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Midwest Military Partners

Great Lakes Naval Station

Opened in 1911, Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL) is the Navy’s largest training installation and the home of the Navy's only Boot Camp. At Great Lakes, a legacy of purposeful training for volunteers has persisted since WWI through WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and beyond.

 

Throughout, Great Lakes remained a hub of transformation and commitment.  Located on over 1,600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.

Our Programs:

  • Valentine’s day & mother’s day cards

  • Girl Scout cookie handout in late summer

  • Christmas care packages, stocking, & lunch

Scott Air Force Base

Scott Air Force Base has a rich history dating back to its establishment in August 1917. Originally intended for training pilots and mechanics, it transitioned over the years to various roles. It was named after Corporal Frank Scott, who tragically died during an early aviation accident.

The base played pivotal roles during the Vietnam War and post-9/11 operations. In the 1990s, it contributed to major Air Force reorganizations and accommodated the Tanker Airlift Control Center. Scott AFB remains home to the 375th Air Mobility Wing, 618th AOC (TACC), 18th Air Force, Air Mobility Command, and United States Transportation Command, maintaining its significance in military operations.

 

Our Programs:

  • NCO & Officer Training

  • Family Readiness Coordinator Partnership

Peer to Peer Mentorship

 Facilitating the collaboration between military personnel, veterans, and first responders with peer mentors constitutes a significant aid.  The program's excellence stems from its meticulous pairing of mentors and mentees within the military personnel, veterans, and first responders community.

 

This tailored approach extends to granting the pairs autonomy in determining their interactions, discussions, activities, and outings. This approach is underpinned by our belief in the distinct nature of mental health experiences, and by connecting individuals who have undergone similar journeys, we empower each participant to pursue their optimal path to well-being.

Ready to get started? Contact us today!

Zoeie and Supporter

How We Help

This is the space to introduce the Services section. Briefly describe the types of services offered and highlight any special benefits or features.

Clothing & Food Assistance

Emergency Aid Connections

Essential Items Food Pantry

Personal Care Donations

Advocacy & Awareness Efforts

Our Mission in Action

We aim to remove the stigma associated with seeking help, reduce suicides, and empower heroes to lead a fulfilling lives

Outreach

We bring help to those who need it most—whether through crisis response, community events, or one-on-one support. No one fights alone.

Housing & Food Insecurity

A stable home and a warm meal shouldn’t be out of reach. We connect heroes with vital resources to ensure no one is left behind.

Midwest Military Partners

We bridge the gap between military bases and communities, ensuring service members and their families are supported—on and off duty.

Peer to Peer Support

No one understands the journey better than those who’ve walked it. Connect with fellow veterans and first responders who truly get it.

Outreach

Spending time with police officers

Join us throughout the year for incredible events that bring people together! Whether you're here to support, connect, or just have fun, your presence makes a difference. Check out our upcoming events, and don’t miss surprise pop-ups—follow us on Facebook to stay in the loop!

Events

Happy sailors at Great Lakes Naval Base

A small gesture can mean the world. We show up for Veterans at key moments—Valentine’s Day, Spring, Veterans Day, and the holidays—delivering handwritten cards, heartfelt letters, and much-needed care packages. Socks, lotion, lip balm, and other essentials go a long way in reminding them they are not alone. Join us in making a difference, one act of kindness at a time.

VA Hospital & Homes

Local VFW supper bowl party

We don’t just support Veterans' organizations—we roll up our sleeves and dive in! Picture sizzling Burger Nights, community-filled Fish Fries, brain-teasing Trivia Nights, and epic cornhole tournaments. These events are more than just fun—they build bonds, strengthen communities, and leave a lasting impact. Ready to be part of something bigger?

Veteran Organizations

One of SoS events at a local library

Imagine a space where you can learn, grow, and connect with like-minded individuals. Our single-day and weekend-long conferences offer immersive workshops, expert-led discussions, and networking that sparks fresh ideas. Whether you're deepening your knowledge or discovering new perspectives, these events are designed to empower you.

Conferences

One of SoS events at a local brewery

Step into a world of support at our dynamic resource fairs! Get hands-on with interactive exhibits, insightful workshops, and expert advice—all designed to empower, educate, and connect. Whether you're seeking mental health resources or simply looking to grow, this is your place to thrive. Let’s rewrite the stigma together!

Resource Fairs

VFW female veterans

Real stories. Raw experiences. Powerful insights. Our speaking engagements spark real conversations about mental health, breaking down barriers and building a comunity of understanding and support. Want to be part of the change? Check out where we’ll be speaking next!

Local Talks

Housing & Food Insecurity

Food Insecurity

Food insecurity means not knowing where your next meal will come from. It forces impossible choices:

  • Groceries or rent?

  • Dinner or medication?

  • Skip meals or go into debt?

For those already struggling with home insecurity, hunger only adds to the burden. Food insecurity isn’t just about going hungry—it impacts mental clarity, physical health, energy levels, and emotional resilience. If you’re worried about food, how can you focus on work, family, or recovery?

Housing Insecurity

Housing insecurity is the struggle to keep a safe, stable place to live and may be:

  • Facing eviction or foreclosure

  • Living in overcrowded, unsafe, or inadequate housing

  • Being forced into temporary or unstable arrangements

  • Having to choose between rent and other basic needs

When someone doesn’t know how long they’ll have a roof over their head, it’s impossible to focus on anything else—mental health, employment, and healing all take a backseat.

Homelessness

Homelessness is when a person has no stable place to call home and may be:

  • Sleeping on the streets, in shelters, or in their car

  • Couch-surfing or relying on temporary housing

  • Living in places not meant for habitation

For Veterans and first responders, job loss, PTSD, disabilities, and lack of social support can all contribute to homelessness. Once unhoused, breaking the cycle is difficult.

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