Our Programs

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At Esprit Wellness Foundation, we are dedicated to empowering veterans through recreation, career development, and personal growth. The programs we are working on building are designed to build community, foster resilience, and create opportunities for veterans as they transition into civilian life.

• Chapter Meetings & Planning Sessions – Build leadership, organize campaigns, plan events
• Campus Wellness Events – Mental health panels, workout days, de-stress pop-ups
• Veteran & Community Service Projects – Food drives, clothing donations, outreach days
• Fundraising & Builder Campaigns – Help raise funds for EWF programs and Rec Center
• Guest Speaker Series – Hear from veterans, professionals, and community leaders
• Builder Challenges – Compete with other chapters in national service goals
   

Why It Matters:

Esprit University Chapters allow students—veterans, dependents, and allies—to lead meaningful programs that uplift those who served. Chapters give students purpose, leadership experience, and a direct role in building the first-ever Esprit Veteran Recreation & Wellness Center. Every event, dollar raised, and volunteer hour brings us closer to opening our doors in Chicago and expanding across the country.

 Program Overview:

• Week 1 - Civilian Life & Goal Setting
• Week 2 - VA Benefits & Disability Claims
• Week 3 - Resume Building & Job Search
• Week 4 - Interview Prep & Networking
• Week 5 - Entrepreneurship & Financial Planning
• Week 6 - Graduation & Career Fair (Hiring & networking event)

Why It Matters: Transitioning out of the military is challenging—many veterans face uncertainty in careers, VA benefits, and financial stability. This program provides the guidance, resources, and connections needed for a successful civilian life, ensuring veterans don’t navigate the transition alone.

Activities:

• Adventure Days – Hiking, kayaking, obstacle courses, rock climbing
• Veteran Sports Leagues – Soccer, Softball, ect.
• Fitness & Wellness Challenges – MURPH Challenge, ruck marches, weightlifting competitions
• Group Workouts & Gym Meetups – Encouraging fitness through community
   

Why It Matters: Veterans often miss the structure and camaraderie of military life—our adventure and sports programs help rebuild that sense of teamwork, discipline, and purpose.

Events:

• Veteran Meet & Greets – Coffee meetups, BBQs, and networking nights
• Game Nights & Movie Screenings – Friendly competition with poker, trivia, and e-sports
• Family-Friendly Gatherings – Picnics, holiday celebrations, and kids' events
• Service & Volunteer Days – Giving back to the community together
• Military Ball - Formal celebration honoring veterans and their service

Why It Matters: Many veterans feel lost or disconnected after leaving the military. This program recreates the camaraderie and brotherhood they had in service while providing a fun, stress-free environment to build friendships.

Support Provided:

• Financial Preparedness – Budgeting basics, understanding military pay, managing expenses, and saving strategies.
• Family Readiness – Preparing loved ones for the transition, ensuring communication plans, and accessing military family resources.
• What to Expect – Breakdown of boot camp, military lifestyle, rank structure, and common challenges.
• Mental & Physical Resilience – Stress management, mindset training, and fitness preparation for basic training.
• Military Benefits Education – Overview of pay, GI Bill, healthcare, housing, and career advancement opportunities.

Why It Matters: Many enlistees enter military service without a full understanding of what lies ahead. Financial struggles, lack of preparation, and uncertainty about expectations can create unnecessary stress. Operation Ready ensures future service members step into this new chapter with confidence, knowledge, and a strong support system—setting them up for success from day one.