PROJECT HEALING WATERS - FLY FISHING INC

Program: Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc.

Program Description:

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) provides recreational and non-traditional physical therapy opportunities to injured military service personnel and disabled veterans. The program objectives include teaching participants the basics of fly fishing, fly tying classes, fly casting, rod building and in some areas, boat building, along with local outings and national fly fishing trips. Members of Trout Unlimited chapters, Federation of Fly Fishers clubs and independent fly fishing groups volunteer their time and talents to help PHWFF make a difference in the lives of men and women who served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces of United States.

Program Long-Term Success:

PHWFF has experienced sustained growth in the number of programs that have become operational since the organization was formed in 2005, as well as in the increased number of veterans and active military participants. In the first five years, nearly 100 programs have been formed and the potential for continued growth is significant at Wounded Warrior Transition Units and at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facilities that have not been introduced to PHWFF. Thousands of veterans and active military service personnel who have participated in PHWFF programs since its inception have overcome challenges that resulted from their new life situation and many have successfully reintegrated into their community. Results of an individual’s participation vary by the nature of the injury, yet most participants claim improved fine motor skills and balance, renewed self-esteem, heightened self confidence, newfound focus and concentration, more positive attitude and recovered social skills.

Program Short-Term Success:

PHWFF has created working partnerships with Department of Defense (DoD) facilities and the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) to provide fly fishing instruction and referrals to introduce prospective program-eligible participants. PHWFF has also developed a mutually beneficial collaboration with established fly fishing organizations, such as Trout Unlimited (TU) and the Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) to recruit volunteers who are knowledgeable and willing to share their time and talents with disabled veterans and injured service men and women. PHWFF raises funds to purchase fly tying equipment and materials, rod building supplies, fly fishing equipment (rods and reels, waders, etc.) and provides fly fishing trips to pristine trout streams for veterans and soldiers at no cost to the participants. PHWFF is grateful for the generous financial support and encouragement it receives from individual donors, corporate contributions and foundation grants, and receives no funding from any government agency.

Program Success Monitored by:

The Board of Trustees bears the primary responsibility for ensuring that PHWFF fulfills its obligations to the veterans and service men and women, its donors, volunteers, the public at large and the law. The board provides oversight to ensure that its financial, human and materials resources are used appropriately to further the organization’s mission and establishes high standards of accountability and transparency. The board also sets the vision and mission for the organization and determines the broad policies and strategic direction that enables the organization to fulfill its charitable purpose

Program Success Examples:

Sustained growth in the total programs and number of veterans served is a reliable indicator that PHWFF is responsive to the needs and ever increasing number of injured servicemen and disabled veterans. PHWFF programs are available in 38 states, the District of Columbia and Canada. In 2010, over 2,000 veterans and active military service personnel participated in PHWFF programs. PHWFF has been recognized by FOX News, CNN, ESPN, Fly Rod Chronicles, numerous local television and cable channels, the print and electronic media, magazines of major Veteran’s Service Organizations, government agencies and private organizations for its work with disabled veterans and injured military personnel. At Department of Veterans Affairs and military facilities, PHWFF is a respected organization for providing a needed service on a regular basis. PHWFF’s president, Ed Nicholson, Captain, U.S. Navy (retired) has been recognized and honored for his vision, dedication and work in the rehabilitation of America’s disabled veterans and wounded warriors.