Subpages
Related Pages
Links
Files
Photo Albums
 
 
 
Veteran’s Freedom Station – Ohio Project
Sponsored in part by the AM Rotary Club of Dublin, Ohio
 
A train station is where people go to begin a journey or change direction.  A Freedom Station is a place where veteran injured warriors go to receive housing, care, and assimilation to make the critical transition from military service to civilian life.
 
Freedom Station Ohio (FSO) is based on the model developed by a Warrior Foundation project located in San Diego, CA.  The project was a leading force in assisting, honoring and supporting the military men and women who have bravely served and sacrificed for our country. This project is committed to supporting our wounded warriors with quality-of-life items, support services, and transitional housing designed to assist them and their families during recovery and preparation to return to civilian private sector living and career opportunities.
Freedom Station San Diego (and potentially FSO) was developed to assist four main groups of warriors:
  • The seriously injured returning home from war with immediate medical and emotional needs;
  • Those suffering from post-traumatic stress or traumatic brain injury;
  • Those undergoing physical or occupational therapy, and
  • Transitioning warriors who have been medically retired and remain in our community.
To serve this last group, a novel approach was developed and opened – a Freedom Station - a unique transitional housing facility that provides injured warriors with the acclimation time, guidance and resources to successfully assist their transition from military service to civilian life.
Freedom Station – Ohio (FSO), in conjunction with local veteran’s organizations, businesses, professional associations, corporate donors, and local, state, and federal governmental agencies would seek to provide a similar variety of items and services that improve the quality of life, added comfort, camaraderie, and a sense of purpose to veterans as they transition from rehabilitation services back to public sector life styles and careers.  FSO would be a community of furnished cottages with a central courtyard featuring accessible pathways, a common gathering area equipped with benches, tables, and chairs to enable residents to share both service connected experiences and/or rehabilitation experiences with others also involved in the rehabilitation and transitional programs.  Each of the FSO cottages and apartments would be fully furnished, move-in ready and stocked with basic household necessities.
 
  • The idea was to shift warriors from a “barracks mentality” to independent living.
  • The central courtyard and interconnected spaces offer warriors the sense of camaraderie that is so crucial during the transition period.
  • They recover among their peers, share war stories, and know they are supported by others experiencing the same transition.
 
During this critical time, warriors face many decisions that will affect the rest of their lives. They need help choosing a new career, enrolling in college or vocational schools, and learning how to manage personal finances, all while continuing to undergo medical treatment and rehabilitation.  In addition to providing a home, Freedom Station would provide access to professionals and qualified volunteers who assist with their educational and career guidance, and other issues relevant to transitioning to civilian life.
 
Organization – FSO would be administered by a not-for-profit 501 C-3 foundation, with a minimum paid staff and community volunteers to provide oversight and critical services to the community and residents.
 
Where are we Today
  • Continued Conceptual Development and Promotion
  • Initial Outreach to Community Leaders and Service Providers
  • Scope of Veteran Care/Housing Needs Research
  • Demographic, Economic, Financial Assessments and Requirements Definition
  • Number and Types of Rehabilitation and Support Services Providers Availability
  • Potential Location Options
  • Community Support
  • Active Feedback
 
Points of Contact
Dwight Seeley                                           Dave Williamson
A.M. Rotary Club of Dublin                      A.M. Rotary Club of Dublin
Club President                                          Veterans Affairs Committee Chair
614-506-5300                                            614-327-8102