Stepping Out of Service, Inc. (SOS, Inc.) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping service members transition to a hopeful civilian life with meaning and ending veteran suicide. We believe the successful transition from active duty and mitigating veteran suicide begins by establishing a solid foundation of support before an individual discharges from the military. Our mission is to ensure every United States veteran receives the care, compassion and support necessary to live a fulfilling life as a civilian, with meaning, purpose and a hopeful future. Our
operational goals are: 1) Ensure every veteran receives the highest quality of care and EVERY
opportunity to recover and heal regardless of limiting factors such as cost or location of service. 2) Establish and maintain harmony and stability in the lives of veterans and their families. 3) Eliminate veteran suicide nationwide.
Principles and Values
SOS, Inc. is guided by the overarching principles and values of Partnership, Purpose Integrity, Opportunity and Empathy
● Partnership. We bridge the gap between military active duty and civilian life by partnering newly discharged service members with a veteran who has successfully transitioned to civilian life and has similar military experience. This partnership is critical to building a solid foundation from which the discharged veteran can reestablish their life post-military.
● Purpose. We believe every veteran deserves a renewed sense of purpose as a civilian and to feel valued and honored for their military service.
● Integrity. We believe in unwavering support and advocacy that prioritizes the needs of the veteran and their family above all else.
● Opportunity. We believe all veterans should be afforded every possible opportunity for connection, healing and a sense of empowerment over their lives.
● Empathy. We believe that it takes a veteran to understand a veteran and having the shared experience of service helps establish a new connection as a civilian.
SOS, Inc. was founded based on the premise that veterans relate to other veterans and deeper connections can be formed when both parties have had similar experiences. Pairing a veteran who has successfully transitioned into civilian life, with a similar military background with a service member who is ready to discharge, can significantly ease the loneliness and lack of belonging often felt by those exiting military service.
Veteran-to-Veteran Approach
● Provides validation when another person understands what you’ve gone through.
● A shared background allows for a more comfortable experience in opening up, discussing trauma and receiving help.
● Empathy is a natural response with shared emotions and perspectives related to similar experiences.
● Creates a sense of belonging by validating your feelings and helping you feel less alone.
Our Leadership Team
Heather Martinez, PhD CEO and Co-founder holds an advanced degree in Social Psychology. She’s participated in multiple humanitarian projects in the middle east including Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq. She’s spent the last 18 years working in nonprofit leadership and development and has had the honor of assisting hundreds of veterans in obtaining benefits, accessing medical care and providing social services support. Heather serves as a Board Member for Domestic Violence Solutions and as a Veteran Advocate and volunteer for the VFW 1679.
Kenneth “Kenny” Barton, COO and Co-founder is a combat veteran who spent 8 years in the Army. He recalls struggling in silence while trying to balance his responsibilities as a husband and new father. At his lowest point, Kenny contemplated suicide. Sixteen years later and with his
two oldest sons following in his footsteps, he is eager to help fellow veterans avoid the challenges he experienced after discharging. Kenny attributes surviving his darkest times to the understanding and support of his military friends and hopes SOS, Inc. helps provide veterans with the support necessary to heal with dignity and provides a more hopeful outlook on what life can be like after military service.
Joey Maese, Chief Financial Officer is also a combat veteran who dedicated 14 years to military service. Joey deployed to Iraq in 2003 and in 2010. He shared his fondest recollection of his time in the service was, “No matter how bad things seemed, we always had each other’s back and managed to make each other laugh even in the worst of circumstances.” Like many others, when Joey’s time in the military concluded, he also struggled to overcome challenges. In preparing for his new role at SOS, Inc., he shared that he came across a “Welcome Home Kit” from the VA. He said, “It’s taken me 20 years to find this” and commented that if there had been programs like the ones offered by SOS, Inc. his experience would have been a lot different. He hopes to help others avoid the hurdles he had to overcome.
