Who We Are

When Life Sucks (WLS) Foundation is a South Carolina-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping veterans, active-duty military, and first responders heal from trauma and live well.

Through outdoor therapy programs, community and business partnerships, mentorships, resources, education, and outreach, we provide much-needed support for our veterans, military, and first responders. WLS strives to empower those who have sacrificed and served (and those who still do) to acknowledge “when life sucks” and reach out for help. WLS encourages our veteran and first responder communities to begin the process of healing from trauma and PTSD and seeks to provide tools to continue lifelong healing through non-medicative outdoor therapy and wellness programs. By providing effective programs outside of traditional and clinical medicine, such as those based in nature and the body's natural abilities, WLS can help individuals lead happier and more fulfilling lives. 

WLS was founded by veterans and is currently operated by veterans and first responders who have experienced first-hand the devastating consequences of trauma, along with supporters dedicated to improving the lives of those we are called to serve.  WLS has a great appreciation for the service and sacrifices that veterans, military, and first responders and their families have endured to keep the public safe, fight terrorism, preserve freedom, and protect democracy.  We know these types of service come at a great price, and we want these communities of servants to know that we have their backs.


What We Do

  • Outdoor Therapy & Wellness

    Medical professionals will tell you that time spent outdoors will foster great physical and mental health. WLS Foundation strongly believes in this concept and has developed a number of non-clinical outdoor recreation events for veterans, military, first responders and their families. Through one-on-one and group outings, workshops, and multi-family retreats, WLS Foundation provides “no cost” outdoor recreation opportunities to engage the healing power of the great outdoors.

  • Community Service & Outreach

    The WLS Foundation continually serves veterans and first responders through community service and outreach programs in South Carolina. WLS Foundation has a dedicated group of volunteers with a passion for serving and they help us offer blessing backpacks, holiday meal deliveries, sponsor families at Christmas, provide nursing home visits, and care packages. WLS Foundation also supports several community events and veteran-focused fundraisers to help raise awareness of veteran and first responder mental health.

  • Navigation & Support Services

    WLS has a strong network of community businesses and partners available to service the unique needs of veterans, active-duty military, and first responders. WLS strives to provide a person-centered approach to care and thus helps navigate systems and roadblocks to care on a case-by-case basis. Examples of services include (but are not limited to) crisis intervention, counseling, support groups, legal assistance, financial planning, home loans, employment coaching, and drug and/or alcohol rehabilitation.

  • Mental Health & Suicide Intervention Education

    WLS Foundation is currently working to grow the mental health and suicide intervention training program. At least once or twice per year, WLS seeks to train and educate those who are ready, willing, and able to serve their fellow veterans, active-duty military, and first responders who are at risk of suicide. Our hope is that each person who attends these types of trainings and support groups will be a voice in their networks, helping those at-risk individuals find the power to keep pushing forward.

Outdoor Therapy Program Application

How You Can Help

Whether it’s intervening with a veteran in crisis, helping a first responder navigate PTSD from a recent call, handing out basic necessities to veterans experiencing homelessness, or just being present to lock arms with a servant who has lost all hope, WLS Foundation is only able to fulfill its mission through the support of generous donors, community organizations, businesses, and volunteers.

Operating and growing this community of support takes all of us.