Taking It Lightly

09/02/2026

We are so grateful for all that Gary Sinise and his foundation have done for veterans and first responders and their families. It was a special honor to talk with Gary after the Skylight performance of Graceful Warrior. His encouragement to "Always do a little more" will be remembered by all of us at Starfish Foundation and Healing Warrior Hearts.

Thank you for the inspiration!

09/02/2026

You served. You belong here.

Did you know Healing Warrior Hearts offers retreats specifically for LGBTQ+ Veterans?

Your military experience is part of your story—but you don't have to carry the difficult parts of that story alone.

These retreats offer:

💜 Confidential attendance
💜 Staffed by LGBTQ+ Veterans & allies
💜 A safe space to heal, connect & thrive

Healing happens when we can be seen, heard, respected, and surrounded by people who understand.

If you're an LGBTQ+ Veteran looking for a community where you can show up as yourself, we welcome you.

Learn more about Healing Warrior Hearts and our LGBTQ+ Veteran retreats.

🌈 You served. You belong here.

https://www.healingwarriorhearts.org/retreats

09/01/2026

Today marks the start of National Su***de Prevention Month 💜

At Starfish Foundation, we believe two things heal in tandem: connection and gratitude. This month, we're asking our whole community to help us break the silence — check on someone, have an honest conversation, and remind the people you love that they matter.

There is always hope, even in the darkest moments. If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24/7 — call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org.

One way we're putting this into practice: our World Gratitude Day Celebration on September 20. Save the date and join us — because gratitude and connection really can make a world of difference.
https://www.starfishfound.org/world-gratitude-day-event

At the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life’s challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns…

09/01/2026

Thank you to the VA for telling the world about Healing Warrior Hearts! Click - take a look

Explore five Veteran-led and community based organizations offering peer support, creative programs, wellness resources and opportunities to connect.

08/20/2026

Did you know? A Pay It Forward Card counts as admission to our World Gratitude Day Celebration!
Bring your card, and join us Sept 20 from 1-4pm to celebrate gratitude together.
No card yet? A $25 donation to Starfish Foundation works too. Either way, you belong here.
https://www.starfishfound.org/world-gratitude-day-event

08/19/2026

Having fun and doing good! Working as a team to sell 50/50 tickets, sell the ball toss opportunity (we sell all the bags of balls, every year!), make connections for veteran resources, with smiles and hugs and laughter - and a heavy mist for an hour - we did get a little wet, and no one minded!!!

Thank you to all you see here, and a few who didn't make it into a photo. This was year 7! It definitely is now a tradition.

How will you volunteer? share a smile? make a difference? warm a heart??
Please reach out - we'd love to have you with us at a retreat or a resource event. https://www.healingwarriorhearts.org/volunteer

08/18/2026

One day of training. Skills you can use for a lifetime.

Research on Mental Health First Aid for Military, Veterans and their Families shows that participants:
• Increase their mental health knowledge and literacy.
• Feel more confident taking action when someone may be in crisis.
• Are more likely to reach out, listen nonjudgmentally, and connect others to help.

Imagine being the person who knows what to say and do when it really counts. Join us!

📅 Dates - Multiple classes available
📍 Location: In-Person and Virtual
⏰ Time: 8:15 – 5:15
💲 Cost: Free to military and veterans who are WI residents, $50 for others
Scholarships may be available upon request

✅ Includes MHFA workbook/materials and certificate of completion upon participation requirements.

👉 Reserve your spot: https://www.healingwarriorhearts.org/mental-health-first-aid

08/17/2026

On September 20, Starfish Foundation is hosting a World Gratitude Day Celebration in Wauwatosa, WI — an afternoon built around a simple idea: gratitude heals.

We are inviting community partners, corporate teams, and volunteers to join us for guided appreciation activities from 1-4pm at the Center for Creative Learning.

Admission is a $25 donation or a Pay It Forward Card, with all proceeds supporting our trauma-recovery programs for veterans and survivors.

Interested in bringing your team or sponsoring the event? Comment below or visit https://www.starfishfound.org/world-gratitude-day-event

World Gratitude Day is September 21. Gratitude and appreciation can heal hearts and prevent su***de. Donate to the Starfish Foundation to receive our Gratitude Note Cards!

08/15/2026

THERE’S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO STAND WITH VETERANS. 💜

Support is not measured only in dollars.

It can look like giving your time.
Sharing a message.
Joining a community.
Honoring someone’s service.
Or helping fund an experience that may change what comes next.

Healing Warrior Hearts provides free retreats, workshops, and programs where veterans and their families can reconnect, strengthen well-being, and continue growing after service.

You can help keep that mission moving forward:

💜 Become a Member
Join a community that stands behind veterans and their families throughout the year.

💜 Give Online or by Check
Your contribution helps keep retreats, workshops, and programs available at no cost to eligible participants.

💜 Make an Honor or Memorial Gift
Celebrate someone’s life or service by creating opportunities for veterans and families.

💜 Volunteer Your Time
Bring your skills, energy, and compassion to a mission that depends on community.

💜 Share Our Work
Your voice may help a veteran or family discover support when they need it most.

Every action creates more room for connection, reflection, resilience, and renewed purpose.

Choose the way to help that feels right for you.

Every way matters.

🔗 Learn more, donate, or get involved:
https://www.healingwarriorhearts.org/

08/15/2026

𝙏𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮! 𝙄𝙩'𝙨 𝙏𝙊𝙉𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙏!

Come out for the game, take part in the 50/50 raffle and ball toss, and help support Healing Warrior Hearts as Charity of the Game.
Milwaukee Milkmen Baseball. Evening Game. Details at: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Healingwarriorhearts2026

Can’t join us? Donate at: https://bit.ly/MilkmenFundraiser2026