Children of Catastrophically Wounded Veterans Benefit from National Program Launched Today

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Oct 15, 2018, 12:20 ET

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Independence Fund today launched a new Family program for the children of wounded Veterans and their Caregivers. Seven wounded Veteran families with 13 children are participating in the first-ever Family therapy retreat in Florida.

"We're using the children's book, Hero at Home, authored by The Independence Fund's Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Verardo, to help guide children through art therapy sessions with a registered art therapist," said Sam Johnson, Chief Programs Officer for The Independence Fund. "These sessions will help children of catastrophically wounded Veterans understand the healing process and learn how to cope with their feelings."

Following the retreat, each family will be provided with a comprehensive aftercare program that will address the needs specific to their family dynamic. No other organization provides aftercare that is tailored to the individual family.

"This new Family program fills one of the unmet needs facing caregivers and families of catastrophically wounded Veterans," said Johnson. "Some children face a new normal when a wounded parent comes off the battlefield while other children are born after the wounded Veteran comes home. Our mission is to give all children the necessary tools to cope."

Founded in 2007, The Independence Fund is committed to empowering our nation's severely wounded, ill, or injured Veterans to overcome physical, mental, and emotional wounds incurred in the line of duty. The Independence Fund is dedicated to improving the lives of both Veterans and their families. Through their Mobility, Caregiver, Family, Adaptive Sports, and Advocacy programs, The Independence Fund strives to bridge the gap of unmet needs for Veterans and their Caregivers. Learn more at www.IndependenceFund.org.

SOURCE The Independence Fund