Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to get out and enjoy the company of other veterans doing something we all love – fishing! This was an amazing experience and I have so much gratitude for being allowed to partake. This truly was an enjoyable time. All of your hard work and the work of everyone involved is appreciated. Thank you! Thank you!
-Trisha/USMC Veteran
Veterans Path to Hope Outdoors was created to support the mission of transforming and enriching lives through hosting recreational outdoor activities for military veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.
Our program embraces each veteran’s unique barriers and challenges, utilizing evidenced-based interventions to meet their needs and goals. The Outdoors program strives to help each service member through their healing journey by enhancing physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and leisure skills. Our goal is to offer necessary support in creative ways to boost quality of life for our service members and their families!
Therapeutic recreation has become a highly effective alternative treatment intervention within the veteran community and VA networks.
Recreational therapists use outdoor activities to build and strengthen veteran’s confidence and self-esteem. Through these experiences and the therapeutic relationship, therapists help build and strengthen coping skills to effectively decompress in stressful situations. Outdoor activities also help individuals to form new relationships and emphasize comradery within the community.
All military veterans with discharge status of General, under honorable conditions, or higher (Honorable), active- duty service members, and eligible family members are WELCOME to apply for our excursions!
Additionally, we bring approved civilian/veteran escorts and support staff on each adventure.
To inquire about upcoming trips and the application process, email Ryan at rjacobsen@vphope.org TODAY!
Veterans Path to Hope Outdoors Program is currently funded entirely by private donors and our fundraising efforts.
Our major events are funded by sponsors to offset overhead costs and to help maximize our fundraising efforts.
We are currently working to secure ongoing grant support to sustain the program and hire the necessary support staff to grow our operations.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or a donor for our cause, please contact us!
Ryan Jacobsen, Outdoors Director – rjacobsen@vphope.org
Mailing address:
Veterans Path to Hope
c/o VPH Outdoors Program 805 S. McHenry Ave. Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Veterans Path to Hope is an IRS 501 (c)3, Non-Profit Organization #36-4104887, your donation is tax deductible!
Ryan is the Director and Founder of the Outdoors Program. Ryan is US Navy 1992-2012 (Ret.) and works diligently serving his fellow Veterans as a Case Manager at Veterans Path to Hope. Ryan has a B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation from Aurora University. He hopes to grow the Outdoors Program to serve Veterans year-round in the coming years.
Our diligent volunteer staff keep our program running. Volunteers oversee many aspects of the program and work closely with Ryan to ensure each trip is an unforgettable experience.
Would you like to volunteer? Email us! rjacobsen@vphope.org
The Outdoors Program is planting its roots and beginning to grow. Ryan plans to secure funding to provide employment opportunities and maintain a full-time staff soon.
