Ian Brickey (202) 675-6270 or ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Sierra Club and YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) are launching a national partnership focused on improving the health and wellbeing of veterans, members of the military, and their families through outdoor experiences and establishing connections with nature and fellow veterans. Studies show that veterans who participate in outdoor adventure and experiential education programs report a significant reduction in depression and anxiety, as well as an increased willingness to seek mental health care.
The partnership combines Sierra Club Military Outdoors’s expertise in outdoor programming for veterans, members of the military, and their families, and the Y’s knowledge of and reach into more than 10,000 local communities across the U.S. Outings are kicking off in June in celebration of Great Outdoors Month.
“We envision a world in which all veterans are encouraged by the Veterans Administration to heal on the lands they served to protect and benefit from a healthy thriving planet and a direct connection to nature within their local communities,” said Robert Vessels, campaign manager for Sierra Club Military Outdoors. “By partnering together, YMCA of the USA and Sierra Club can help make this possible, allowing us to build local, community-based programming around the country for veterans, members of the military, and their families."
“The physical, mental and social health benefits of spending time outdoors are well-documented,” said Stephanie Tepperberg, health partnerships and policy specialist with YMCA of the USA. “Through this exciting partnership, the Y continues to expand beyond its four walls to foster meaningful and healing connections to nearby nature and local community for all veterans, members of the military and their families.”
The partnership between Y-USA and the Sierra Club is initially planning outings in four metro areas: Detroit, Indianapolis, Jacksonville and San Antonio, with potential expansion to additional regions in the future.
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.
About the YMCA
Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community for more than 175 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships, and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across 10,000 communities nationwide. Visit ymca.net.