SUMMARY OF NEED
Nearly 200,000 American service members transition back to civilian life every year. Post 9/11 veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan are documented as having, “extraordinarily high rates of disability” which correlates to increase mental health challenges, higher rates of veteran
homelessness and higher rates of suicide. In addition, approximately 7,000 post-9/11 service members were killed in combat, yet for the same time period 150,000 veterans have died by suicide. That number is likely much higher since this report is based on reported military service.
While there have been implemented measures designed to support newly discharged veterans, suicide rates remain undeterred. Studies show an increased risk for veteran drug overdose due to common use of prescription opioids by the VA for service-related injury. According to a 2022 study, veteran overdose mortality rates increased by 53% between 2010 and 2019, nationally. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been called the signature wounds of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan due to the frequent and powerful blasts experienced in the field.
Homelessness, suicide, substance abuse, and mental illness are all more common among veterans diagnosed with TBI or PTSD. (CAVSA) And despite federal benefits for veterans, data from the 2017-2021 American Community Survey estimate that 7.3% of veterans in California live in
poverty and 6.5% even receive CalFresh food assistance. “Most California veterans report experiencing moderate to severe psychological distress.” - 2023 California Veteran Community Report. The biggest challenge reported for discharged service members is feeling a lack of meaning and purpose as well as a lost sense of belonging and camaraderie. While on active duty, you are constantly surrounded by people who have experienced the same circumstances, often involving near death, the same emotions - terror, gratitude, heartache, desperation, the same adrenaline rush, the same trauma and the same purpose. Having those shared experiences create connections that never weaken. When you leave the service all of that is gone leaving a void that is difficult to fill. There are no longer life and death decisions to be made or a battle buddy or someone always nearby ready to give their life
for yours. There is no longer a bigger purpose for which you are fighting together. Instead, you often return home with both physical and mental wounds, to a community, family and friends who don’t have the slightest clue how you feel or how to support you.
KERN COUNTY
Kern County is home to over 32,000 veterans, 20% higher than the rate in California and 80% of the rate in the United States. (US Census Bureau) Nearly 12,000 of Kern County veterans served post-9/11 which is the population identified as having much higher disability rates. Kern County
is also centrally located within the state of California.
California is home to over 1.8 million former service members, which is the largest veteran population of any state in the United States, according to the California Census report. California also has the highest rate of homeless veterans in the nation, with 13% of the homeless population being identified as veterans. This means that roughly 1⁄3 of ALL homeless veterans are in California. In 2024, Kern County experienced a 37% increase in the homeless population from the previous year, also impacting the number of homeless veterans in the area.
SOLUTION
Veteran to Veteran Partnership
Stepping Out of Service, Inc. believes that veterans are best qualified to support other veterans and programs are structured similar to a peer-based model. We partner each discharged service member with a well-trained veteran that has overcome similar challenges, has a military
background and home life. This supportive partnership is the foundation from which everything
else is based. Having someone who truly understands and can help you navigate the process of integrating back into the civilian world is critical. Peer-to-peer support not only helps fill the void of camaraderie, it also ensures the service member prioritizes medical and mental health care, understands all of his or her available VA benefits, can create an education and/or employment goals and is provided with housing resources and supportive services for families.
Access to ALL Available Care and Opportunities to Heal
One of the biggest challenges for veterans is long waits for appointments, delayed treatment or treatment options that are not covered by the VA. Or in some cases, the veteran has exhausted all treatment options without improvement. In order to mitigate this challenge we provide medical
scholarships that are reviewed by a panel of medical professionals and approved on a case-by-case basis. We are also working to negotiate contracted rates with medical providers, specifically those specializing in the treatment of conditions commonly experienced by veterans, such as PTSD
and depression, to help reduce medical fees and expand this benefit to more in need. We hope to double our capacity for medical scholarships over the next 3 years.
Exploring Opportunities
Once a solid foundation of basic care and needs has been established, space can be made to explore new opportunities and begin the adjustment process to the “new normal”. This is the starting point for new purpose and meaning to grow. There is never a one-size-fits-all approach at SOS, Inc. We believe in respecting the unique needs of each individual and encourage visitors to try new things and find what works best for them.
