This project is being built out in four distinct phases as follows:

I.              Phase I-Directory/Website

In phase one the first goal is to gather trusted providers that already work with the SOF community and get them onto the directory website so that the SOF community has a central hub for all mental health related needs. For this phase to be successful we ask anyone who has worked with a trusted licensed mental health care professional (license counselor, psychologist, marriage and family therapist, psychiatrist, licensed social worker) whether at a VA, agency, hospital, on base, private practice, etc., and would personally recommend their provider to please send the providers contact information to SOF Network. When you send in your recommendation, please include a short endorsement (“Dr. Johnson was instrumental in helping me….”) that could be used on the directory with the provider you’re recommending. Any recommendations will be anonymous as will the endorsement statement. SOF Network will then reach out and begin to collect further information in hopes of partnering with that provider and adding them to the directory. Target date for completion of this phase is December 31, 2022. COMPLETED

II.            Phase III-501C3/Fundraising

The first goal of this phase is to establish an executive board with a majority of the board members being former SOF members and or SOF family members. The second goal of this phase is establishing and filing the governance of the 501C3 including board members, officers, and bylaws. The next goal of this phase is to raise basic operating funds for this non-profit (TBD). The next goal of this phase is to raise monies to launch the network’s financial aid program. Target date for completion is December 31, 2023. COMPLETED

III.          Phase IV-Payments

The goal of this phase is to implement financial assistance to SOF members seeking help from a provider that is not covered by Tricare or other entities. Target date for completion is December 31, 2023. CURRENTLY FUND RAISING

IV.       Phase V-Research Database

Lastly, depending on the level of success in phases I-IV, the potential for a research database will be explored. Currently there is a lack of research based on this community and family members. If this phase is approved by the board this could provide researchers access to a large data pool of potential participants to increase future research opportunities. One of the first issues researchers run into is finding a participate pool or access to populations. Given the uniqueness of this population and a lack of centralization once retired this creates roadblocks for researchers. With a central hub for potential participants this could increase research interest in this community. Additionally, SOF Network will pursue establishing a SOF clinical certificate program for licensed providers looking for training in best practices working with the SOF community. LAUNCHING RESEARCH TEAM SPRING 2024