Heroes on the Water

The first time Josh got back in a kayak after years away, he was nervous. “I wasn’t sure about my balance,” he admits. “I didn’t want to end up swimming instead of fishing.” But as soon as he hit the water, something clicked. “I realized I don’t need my legs to kayak. The second that paddle touched the water, I was home.” Read Josh's story: https://loom.ly/byQ0nUE #HOWNation #PaddleFishHeal

Our kayak fishing events provide a simple solution to a complex issue surrounding the mental and physical health of our veterans, first responders and their families. Proven benefits include reduced stress, positive impact on personal relationships, and increased self efficacy. To date, we have served over 66,000 heroes and 16,000 family members through our kayak fishing events. Learn more about our impact and support the mission: https://lnkd.in/gqj8QCQa #HOWNation #PaddleFishHeal #donationsmakeadifference #supportveterans

“It’s about putting the words often spoken in psychotherapy into actions,” says Katie Elkins, therapist at the Topeka Life Enrichment Center. “There were smiles from ear to ear as veterans completed their projects. The sense of achievement was shared, and the anticipation to test out their new creations on the lake was palpable.” Our off-the-water winter skill-building workshops give veterans in treatment a chance to create something with their own hands, connect and gain a sense of accomplishment. Read more about how these experiences turn therapy into tangible progress. #recreationaltherapy #skillbuilding #veteransintreatment #HOWNation

There are over 20 million veterans in the United States and they often face many challenges: adjusting to civilian life, finding a job, reconnecting with family and friends. Many have physical injuries that they will never recover from. However, for many more, the biggest trauma is in the mind. That's why our therapeutic kayak fishing events provide a safe haven for veterans and their families to connect with themselves and one another in the healing environment of mother nature. To date, we have served over 66,000 veterans through over 4,000 days out on the water. Our volunteer-led chapters host events across the nation that are free for veterans, active duty military, first responders, law enforcement officers and their families. Learn more about our mission and support us today. Our impact is only made possible with your generosity! #HOWNation #PaddleFishHeal #impact #nonprofit

Our Executive Director Neil Mullaney and HOW Ambassador Andre Jackson share more about our mission and how our kayak fishing programs have made a lasting impact in the lives of veterans, first responders, active duty military and their families. Learn more about our mission and impact to date: https://lnkd.in/eWAi_YgM #HOWNation #PaddleFishHeal #nonprofit #impact

We are proud to announce our 2025 Board of Directors! Greg Endo Brett Sheats Samantha Horwitz Melissa Harris David Lambert Jae Pak Christine Hill Our leadership team reflects our values well and stewards our mission with great responsibility. We are grateful for their service and look forward to a year that brings hope and healing to our heroes. #HOWNation #PaddleFishHeal #nonprofit #impact

At Heroes on the Water, we understand the stress and trauma that can come with the roles of those who serve and have served our nation. That's why we are wholeheartedly committed to supporting the overall physical and mental healing process through recreational therapy programs centered around kayak fishing. Our primary goal is to establish a community where veterans, active-duty military, first responders and law enforcement officers feel comfortable and genuinely valued. Find out how you can get involved, volunteer at a local chapter or make a donation: https://loom.ly/nE0HXhE #HOWNation #PaddleFishHeal #outdoortherapy

When you support Heroes on the Water, you're giving veterans, active duty military, first responders and law enforcement officers the chance to decompress and reconnect with themselves and their families. Get to know the everyday heroes we support, read their stories and learn how our recreational therapy programs support healing, growth, and connection: https://loom.ly/RiBDnT8 #HOWNation #PaddleFishHeal #recreationaltherapy

As we kick off 2025, we wanted to share what’s ahead for HOW and invite you to be part of something bigger. Executive Director Neil Mullaney shares his five-year vision to bring HOW programs to every community that needs them. Let’s make it happen together! #HOWNation #PaddleFishHeal #Impact

This mission is only possible with the help of our community. Learn more about how you can get involved, and help us bring healing to everyday heroes: https://lnkd.in/gSdZJP76 #HOWnation #paddlefishheal #outdoortherapy