Heroes on the Water Summary
WHO WE ARE
Heroes on the Water is a nationwide 501(c)3 nonprofit and all vehicle donations are 100% tax deductible. The Heroes on the Water Tax ID # is 13-4367788. Our mission is to provide wellness and community to heroes and their families through kayak fishing and the outdoors.
HOW WE HELP
Founded in 2007, Heroes on the Water has effectively utilized no-expense kayak fishing events for active-duty military and veterans of the U.S. armed forces and their families. Heroes can reflect in solitude or connect in groups as they learn kayaking and kayak fishing basics. Recurring activities give heroes and their families camaraderie and a lifelong social network with like-minded people. Plus, no experience or equipment is needed, and kayak fishing is adaptive to those with disabilities.
OUR IMPACT
Heroes on the Water programs are proven to be effective. We commissioned a study utilizing a peer-reviewed tool developed by a recreational therapist out of Texas State University. The results prove that kayak fishing programs provide mental and physical benefits:
“PADDLE. FISH. HEAL. I kept thinking about that. I didn’t understand it at first but now I get it. It’s something about kayak fishing that just really helps with my Post-Traumatic Stress.” – Rick Gonzalez, Army Veteran
“I’m here today because somebody had a vision of putting veterans in little plastic boats and shoving them out in the water for the day. Now, it’s my mission to reach out to everybody and let them know they are not alone.” – Jason Austin, Army Veteran
WHY THE NEED
In the years Heroes on the Water has served our heroes, they have positively impacted over 60,000 veterans and first responders, and over 15,000 family members. Continuing the growth and impact of the organization ensures that veterans, first responders and their family members can improve their mental health without the stigma often associated with couch therapy. The ability to provide a wellness program that has little to no barriers with a built-in peer support group is critical to the continued improvement of our heroes’ health and well-being.