are designed to make history both fun and educational.
Archives
Preserving History
Delve into our extensive archives filled with documents, photos, and artifacts that chronicle the stories of our community. Our preservation efforts ensure that history remains alive for future generations.
