Operation Vets With Nets

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Project Overview

Through our all-expenses-paid fishing adventures, we offer veterans the opportunity to not only reconnect with nature but also form deep bonds with fellow veterans and compassionate individuals. We firmly believe in the healing power of nature and the camaraderie forged during these trips. Operation Vets With Nets is dedicated to providing comprehensive and impactful support to veterans. Our mission will extend beyond offering fishing trips, as we strive to create meaningful experiences and establish a robust support system that enhances their recovery and overall well-being. Our commitment to the "Use Funds" is to allocate the funds we receive to various aspects of our organization that have contributed to the success of Operation Vets With Nets over the past three years. This will also include purchasing and furnishing the veterans' houses, acquiring a new traveling boat, as well as re-powering the wheelchair-accessible boat. Additionally, these funds will enable us to hire certified healthcare professionals to facilitate the diverse healing programs we plan to offer. Moreover, we recognize the significance of quality time spent with loved ones. That is why we provide cost-free vacations to veterans and their families during specific periods throughout the year. These vacations not only allow veterans to create lasting memories with their loved ones but also offer them the opportunity to rejuvenate and find solace in the presence of their family members. With our broad range of services and the current locations we cater to, as outlined in the Target Market section of this plan, our goal is to reach and support an astonishing 12.9 million veterans. We are resolute in our determination to make a substantial and positive impact on the lives of our nation's heroes.

Executive Summary

Operation Vets With Nets (OVWN) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting veterans, especially those facing disabilities. Leveraging the healing power of nature and recreational therapy, they provide all-expense-paid fishing trips, wellness retreats, and family vacations to aid in the recovery of veterans with PTSD and other conditions. Currently, serving numerous veterans across 16 states, they utilize social media marketing, their website, relationship building, and traditional advertising to inform the public and reach their target audience of over 12 million disabled veterans, retirees, active duty personnel, other veterans, and veteran family members. The Need: With PTSD affecting 7% of veterans (2.4 million) and over half dealing with depression, traditional treatments often fail to address veterans' unique struggles. Outdoor exposure and camaraderie have been shown to positively impact conditions like PTSD. The Solution: Through "Reel Therapy", the organization provides healing outdoor recreational experiences, including fishing trips, wellness retreats with mental health programs at their Veteran House sanctuary, and family vacations. Growth and Future Plans: With administrative offices in Chesapeake, VA and locations in Henrico and North Carolina, there are plans to establish more affiliate locations with Veteran Houses for greater impact. They recently acquired a wheelchair-accessible boat to serve disabled veterans. History and Leadership: Founded in 2021 by a 20-year Navy veteran and current Project Manager, Rich Segarra, after discovering fishing's therapeutic effects, founded Operation Vets With Nets, which has dedication from volunteers and board members serving veterans. With 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, they uphold transparency and accountability through strong governance.

Funds Required

$ 19,966,110.00

Draw schedule

First Draw: $ 4,520,711.00
Second Draw: $ 3,432,422.00
Third Draw: $ 3,432,422.00
Fourth Draw: $ 3,432,422.00
Fifth Draw: $ 3,432,422.00
Sixth Draw: $ 1,715,711.00