Our Veteran Center
The Veteran Center is a safe space for adjusting and recalibration. Research suggests brain-engaging hobbies have proven successful in reducing anxiety and stress. These are common concerns for veterans returning from active duty as their bodies adjust to lower levels of adrenaline. Some workshops
available include carpentry, leatherwork, pottery and art. Physical activity is also an excellent way to improve mental health. The Veteran Center includes a gym that is available at no charge to veterans. Another useful area we call the “Resilience Lounge”. This space is modeled after
active duty areas that give soldiers an opportunity to regroup after missions. This room includes things like oversized recliners, computers, tvs, video games and pool tables. And for those who prefer a bit of solitude, there is also a quiet space with a small garden for relaxation, reflection
and meditation. The veteran center is designed to be a tool to give new veterans an opportunity to acclimate to being home and sort through the complicated emotions that often come during the first few months with discharging from the military. The goal is to provide time and space for adjustment in order to achieve stabilization and establish support for loved ones.
Connection and Outdoor Engagement
SOS, Inc. recognizes the connection between healthy minds and being outdoors, as well as the benefits of social interactions with like-minded peers. We provide several opportunities for outings each month that include hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, bbqs and family events.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
OBJECTIVE 1: Immediately Establish Civilian Connection and New Sense of Belonging
● This is accomplished through connection with the Veteran Services Director prior to discharge from active duty in order to review the veteran’s military experience, family dynamic, interests, challenges and other unique needs.
● Once a good fit is determined a Transition Counselor or Transition Assistant is assigned to provide support and assist the Veteran Services Director.
● An orientation is scheduled to tour the center and discuss programs.
OBJECTIVE 2: COMPREHENSIVE NEEDS ASSESSMENT FOR THE VETERAN AND THEIR LOVED ONES WHEN APPLICABLE
● The Transition team ensures the veteran’s VA assessments, plan of care and diagnoses are reviewed by the medical director, psychologist or other appropriate professional. A mental wellness review is conducted to identify areas of concern that commonly impact returning veterans - identifying triggers, guilt, anger, trauma, PTSD, depression, addiction, fear of rejection, social withdrawal, loneliness, loss of purpose.
● When a veteran’s medical needs exceed the capacity of the VA or when services are delayed or not covered through their benefits, the organization will make every attempt to partially or totally cover this cost utilizing specially designated funds and scholarships for medical treatment on a case-by-case basis.
● Organization staff will also meet with the veteran’s family/close friends to help create a support strategy that best addresses the veteran’s needs.
OBJECTIVE 3: CREATING A TRANSITION STRATEGY
● Based upon the individual needs of the veteran and their family, assessments and recommendations of the internal medical team, the Transition team will work with the veteran to create a personalized transition strategy. This is essentially a blueprint for potential roadblocks that may be encountered and a plan to overcome them. This document was designed with the help of veterans who have lived experience in this area. However there is never a one-size-fits all approach and built-in flexibility in creating a strategy that works best for each individual’s needs.
● It is vital that the veteran feels ownership over this strategy and that it invokes hope and a sense of control over their future.
● Education for loved ones and family support are also built into the strategy.
OBJECTIVE 4: STABILIZATION AND SUPPORT SYSTEM
● Comprehensive and ongoing support.
● A veteran’s support system provides the backbone of his or her success in transitioning from active duty to civilian life. It is imperative that supportive services include the family unit or key individuals in the veteran’s life. If there aren’t such individuals available, the Transition team will take special care to ensure the veteran receives additional outreach from volunteers and staff.
