The Beacon of Light Institute for Veterans (BOLV) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of veterans, first responders, and their families by addressing critical challenges such as mental health, food insecurity, housing instability, and workforce development. Founded by Dr. Yolonda Holmes-Echols and Dr. Tameka Pierre-Louis, BOLV was inspired by personal experience witnessing the long-term effects of PTSD, depression and other SMI (Serious Mental Illnesses) ... Read More
The Beacon of Light Institute for Veterans (BOLV) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of veterans, first responders, and their families by addressing critical challenges such as mental health, food insecurity, housing instability, and workforce development. Founded by Dr. Yolonda Holmes-Echols and Dr. Tameka Pierre-Louis, BOLV was inspired by personal experience witnessing the long-term effects of PTSD, depression and other SMI (Serious Mental Illnesses) among veterans, particularly their father, a Vietnam veteran.
Mission & Purpose
BOLV’s mission is to restore dignity, stability, and independence to veterans and first responders by providing comprehensive mental health support, vocational training, and essential resources. The organization works to increase awareness of mental health challenges while actively addressing the effects of PTSD, addiction, homelessness, and unemployment through specialized programs.
Key Programs & Services
Mental Health & Wellness Support
Trauma-focused therapy, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy.
Horticultural therapy for vocational rehabilitation.
Peer support groups and stress management workshops to help participants develop coping skills.
Food Assistance – Heroes in Hunger Initiative
Provides nutritious meals to over 2,000 veterans and families annually.
Hosts mobile food distributions to serve rural and underserved communities.
Offers nutrition education to promote healthier eating habits.
Housing Stability Programs
Rental assistance, transitional housing, and financial literacy workshops.
Guidance on homeownership and credit repair for long-term housing security.
Workforce Development & Vocational Training
Job training and certification programs in high-demand industries such as IT, healthcare, and skilled trades.
Employer partnerships to create direct hiring pipelines for veterans.
Business development support for veteran entrepreneurs.
Community Engagement & Advocacy
Collaborates with organizations like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) to provide additional support.
Hosts veteran appreciation events, awareness campaigns, and community service projects.
Impact & Reach
Serves thousands of veterans, first responders, and families annually through its programs.
Provides over 100,000 pounds of food per year to combat food insecurity.
Helps hundreds of veterans transition into stable housing and employment.
Expands mental health resources to reach underserved populations through telehealth and in-person counseling.
Through its holistic approach, BOLV is making a lasting impact by ensuring that no hero is left behind. By offering essential services, fostering self-sufficiency, and advocating for long-term change, the organization provides a lifeline of hope and opportunity for those who have dedicated their lives to serving others.
For more information or to support our mission, visit: www.bolv.org.
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