In this week’s episode of Untold Valor, we are joined by Heather Sliwinski, the CEO and founder of the Honor and Courage Foundation. The foundation, which was inspired by her son at just eleven years old, has grown into a beacon of hope for veterans dealing with PTSD and other post-service challenges.

Tune in as Heather shares more about the heart of this foundation’s work, including their innovative approach to helping those with PTSD and how they work to ensure no veteran feels alone in their struggles. To learn more about how you can get involved in their upcoming events and make a difference in the lives of those who served, click play!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro
1:44 – Getting to know Heather and the Honor and Courage Foundation
5:03 – The Stellate Ganglion Block procedure
7:58 – The Honor and Courage Foundation’s 24/7 hotline
9:51 – Honor and Courage Foundation events
11:05 – The big hurdles Heather sees veterans facing
16:19 – Our veterans are still struggling

HEATHER SLIWINSKI

Read Heather’s bio HERE

EPISODE LINKS

The Honor and Courage Foundation

https://www.honorandcouragefoundation.org/

Learn more about the Stellate Ganglion Block procedure

https://www.honorandcouragefoundation.org/stellate-ganglion-block

24/7 hotline

https://www.honorandcouragefoundation.org/hotline

Make a donation

https://www.honorandcouragefoundation.org/home-1

RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans’ Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Today we are joined by Theresa Agostinelli, a licensed clinical social worker with nearly two decades of experience helping veterans and first responders overcome mental health challenges. She has a powerful story of her own, growing up in a dysfunctional and traumatic household, which later manifested in significant mental health challenges.

After becoming a widow at a young age and battling severe depression and anxiety, Theresa decided to become an advocate for those in pain. She pursued a degree in counseling, psychotherapy, and psychology, which transformed her understanding of mental health.

Her journey and education inspired her to write The GRID System, a book that offers a structured approach to healing from trauma. We’re honored to have her share her story and remind us all that, no matter how deep the wounds of trauma, there’s hope for healing and a brighter future.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro
1:36 – Theresa’s background and story
6:54 – The GRID System
10:52 –The role of discipline and mindset
14:11 – Identifying and addressing trauma
16:24 – Reaching out for help
18:24 – Everyone can overcome setbacks + resources

Learn more about Theresa

Read Theresa’s bio HERE


EPISODE LINKS

Get in touch with Theresa

(610) 808-7401

tagostinelli3@gmail.com

Theresa on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresaagostinelli/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresamarco/

Get your copy of Theresa’s book The GRID System

National Alliance on Mental Illness

https://www.nami.org/

RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans’ Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

We’re excited to bring you a great conversation today with the inspiring Quanda Howieburth and Wanda Pate-Dennis, who are making a significant impact in the lives of veterans through their work at the Robert L. Howie Veterans Home. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing support and resources to veterans battling mental health challenges, addictions, and homelessness.

Join us as Quanda shares her inspiration behind founding the Robert L. Howie Veterans Home in honor of her father, an Army veteran. Then, Wanda, who manages the Office of Veterans Affairs for the City Council, provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by veterans and the important role of community support in addressing these issues. Together, they emphasize the importance of seeking help and highlight various resources available to ensure veterans receive the benefits and support they need.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro
1:47 – How the Robert L Howie nonprofit got started
6:26 – How veterans can get involved or get help
7:54 – Addressing homelessness, PTSD, and suicide among veterans
14:33 – Resources and support for veterans
17:34 – Conclusion and final thoughts

Learn more about this week's guests

Quanda’s bio

Wanda’s bio


EPISODE LINKS

To support Robert L. Howie Veteran’s Home:

215-703-7133

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/RLHVH

RLH Veteran’s Home: https://www.rlhveteranshome.org/

Veterans Multi-Service Center: https://www.vmcenter.org/

Women’s Veteran Center: https://www.vmcenter.org/women-veterans-program/

RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans’ Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.