HEROES ON THE WATER

Our long-term goal is that no veteran, first responder or family member feel isolated or without a path to a healthy life. To make progress toward that goal over the next 5 years, we will create access to the healing powers of the outdoors by expanding our chapter presence and growing our current internal capacity and rally others to support this cause.

A critical way to help our heroes achieve good health and well-being is to provide a non-threatening environment that allows the individuals to participate at their level of comfort. Our heroes have the opportunity to commune with other "like-minded" individuals, with their family members or simply to spend time alone on the water - maybe even catch a fish. By removing any barriers, financial, skill-level, etc., HOW provides the perfect opportunity and modality to promote well being.

In 5 years, HOW will strengthen the capacity to serve more than 7,500 veterans/first responders and families per year. Over the next three years, we will improve access, quality and outcomes across the following program priorities:

1. Improve access to HOW events.
Increase local chapters' capacity by strategically expanding donations and our partner network, while increasing volunteer base.

2. Enhance services and participant health.
Partner with DoD/VA health centers and other entities to address general wellness needs of individuals with a focus on our three health themes, while also extending their work into community-based programming in wellness promotion.

3. Execute effective Ambassador Events
Continue to grow awareness and partnership relationships through the utilization of HOW Ambassador programs.

4. Reach new audiences in new ways
Strengthen HOW brand image among target audiences and leverage that work, prospect pipeline development and target market development to build a broader, more diverse donor base.

5. Increase donor engagement and loyalty
Inspire partners, existing donors and prospects by connecting them to HOW's programming and impact to unlock new levels of engagement and ambassadorship.

6. Achieve transformative resource growth
Maximize and diversify resource growth across private, public and new financing channels, while continuing to improve match of funding and messaging to program priorities.

7. Drive operational and financial excellence
Improve operational efficiencies, technology-enabled solutions, compliance and risk management across the organization to fuel growth.

8. Extend human capital capacity
Continue to enhance our strategic national governance, workforce and volunteer capacity by attracting, retaining and leveraging high-performing talent.

9. Launch innovative solutions
Pursue, develop and deploy innovations in the field and throughout our organization.

First, HOW strategically added to the leadership team, bringing in an Executive Director with strong leadership and operational capabilities. We also added a Director of Development to focus on improving donor and partner relationships and diversifying our fundraising strategy. Second, HOW divided the programs into two by adding a Therapeutic Program Director role. This provides a more effective means of serving our community while bringing the wellness capabilities of kayak fishing to our active-duty military and veterans early. Finally, we implemented strong processes on the Volunteer Programs side to ensure that our volunteers are well-supported in their roles and able to expand. With the increased capabilities of the Communitions team, we are positioned to increase brand awareness and ensure a positive brand experience.

Our Therapeutic Programs increased from 1 to 6 programs. Our Volunteer Programs added four new programs. Our entire team has created a First Responder initiative poised to make strong strides in the serving law enforcement and first responders. Additionally, we launched the Ambassador team devised to provide the immersive kayak fishing experience to supporters and donors.