Objective Zero Foundation

When you join the Million Veteran Program, you help VA make important discoveries for Veterans like you. In honor of Women’s History Month, help make a difference for Veterans in your community—both today and for generations to come. https://hubs.la/Q03bFyqp0

Check out this opportunity for veterans and military spouses!

It’s International Women’s Day! Here's to strong women: may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them. Illustration Credit: Lucy Claire Illustration

It’s wonderful to be able to connect with our partners in person - the team at Equitable Analytics have been supporting our suicide prevention efforts, providing us with a new social dynamics needs assessment tool and data analytics to better support our community members!

This week, we had the privilege of attending the first in-person Face The Fight Coalition Meeting at USAA Headquarters in San Antonio. While the topic of veteran suicide is heavy, we left with a profound sense of hope—grateful to stand alongside so many dedicated individuals and organizations committed to collaboration and meaningful action. Our Executive Director, Betsey Mercado, had the honor of speaking on the Strengthening Veteran Support through Collaboration and Partnerships panel, highlighting the importance of working together to create real solutions. Together, we are building a stronger network of support for service members, veterans, their families, and caregivers.

Today, coalition members of Face The Fight are gathering for their first in-person summit—coming together to collaborate, share, and learn from one another, all with a singular focus: ending Veteran suicide. There is strength in numbers, and Veterans Collaborative is proud to be part of this coalition. While I had to adjust my travel plans last minute due to a family obligation, my heart is with you all, especially my dear friend Betsey Mercado, who is taking the stage with Objective Zero Foundation. Betsey is a military spouse whose family, like ours, has been personally impacted by Veteran suicide. But she turned her grief into action, working to combat military and Veteran suicide through a free app that connects Veterans in need with a community of peer support and access to mental health and wellness resources. This platform removes barriers and risks that too many in our community face. They need all of us to make an impact, you can join the fight by: - Volunteering as an app mentor to support a Veteran in need - Getting trained in suicide prevention to be part of the solution - Connecting if you need support— there is always a peer, a real person, there to chat We are cheering you on today and always! Thank you, Objective Zero, Face the Fight, and all coalition members, for your relentless dedication to ending Veteran suicide. We are better together! #FaceTheFight #ObjectiveZero #VeteransCollaborative #EndVeteranSuicide

San Antonio, here we come! Objective Zero is excited to join Face the Fight coalition members as we strengthen our commitment to supporting the military and veteran community. Can’t wait to see everyone soon! Will we see you there?!? #FaceTheFight #Veterans #OZApp

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?? Tuesday Tip: Bouncing Back After Federal Job Cuts ?? Losing a job due to government cuts can be tough, but you’re not alone! Here’s how to get back on track fast: ? File for Unemployment Benefits – Federal employees may be eligible for unemployment benefits through the Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) program.? ? Update Your Resume & LinkedIn – Highlight your transferable skills (leadership, project management, problem-solving) and add keywords for federal and private-sector jobs. ? Explore Veteran Hiring Programs – Companies like Amazon Careers, Airstreams Renewables, Inc. Boeing, Bank of America, and Lockheed Martin actively recruit veterans. ? Tap into Your Network – Join VETS2INDUSTRY virtual networking events to connect with recruiters and mentors who can help with your transition. There are many others such as The KEY Community, and @alfredo's Alfredo’s Coffee House to tap into your community ? Consider Contracting, Side Gigs, and Entrepreneurship – Consider state, local and private sector corporate, contracts. Side gigs or consulting in your area of expertise can hep bridge any gaps.If you’ve ever wanted to be your own boss, now might be the time! Institute for Veterans and Military Families - IVMF resources and contacts that help military veterans and military spouses launch, grow, and scale successful businesses and startups. ? Go Back to School or Get Certified – Utilize your GI Bill or other programs to pivot or strengthen your skills. Seek certifications in high-demand fields to boost your credentials and your pivot potential. Check out ACT Now Education, RapidAscent Excelsior University for training opportunities? ? Check on Your Mental Well-being – Job loss can be stressful, and it's okay to seek support. Talk to a mentor through Post-Veterati or other great platforms, connect with fellow veterans, or seek mental health resources through QRFup, Objective Zero Foundation, and Wounded Warrior Project. Taking care of yourself is just as important as finding your next job. You’ve served, you’ve adapted, and you’ll overcome this too. Stay proactive, and remember—your next opportunity is just around the corner! #VeteranSupport #JobSearch #CareerTransition #MilitarySpouseSupport #Vets2Industry #TuesdayTip

Today is March 4th—the only date that gives us a command: March forth! It's a reminder to take the next step, to push forward, and to support one another in the journey ahead. At Objective Zero, we believe no one should march alone. Whether you're a service member, veteran, family member, or caregiver, our community is here for you. Reach out, connect, and find strength in support. Download the Objective Zero App to connect with trained peer supporters and take the next step toward wellness. https://hubs.la/Q039d8z10 #MarchForth #YouAreNotAlone #ObjectiveZero #VeteranSupport #PeerSupport #MentalWellness