2021–A Year in Review

In the final months of the year, HFMN would like to take a moment to reflect on the achievements, challenges and successes of 2021. Similar but different to 2020, Home Front Military Network staff continued to work mostly from home—capitalizing on unique ways to stay engaged and reach our community and those in need. Since

Honoring the Brave in 2021

Home Front Military Network recently held its 5th Annual Honoring the Brave Breakfast—and it was a day to put down in the books! Early that December morning, nearly 700 military members, veterans, retirees, partner agencies, elected officials at all levels, and community members gathered at The Broadmoor International Center for the event. Twelve HMFN partner

Homes for Veterans

As the weather gets colder and the days grow shorter, we’re reminded of those who don’t have access to secure housing. Homelessness, is more dynamic than it seems and can be present in a myriad of ways. Couch surfing, living in a hotel, moving from shelter to shelter, camping under a bridge—all are accurate representations

Together for Mental Health

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and in an effort to promote awareness regarding this very relevant issue, we’re highlighting two of our partners–Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center and Headstrong. Mt. Carmel offers wellness and employment services to veterans and their families, and Headstrong is known for their military/veteran-specific mental health support groups, counseling and more.

Hire a Vet

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Unemployment rates for both male and female veterans increased in 2020, reflecting the COVID-19 pandemic. The rate for male veterans was 6.5 percent, little different from the rate of 6.7 percent for female veterans.” Keeping in mind the increase in unemployment among veterans and that July 25th was

A Path to Wellness

 It’s been given many names over the years—shell shock, war neurosis, battle fatigue, etc. Today we know it as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. While PTSD is most commonly associated with military service members and veterans, it can affect anyone who has experienced a traumatic event. Some even stipulate that Odysseus, from Homer’s “The

Appreciating Our Military Spouses

May is Military Spouse Appreciation month, and so here at HFMN, we’d like to offer up programs, services, and resources within our Partner Agency Network that aim to help the military and veteran spouses/caregivers of our community. Military spouses serve just as much, albeit in different ways, as our service members, they literally “hold down

A New Form of Event Planning

The following article is contributed by HFMN Event Committee member Brent Sabati. If you’ve been involved with philanthropy, non-profits, and charity work, you’re probably familiar with events like fundraising dinners and galas. In the pre-COVID era, many of us would look forward to dressing up and enjoying a night of good food and even better

Free From Substance Abuse

This month, we are taking a look at the issue of substance abuse and addiction. What are some dangers around substance abuse? How does it affect a person’s life and the lives of those around them—specifically those within our military and veteran community. How do we break the stigma surrounding substance abuse? And what resources

Protective Factors

The following article was contributed by Duane France, Director of Veteran Services at Family Care Center Colorado Springs. His military background and professional experience as a clinical mental health counselor make him a very qualified spokesperson on suicide prevention. It should also be noted that in 2019, Duane was selected as El Paso County Veteran