Salute To Service: The Mission Continues
The Mission Continues has a vision for veterans with a desire to continue serving their communities. They were founded in 2007 with a goal to empower veterans to create visible impact in their communities by pairing veterans with nonprofit partners to improve educational resources, tackle food insecurity, and encourage neighborhood identity. The organization grew from the discovery that veterans returning to civilian life still held a deep longing to serve, paired with the challenge of many of these men and women feeling they lacked the skills and connections to fully reintegrate. Their solution was simple: provide an outlet for veterans to connect with one another and communities in need. As leaders in these communities, they develop skills that enrich them professionally and personally—and the community they serve gains new talent and energy. Together, the 30 thousand volunteers have provided over 10 years of service to 56 cities adding up to over $31 million in community impact.
The Mission Continues Service Platoon Program exists in 40+ cities across the country providing opportunity for veterans to serve and lead in communities. For example, the Washington DC Platoon partners with Excel Academy Public Charter School, a K-8 all girls school located in the Anacostia neighborhood of Washington DC. Through this partnership the platoon will work with the school staff to plan and execute service projects to provide additional resources to the students and staff.
Another program, the Women Veterans Leadership Program, tackles the systemic challenges women face that make their journey to a leadership role tougher than that of a male veteran. This cohort style program unites 70 women veterans through a leadership development curriculum which focuses on skills in areas like self-care, personal branding, effective and assertive communication and advocacy, and a purposeful way to apply them. Through the program, participants continue to build a community of women veterans who are poised to take on increasingly challenging leadership roles and are more prepared to thrive in their personal and professional lives.
As an organization that empowers veterans or active duty members to get involved in their community, The Mission Continues will always have needs for more members to join. Veterans who wish to continue their service are welcome to reach out and join the others in making a difference. If you happen to be a civilian and want to give financially, donations to continue the work is accepted with gratitude.
