Sheep Dog Impact Assistance

Outdoor Adventures - Disasters can't be predicted, so we've created opportunities to keep Sheep Dogs engaged year-round, offering challenges that foster camaraderie and growth. The Outdoor Adventures program provides transformative experiences through activities like hunting, fishing, obstacle course races, skydiving, scuba diving, horseback riding, snowmobiling, zip lining, hiking, mountain biking, and razor riding. For our sponsored Sheep Dogs - those injured in combat or the line of duty - these adventures push their rehabilitation progress, restore independence, and build self-confidence, all while promoting a life fully lived.As the cornerstone of our "Get Off The Couch" initiative, Outdoor Adventures is a powerful vehicle for post-traumatic growth (PTG). It gives Sheep Dogs the opportunity to face challenges, discover new strengths, and experience positive personal transformations. Beyond physical healing, these activities cultivate camaraderie, boost mental resilience, and shift perspectives toward optimism.In 2023, 387 Sheep Dogs participated in Outdoor Adventures, with 97% reporting a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie. In 2024, 322 Sheep Dogs were sponsored on 15 Outdoor Adventures and Get Off the Couch events. Since 2010, we've hosted 253 Outdoor Adventures, sponsoring 3,616 Sheep Dogs76% male, 24% femaleon 16 major trips to destinations like Yosemite, Washington D.C., Yellowstone, the Nantahala River, the Buffalo River, New York City, and Mt. Rushmore.Moving forward, SDIA is working to expand partnerships with VA Vet Centers to increase access to adventure therapy and PTG opportunities for transitioning military, veterans, first responders, and their families.

Warrior PATHH is the first training program to teach our nation's military and first responders to experience lifelong Post-traumatic Growth (PTG). PTG is a positive psychological transformation that can happen after trauma. The science of PTG demonstrates that when we're forced to reflect on our lives and make sense of the destruction caused by trauma, our struggles can become a catalyst for change.As the highest performing Warrior PATHH partner with Boulder Crest, SDIA continues to exceed expectations, securing increased course capacity and funding for additional Warrior PATHH sessions annually. In 2023, SDIA served 204 Sheep Dogs in Warrior PATHH, with post-participation surveys indicating a 65% increase in post-traumatic growth indicators. SDIA successfully piloted larger course sizes in June 2024, meeting Boulder Crest's requirements without issues.Warrior PATHH is the nation's first training program to teach military and first responders to experience lifelong Posttraumatic Growth (PTG). The program begins with a 7-day immersive initiation, followed by 90 days of peer-delivered training, support, and accountability. The Outdoor Adventures program connects Sheep Dogs to PTG principles, while the Continued Service & Disaster Response Missions provide ongoing opportunities for Sheep Dogs to engage their serving hearts and build camaraderie.