About - Veteran's Helping Hands Project

Welcome to Veteran's Helping Hands Project

Veterans participating in outdoor activities and camaraderie

Building brotherhood and healing through outdoor activities

We are a group of veterans and concerned civilians whose goal is to help returning veterans and their families to assimilate back into society through counseling and vocational rehab. We are also working closely with many "Wrap-Around-Services" such as Health & Human Services, & Volunteers of America for many of the social services needed to help the vet reengage.

We are committed to help facilitate the complete healing and rehabilitation of veterans back into their personal lives.

Keeping our freedom is everyone's responsibility. Less than 1% of our young men & women will fight for our freedoms, while the rest of us bear the responsibility to make sure the warriors succeed. We also bear the responsibility of helping the warriors integrate back into our society when they come home as "damaged goods".

2018 Mission Statement

THE 2018 MISSION STATEMENT STILL APPLIES since the need is still great, but we have found an 800 lb. gorilla in the room which needs to be addressed. Our mission has expanded.

Our Original Vision

Our founding mission focused on helping returning veterans and their families assimilate back into society through comprehensive support services including:

Counseling Services

Professional mental health support and PTSD treatment to help veterans process their experiences and transition to civilian life.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Job training, skills development, and career placement to help veterans find meaningful employment and financial stability.

Wrap-Around Services

Partnerships with Health & Human Services, Volunteers of America, and other organizations to provide comprehensive social services.

Family Support

Resources and assistance for veteran families to help them navigate the challenges of reintegration together.

Living Costs Assistance

There are many areas that the VFW, VA, or American Legions don't have the accessibility or monetary means to cover. We help bridge these gaps by providing:

Security deposits for housing
First and last month's rent
Emergency utility assistance
Transportation support
Basic necessities and household items

2023 Mission Statement

The 800 lb. Gorilla in the Room: Veteran's Mental Health

In the last 2 years we, as veteran's advocates, have found that there is an 800 lb. gorilla in the room called "Veteran's Mental Health" that is not being addressed by the military or the U.S. Veteran's Affairs.

The Opioid Crisis Among Veterans

The Military has historically been using opioids for our wounded veterans "chronic pain issues" creating massive addiction problems, but after the Opioid Safety Initiative (OSI) of 2018 was implemented, the Military took 41% of the active-duty veterans off opioids so the veteran is relegated to going to "the streets" for pain issues.

Consequently we have an 800 lb. gorilla in the room that is being ignored and we haven't brought the veteran's PTSD into the equation yet. This is another whole can of worms. These situations are the main reasons our veterans are committing suicide at a rate greater than the rest of our society.

We are not the only ones who have figured this out, but we are the only non-profit who will be building WORK into the equation as the platform to work from for the healing process.

U.S. Veteran's Affairs says "Work is a great predicter in the reduction of substance abuse".

Our Expanded Approach

We will get their hands busy, and their minds occupied with something other than their problems. Through this avenue we will build work ethic and self esteem back into the veteran's lives, hopefully curbing the massive veteran suicide rate.

Community Partnerships

We currently have over 20 community groups waiting to offer counseling, life skills classes, plus the Department of Labor offering many programs to help the veteran find WORK.

Veteran Court Program

We are working with the Seventh Circuit Court system with their "Veteran Court" program and their probation offices State wide thereby getting a chance to be the "Second Chance" offering Hope and a future to these 3rd-strike veterans.

The "Silo Theory" and Our Solution

THE "SILO THEORY" APPLIES WHEN WORKING WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

WE WILL BE THE "HUB" FOR THE "SILOS" TO CONNECT THROUGH.

These groups are not new to this but there has been no organization or "hub" to key on to offer the services. We are creating that hub.

Our Team

Meet the dedicated team of veterans and volunteers working tirelessly to serve those who served our country.

Dave Gates

President and Founder

605-391-7697

dave-gates@hotmail.com

Dave is a 1969 Vietnam veteran and President of the South Dakota Vietnam Veterans of America State Council. He started Veteran's Helping Hands Project in 2018 after his service duty experiences resurfaced 49 years later. Dave is also creator of Dakota Sportsmen TV, which reached over 1.7 million viewers.

Don Ackerman

Vice President

605-891-9688

ackerman@gwtc.net

US Army veteran with two tours in Vietnam (1967-1968, 1970-1971). Served 20 years in the military retiring in 1987, then 18 years in civil service. Created Save The VA in Hot Springs, SD in 2011 when they threatened to close the Nation's oldest VA facility.

Breckin Churchwell

Public Relations Director/Secretary

661-599-8397

breckinc@yahoo.com

Passionate advocate for veterans who has dedicated herself to fighting for those who served. She works to connect the broken pieces of the VA system and has a special heart for veterans battling substance abuse. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13

William Groves

Member-at-Large/General Contractor

605-484-7722

Billbuilding345@gmail.com

General Contractor with decades of experience since working with his dad as a teenager. Founded The Groves Company in California (1994-2013) specializing in plumbing and electrical. Now runs his own construction consulting business and jumped in with both feet to help veterans.

Tim Goodwin

Lt. Colonel U.S. Army Ret.

605-390-5324

tgoodwin1955@gmail.com

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel after 20 years of service. Currently serves as South Dakota House Representative from District 30 and Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. A staunch ally and tireless advocate for veterans.

Larry Zimmerman

Member at Large

605-787-2226

Lzimmerman0154@gmail.com

First Secretary of SD Department of Veterans Affairs (2011). Served 29 years in South Dakota National Guard with a tour in Afghanistan. Recipient of Legion of Merit Medal and Bronze Star Medal. Lifetime member of American Legion, VFW, DAV, and VVA.

Tim Harless

Mental Health Coordinator

605-415-2716

timharless12@gmail.com

U.S. Marine Corps veteran (1970-71). Journeyman carpenter and roofer with extensive construction experience. Works with Celebrate Recovery/Pennington County Jail Recovery Program and collaborates on suicide prevention/intervention. Certified Building Analyst with a heart for helping veterans.

About Our Mission