Our Mission
Our Mission is to provide resources that support programs aimed at ending Veteran homelessness and suicide, while combating the invisible wounds of war such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). According to the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), we lose 20+ Veterans a day to suicide. The Veterans Health Administration estimates that number to be at least double (44). We must support our Veterans suffering from PTSD to end these tragic losses of life.
Our History
Grateful Americans Charity (GAC) was founded in 2016 to raise awareness and provide resources to help Veterans suffering from PTSD. GAC started with two events in Houston and has expanded to eight events annually nationwide, with more in the pipeline.
Since 2016, we have donated over $3 million to benefit the PTSD Foundation of America and its dedicated interim housing and counseling facility, known as Camp Hope, in Houston, Texas. The program at Camp Hope is designed for combat Veterans who have found themselves in crisis and are asking for help. After months of support and brotherhood from other combat Veterans, these heroes find ways to cope and heal. The program also involves the Veteran's family in a positive, healing environment, providing resources and programs to aid in their healing as well.
GAC embraces Veterans and their families as they seek the rewarding and fulfilling lives they so richly deserve.
GAC Today
The Grateful Americans Charity supporters and volunteers come together throughout the year to raise awareness and funds for Veteran programs like the PTSD Foundation of America and its Camp Hope facility. We are headquartered in Houston, Texas with fundraising events coast-to-coast. Individuals and companies join us at these events to show their support for programs that help change the trajectory of their lives, and transforming them into thriving and productive members of society. We believe that with your support, and of others like you, we can end Veteran homelessness and suicide and stand with those that have served our country.
How Does Giving Help?
Many young men and women return home and are forced to adapt back into society after
experiencing major trauma. Unfortunately, a significant number of veterans do not receive the support or help they need to understand the aftereffects of what they have been through. This is not acceptable.
Grateful Americans Charity raises funds to support the vital work of the PTSD Foundation of America in saving the lives of Veterans. The foundation has numerous chapters nationwide that organize over 200 weekly Warrior Group meetings and 45 Family Groups. These meetings offer individual and group counseling for Veterans and their families, often serving as a turning point
in setting them on the path to success.
The programs have helped hundreds of veterans and their families over the last 12 years. In 2023, the PTSD Foundation of America and Camp Hope facilitated over 5,679 Warrior group sessions and approximately 9,536 one-on-one sessions. Thanks to this wonderful organization, more than 2,000 combat veterans have found a renewed purpose, earned college degrees, found
employment, become financially independent, reunited with their families and reintegrated back into society.
Is There Still A Need?
More than ever! Imagine the feeling of experiencing homelessness, depression and contemplating suicide after serving your country, the thought is heart wrenching. We know over 20+ Veterans and active Military end their lives every single day after serving our country and we are aware the VA works to support Veterans but it is often not enough to meet the level of care so many of them need. The programs provided by the PTSD Foundation of America and its Camp Hope remain free to combat Veterans and their families, so they can focus solely on their recovery. This is why Grateful Americans Charity was established.
Executive Board of Directors:
Advisory Board Members:
- Angela Duronio
- Matt Phillips
- Les Bird
- Dan Kenny
- Arrie Colca
- Michelle Bridges
- Karen Nelsen
- Andrea Carmona
- Heather Ping
- Mindy Price
- Derek Steele
- Clark Gregg
- Ryan Weis
- Lauren Hudler
- Rita Karpel
- Rob Levin
- Kirk Tate
- Steve Pumper
- Amy Sogga
- Amanda Kelly