This season, we pause with gratitude.

As the year comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting not just on what we accomplished—but who it was all for.

This year, Veterans Collaborative grew. We strengthened partnerships, supported new and existing Veteran-led initiatives, expanded access to critical resources, and continued building an ecosystem rooted in the belief that no Veteran should ever have to navigate life alone.

Those are wins worth celebrating.
But the real success stories aren’t measured in numbers.

They are measured in moments.

• A Veteran, service member, and family member with lived experience who found the support they needed to turn challenge into action.

• A Veteran who found connection after feeling isolated.

• A military family who accessed help when they didn’t know where to turn.

• A nonprofit leader who kept going because someone finally said, “We’ve got you.”

This work happens because people lean in.

Because partners, donors, collaborators, volunteers, and advocates chose to show up—not for recognition, but for impact. You believed in the mission. You invested your time, your trust, your resources, and your heart. And because of that, real people felt seen, supported, and valued.

We are deeply thankful for every person who stood with us this year. You are the quiet force behind the work—and we could not do this without you.

As we move into the holiday season, we ask one thing:

Please remember that while many are celebrating, there are still people on a mission.

Military families miles apart, with one seat empty at the table.
Veterans navigating transition.
Families carrying invisible weight.
Leaders doing the hard work of service, often without a spotlight.

This season—and always—may we continue to choose compassion, community, and action. May gratitude move us beyond words and into how we care for one another.

From all of us at Veterans Collaborative, thank you for being part of our mission. Thank you for believing that service doesn’t end with the uniform—and that together, we can build something stronger.

With gratitude and hope,
Natalie Worthan
Founder & CEO, Veterans Collaborative