Red Badge Project

Red Badge Project

Location: Washington State

Issue Area: Rehabilitation and Recovery

The Red Badge Project employs writing and storytelling to help service members and veterans communicate their experiences to their families and communities. Writing and storytelling can have a cathartic impact, especially for service members and veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While crafting their story, participants develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their self-worth and their value to society, while civilians learn about the veteran’s skills and experiences. This enhanced mutual understanding fosters receptivity and eases transition. The Bob Woodruff Foundation grant ensures the Red Badge Project teaches these courses quarterly across Washington State; increasing this capacity of this high-demand program to 300 veterans. This investment endorses a creative therapeutic program that partners effectively and responsibly with the Departments of Defense and Veterans’ Affairs.