Our Story:
Founded by a Disabled Combat Veteran and 9/11 First Responder, Operation Meraki was born out of lived experience. We know firsthand that the journey home doesn't end with discharge. Many veterans struggle to reconnect with society, find meaningful employment, or cope with invisible wounds. For them—and for the families who walk beside them—Operation Meraki is a lifeline.
Meraki means doing something with soul, creativity, or love. That's how we serve. That's how we ... Read More
Our Story:
Founded by a Disabled Combat Veteran and 9/11 First Responder, Operation Meraki was born out of lived experience. We know firsthand that the journey home doesn't end with discharge. Many veterans struggle to reconnect with society, find meaningful employment, or cope with invisible wounds. For them—and for the families who walk beside them—Operation Meraki is a lifeline.
Meraki means doing something with soul, creativity, or love. That's how we serve. That's how we lead. And that's how we show up for every veteran and family who needs us.
Our Vision:
We envision a world where all veterans and their families survive the transition from military to civilian life and thrive in it. We believe every veteran deserves the opportunity to rediscover their value, purpose, and community.
What We Do:
Operation Meraki delivers high-impact, low-barrier programming built around three foundational pillars:
Mental Health & Wellness
From peer support groups to trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness programs, we center healing as a foundation for growth. We remove stigma and offer culturally competent support for those dealing with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use challenges.
Employability & Empowerment
Veterans bring powerful skills to the workforce, but many struggle to translate those strengths. Our "Scout to Pathfinder" program helps bridge the employment gap by aligning military experience with civilian opportunity. We offer resume support, skills training, mentorship, and job placement services.
Community Engagement & Connection
Isolation is one of the greatest threats veterans face. We build community and foster belonging through photography classes, creative workshops, wellness events, and family programming. We help veterans re-engage with life, with purpose, and with people who see their worth.
Our Impact (So Far):
- 740+ veterans served across Central Ohio—without external funding
- 10+ programs launched, including veteran-led peer mentoring, photography and video storytelling, workforce training, and wellness clinics
- Strategic partnerships with community organizations, housing authorities, and businesses to meet veterans where they are
Why Your Support Matters:
Too many veterans are falling through the cracks. At Operation Meraki, we meet them in the gaps—with empathy, structure, and vision. But we can't do this alone.
Your support means more than dollars—it means hope. It funds mental health resources, career development, peer support circles, and more. It ensures that no veteran walks alone into the next chapter of life.
Join Us. Be Part of Their Next Mission.
Whether you're an individual donor, corporate partner, or volunteer, there's a place for you in this mission. Together, we can honor service not just with gratitude, but with action.
Connect. Give. Empower.
Help us build a world where veterans and their families don't just transition—they thrive.
Visit www.operationmeraki.org to learn more.
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