EMPLOYING A DATA-DRIVEN APPROACH TO EMPOWER VETERANS + SURVIVORS_
PROGRAMS ROOTED IN POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
TMF programming focuses on investing in the mental health and well-being of veterans and families of the fallen so they can then move forward in developing character among youth and serving communities at large. To accomplish that, all of our programs are rooted in the science of Positive Psychology. Every resource and experience we offer is focused on empowering individuals to improve well-being in three key areas: finding purpose in their lives, developing meaningful relationships, and fully engaging in activities that leverage personal strengths. To ensure our efforts are effective, we regularly invest in research, most notably by surveying all participants before and after engaging in each of our programs.
OUR IMPACT ON VETERANS + FAMILIES OF THE FALLEN
Research has continuously found that overall wellness and thriving increase with TMF involvement, and those scores also improve as involvement with TMF grows. Veterans and families of the fallen who were involved in 3 or more TMF programs experience greater improvements than those involved with only 1 TMF program. Veterans and survivors who train and activate as Mentors to youth through our proprietary Character Does Matter program report the greatest improvements.
Key Finding 1
As a result of participation in TMF programs, veterans and survivors feel connected to one another and their communities, leading to improvements in mental and physical health, and ultimately greater well-being and thriving.
Key Finding 2
As involvement with TMF increases, well-being and thriving improves.
Increase in Thriving Scores for Veterans + Families of the Fallen Based on TMF Participation
USMC VETERAN SHARES STORY OF RENEWED PURPOSE
Like Marine Veteran Matt Howard, veterans credit our programs and our community with helping them to develop meaningful relationships, engage in activities that leverage their strengths, and find renewed purpose in their lives. A 2021 report found that as a result of the connection our veterans feel once they participate in TMF programs, their mental and physical health improves, and ultimately they experience greater well-being.
Surviving Spouse Finds Community & Purpose in Grief
After losing her husband, Army 1Lt Bruce Richards, in 2015, Stephany spent years navigating grief on her own. The isolation of that experience made the distance between her own life and the life she shared with her husband feel even greater. When she participated in TMF Expeditions to Alaska and Puerto Rico, she found herself surrounded by people who truly understood, people who shared her desire to keep serving in honor of those they had lost. Now a TMF Salt Lake City (Utah) Chapter Leader, Stephany has turned her experience of grief into a foundation for supporting others.
OUR IMPACT ON YOUTH
In addition to showing a positive impact among veterans and families of the fallen who engage with TMF, research has also continuously supported the positive impact our Character Does Matter program has on youth. According to research, our connections with schools and community organizations positively impact behaviors and attitudes among youth in areas like self-reflection, confidence and goal-setting, while also inspiring them to become agents of change long term. Findings also demonstrate that by interacting with Veteran Mentors, youth experience an increase in positive behaviors including being more compassionate and stepping in when others are being bullied, while reducing negative behaviors like truancy and drug and alcohol use.
Key Finding 1
Veteran Mentors have a positive impact on student behaviors, attitudes, and personal well-being.
Key Finding 2
After taking part in the Character Does Matter program, youth serve as a positive influence among their peers and act as agents of change in their communities.
of CDM students report they are more likely to interfere when someone is being bullied, threatened or harassed
of all CDM students agreed they can succeed if they put their minds to it
of CDM students offer assistance where there is a need
CREATING LONG-TERM BEHAVIOR CHANGE AMONG YOUTH
Over 850,000 youth thus far have connected with TMF Mentors through our Character Does Matter program. Once those relationships are established, youth have demonstrated the positive mentorship they receive inspires them to change behaviors and increase their involvement in communities, most often through service projects. Youth nationwide now serve as positive influences in their schools, beautifying neighborhoods, serving vulnerable populations in their communities, and embodying the “If Not Me, Then Who…” spirit at home thanks to our Mentors.
UNITING COMMUNITIES + FILLING PRESSING NEEDS THROUGH SERVICE
By investing in the mental health and wellness of veterans and families of the fallen, we’ve empowered them to make a significant impact on youth as well as their communities at large. This is most evident in the work of our TMF Chapters, which have taken hold in 55 communities across the country. TMF initiatives - from our Character Does Matter program to our Operation Legacy service projects - have led volunteers to invest over 65,231 service hours throughout the country in the past year alone. The map below highlights locations of our regional offices, communities where local TMF Chapters are active, and other areas with TMF programming. In addition, we are also commissioning a study to better understand the global impact of our programs on communities where our veterans and survivors are leading the charge.
Cities Featured Above
Greater California
Orange County
San Diego
Bay Area
Los Angelos
Sacramento
Georgia
Atlanta
Columbus
Hinesville
New York
Greater New York:
• New York City
• Rochester
Greater Texas
Austin:
• Austin
Dallas/Ft. Worth:
• North Dallas
• Ft. Worth
Corpus Christi
El Paso
Houston
Killeen
San Antonio
Greater Florida
Southeast:
• Broward County
• Miami
Jacksonville
Orlando
Tampa
Illinois
Greater Chicago:
• Chicago
North Carolina
Raleigh
Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh
Philadelphia
Bucks County
National Capital Region
Annapolis
Baltimore
Hampton Roads
Richmond
Michigan
Southeast Michigan:
• Ann Arbor
• Detroit
West Michigan
Oklahoma
Central Oklahoma
South Carolina
Charleston
Tennessee
Clarksville
Nashville
Ohio
Cleveland
Columbus
Southern Ohio
Colorado
Colorado Springs
Denver
Pacific Northwest
Columbia River
Portland
Seattle
Tacoma
Indiana
Indianapolis
Missouri
Kansas City
St. Louis
Nevada
Las Vegas
New England
Connecticut:
• Hartford
Alabama
Northern Alabama
Hawaii
Oahu
Arizona
Phoenix
Yuma
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Wisconsin
River Falls
Utah
Salt Lake City
Louisiana
New Orleans
New Jersey
North Jersey
South Jersey
Minnesota
Twin Cities
For More Insight on How TMF is Creating Impact, Explore Our Annual Report.
