5 MilSpouse-Founded Nonprofits

Military spouses are nothing if not supportive of their community — and they often go above and beyond to help those living the same unique lifestyle as themselves. Below are 5 incredible nonprofits run by MilSpouses who identified acute needs in the Military Community and devised creative and successful ways to address them. From fitness to friendship to fashion and more, these nonprofits are worth supporting.

1. wear blue: run to remember

Mission: Unite and support Military and their families, Veterans, Gold Star families, and civilians through active remembrance and meaningful relationships

Wear blue: run to remember was founded by Military Spouses Lisa Hallett and Erin O’Connor after Lisa’s husband, Capt. John Hallet, was killed in combat in 2009. This national nonprofit creates a support network for Military members and their families by being a living memorial for our country’s fallen servicemembers. Local chapters meet weekly to train for endurance events and read out the names of the fallen. You can get involved by attending a local chapter, joining the wear blue mile at a local race, or by making a donation.

2. The Unquiet Professional

Mission: Recognize and honor our nation’s Gold Star Families and Veterans by providing rewarding and purposeful opportunities.

The Unquiet Professional was named for SSG Michael H. Simpson who announced himself as a Green Beret even though most Green Berets work unrecognized. The foundation was formed after Michael succumbed to combat injuries in 2013 as a way to give back to the Military community that supported the Simpson family after his passing. The all-volunteer organization now strives to fill gaps in the support of Gold Star Families and Veterans. You can support The Unquiet Professional by joining one of their projects and through your donations.

3. Operation: Deploy Your Dress

Mission: Offset the cost of attending Military balls and other formal events by collecting and distributing gently used and new formal attire.

Founders Renee Chapman, Ronya Rendon, Yvonne Coombes, and Melissa Riely began Operation: Deploy Your Dress at Fort Bliss in 2015. The group’s original project was arranging a dress swap among their units’ spouses to offset the cost of the upcoming holiday balls. The idea quickly during into an all-volunteer led organization with three different physical locations at Fort Bliss, TX, Fort Eustis, VA, and JBLM, WA. Visit the Facebook pages the different chapters to learn where to send your donations or pick up your free formal wear.

4. Stroller Warriors

Mission: Help military families live happier, healthier lives through fitness, friendship, leadership, goal-setting, networking, fundraising, and community outreach.

Stroller Warriors is a network of running clubs at U.S. Military installations around the world founded by MilSpouse Stephanie Geraghty. The goal of the foundation is to help Military families lead healthier lives not only through running but also through the friendships formed through the club and lessons of goal-setting and perseverance training brings. Join a chapter on your base or, if one doesn’t exist yet, learn how you can start your own.

5. Military Spouse J.D. Network

Mission: Serve as a bar association and networking body for Military Spouse attorneys with the goal of improving the lives of Military families.

The Military Spouse JD Network was formed from the frustration of the challenges of maintaining a legal career while leading the Military lifestyle. The two MilSpouse founders advocate for licensing accommodations for military spouses, including bar memberships without additional examination. The foundation has also started three different programs to encourage Military Spouses to get involved in the political process, partner with companies committed to hiring MilSpouse attorneys, and provide professional development for MilSpouse attorneys. If you have a law degree, you can become a member of Military Spouse J.D. Network or visit their website to learn more about their events and programs.