● Some group opportunities include:Veteran family support groups, Veteran family social gathering opportunities and Regular counseling for couples and families
● Education classes: Understanding A Veteran’s Needs - new environment, change in adrenaline levels, triggers, hyper vigilance, anger, guilt, depression,
depression, loneliness, lack of purpose, loss of belonging, Veteran Crisis Support, How to Improve Communication, education for loved ones, Education specifically for children
OBJECTIVE 5: REBUILDING PURPOSE AS A CIVILIAN
● Once a baseline of connection and care have been established and there is a stabilization both for the veteran and his or her home life, the primary focus becomes rebuilding the veteran’s sense of self and introducing new opportunities for meaning and purpose as a civilian.
● Exploring Opportunities
○ Education on how to take full advantage of VA benefits (GI bill)
○ Employment options, out processing career assessment review, unemployment, education, training, internships, trades
○ Hobbies, interests and learning new skills
● Camaraderie/Social Opportunities
○ access to veteran support groups
○ overnight and day trips
○ deep sea and local fishing
○ horseback riding
○ BBQs
○ rafting
○ hiking
○ hunting
○ camping
○ Shooting and gun range
● Opportunities for self-improvement
○ individual counseling and coaching
○ mentorship
○ volunteering as Transition Assistant,
○ leading education/training events
○ health and fitness groups
● Strengthening relationships
○ Family education
○ Veteran and children program
○ Couples counseling
○ Family events
● Veteran Advocacy
○ Participation in community events
○ Participation in policy change
○ Participation in veteran advocacy groups and organizations
Financial Plan
Our financial plan includes funding sources from individual donors, corporate sponsors, federal funding, grants and investors. To date, we have secured $800,000 in funding commitments to cover the purchase of the center space and organization start up costs. Our first year of operating costs will total approximately $2.7 million with $1.2 million (not including staff salaries) dedicated to programs. Our largest expenses include our medical
scholarship program and resilience workshops. We project a steady rate of growth based on Y1’s data collection and case study availability.
While we’ve selected these methodologies because of their high success rate, we anticipate growth happening more rapidly once we are able to demonstrate the program’s value with our own data. We also intend to apply for a grant through the American Heart Association which
would include a research project for veterans and the treatment of PTSD. Over the next five years, we plan to expand into new geographical areas based upon the highest rate of veteran suicide and other metrics the measure the highest need.
Competitor Organization Analysis
The only comparable organization in the Kern County area is Wounded Hero Fund. The mission is stated as: “The Wounded Heroes Fund is a service organization for those veterans and their families affected by the war on terror with a focus on facilitating a healthy transition to civilian life through support and appreciation.” There is a primary focus on being “local”.
Programs include a food basket program, an outdoor retreat with lengthy application to qualify, family activities, date nights and
financial management assistance through a grant program. The website indicates this is not emergency funding and there is a long review period. The organization was established in 2009 and has a decent facebook presence with 5.6k followers, Instagram 1500. Donors appear to be only local residents. Their signature fundraising event was held on October 13th and raised $150,000. The organization’s strongest advantage is the length of time established in the community. However this can also be viewed as a disadvantage due to stagnation. The website is unorganized
with two versions of the mission statement. There are also videos of staff on the home page, that do not appear under the page designated to roles at the organization. It is unclear if these individuals are still employed with the organization or not. The home page has a tagline of, “local heroes, local help”. This also an advantage because ultimately we’d like to expand beyond Kern County and do not want to be limited to only local donors.
While it does appear there are a few supportive programs, it’s unclear what the programs entail and how they actually support “healthy transitions” into civilian life. Our program is rich and robust, encompassing all elements that support prevention of veteran suicide and building a solid
foundation from which each returning veteran can thrive. We provide 1:1 peer advocacy, VA claim support, case management, access to alternative medical care and supportive services.
ON OUR RADAR TO RESEARCH AND PILOT
● Community Education about Veteran Culture Competency
● Expansion across California
● Program expansion to include food insecurity and housing services
● Crisis Prevention Program
● Outdoor retreats, workshops and gardens
Final Words
Ultimately, we want to save lives. This is a population that has been underserved for a long time and it seems this is a solution that hasn't been adequently explored. We'd love an opportunity to partner with you and make history for the greatest good.