Military spouses serve too, but for foreign-born spouses, the journey is often marked by isolation, cultural disconnection, and limited support. According to research, more than 65% of foreign-born spouses report feeling isolated, and less than 1% say they have a close friend nearby. That means too many are navigating military life—deployments, relocations, parenting, career barriers—entirely alone.
The Belonging Project was created to change that.
Through full-day, in-person events across different regions and our annual “United by Service” celebration, we bring military spouses, families, and communities together to create a sense of belonging. These gatherings combine cultural exchange, peer mentorship, and practical workshops—helping spouses feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Why It Matters:
Social connection is proven to improve health, wellbeing, and even life expectancy.
Belonging reduces the risks of depression, anxiety, and family strain.
When spouses feel supported, military readiness improves: service members can focus on the mission knowing their families are cared for.
Military readiness is directly tied to spouse satisfaction: 94% of service members stay in the military when their spouse is satisfied, but only 44% stay when the spouse is not.
Key Attributes:
Community Building – Fosters friendships, group meetups, and peer bonding across diverse backgrounds.
Confidence Boost – Helps spouses feel grounded in their identity, less isolated, and more empowered.
Cultural Orientation – Offers practical guidance on U.S. customs, etiquette, work, and military-specific norms.
Peer2Peer Support – Connects newly arrived or struggling foreign-born spouses with experienced mentors who have successfully navigated military life.
Key Impacts:
Strengthened Military Readiness – When spouses feel supported, service members can focus on the mission.
Stronger Communities – Events foster friendships, peer support, and mentorship that last far beyond the gathering.
Cultural Bridges – By honoring diverse backgrounds, we create unity within the military community under the shared value of service.
Empowered Families – Spouses gain confidence, cultural knowledge, and practical support to navigate military life.
By funding the Belonging Project, you are not just supporting an event—you are investing in connection, resilience, and readiness across the entire military community. Together, we can change the fact that less than 1% of spouses have a friend nearby—by ensuring every spouse has a village wherever the military takes them.
