Ep. 55 - From Combat to Community: Building Veteran Support Systems Through Clear Path For Veterans Nonprofit
Description
Ryan Woodruff shares his journey from Marine Corps combat veteran to Program Director at ClearPath for Veterans, revealing how his own healing path led him to help fellow veterans through comprehensive support programs.
• Established in 2011, ClearPath for Veterans offers multiple services including their flagship service dog program for veterans with PTSD and TBI
• Veterans often carry constant stress that doesn't ebb and flow like civilians, creating unique challenges in transition to civilian life
• The Wednesday Canteen program welcomes 200-300 veterans weekly for community meals, connection, and introduction to other services
• ClearPath offers wellness programs including massage therapy and meditation to help veterans manage pain and stress
• The organization's 78-acre campus provides a healing environment with hiking trails, workshops, and natural surroundings
• The peer support model connects veterans with others who understand their experiences, creating psychological safety
• Service dogs provide life-changing support, helping veterans regulate emotions and reconnect with daily life
• The Operation Socrates program helps transitioning service members enter K-12 teaching careers
• ClearPath serves approximately 7,000 veterans annually with a staff of over 40 people and numerous volunteers
• Family members are included in all programs, recognizing they also carry the weight of service-related challenges
If you want to learn more about ClearPath for Veterans or support their mission, visit ClearPathforVets.org or reach out directly to speak with their team.
United States
