PenFed Foundation's Grant to Home Base Empowers Native Veterans and Their Families in Mental Health Support

A Transformative Grant for Native Veterans

On March 20, 2025, the PenFed Foundation, a prominent nonprofit organization committed to aiding veterans in their transition to civilian life, announced its latest initiative aimed at enhancing mental health support for Native Veterans. This initiative involves a significant grant awarded to Home Base, a non-profit focused on healing the invisible wounds of war through comprehensive care.

The Focus of the Program

The grant specifically targets the Mobile Native Intensive Clinical Program, a vital initiative that brings gold-standard mental health care directly to Native Veterans and Service Members and their families residing in tribal communities throughout the Southwest United States. By offering services that include individual therapy, group therapy, physical wellness training, mindful movement, and nutritional support, this program ensures that healthcare is accessible and culturally sensitive.

PenFed Foundation President Andrea McCarren emphasized the importance of this grant, stating, "The PenFed Foundation is proud to support Home Base as the organization is addressing the unique needs of the Native American military community." The aim is to facilitate a healing environment where veterans can focus on their recovery without the burden of financial constraints.

Innovative Care Approaches

The Mobile Native Intensive Clinical Program adapts Home Base's established Native Intensive Clinical Programming to make mental health services mobile. This adaptation was shaped through consultations with Native Veterans, tribal leaders, and healthcare administrators, ensuring that the program meets the specific needs of Native communities. The flagship Intensive Clinical Program (ICP) typically offers two years of treatment condensed into a two-week period, combining evidence-based therapeutic practices with complementary alternative medicine approaches.

This program becomes even more critical as it addresses the nuanced challenges faced by Native American veterans and their families. Air Force Veteran Marcus Denetdale, who serves as the Regional Associate Director of Southwest Tribal Relations at Home Base, noted, "This program is more than just bringing care closer to home—it's about ensuring Native Veterans feel seen, heard, and valued."

Culturally Informed Care

Participation in this program allows Native American veterans and service members to engage with culturally informed, Indigenous-focused care. This aspect further enriches the care experience, as it resonates more profoundly with individuals’ heritages and lived experiences.

To enhance the program's effectiveness, Home Base connects participants with relevant local veteran services upon completion, ensuring that their journey towards mental health and wellness continues seamlessly beyond the program.

The Role of PenFed Foundation

Founded in 2001, the PenFed Foundation operates with a vision to support veterans in their transitions from military service to successful civilian lives. With over $55 million allocated to veterans, active-duty service members, and military families, the Foundation leverages its affiliations with PenFed Credit Union to assure that most donations directly support impactful programs like the Mobile Native Intensive Clinical Program.

For more details on the programs offered, individuals are encouraged to visit Home Base’s website or the PenFed Foundation.

Conclusion

The collaboration between PenFed Foundation and Home Base heralds a new chapter for Native Veterans in the Southwest, providing critical resources and care that recognize and address their unique challenges. With this grant, many veterans and their families can access the support they need, helping them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.