Every military family understands the law of the five Ps: “Proper preparation prevents poor performance." But preparing for the back-to-school season can be a tricky proposition for many financially stressed military families. One volunteer non-profit organization, Project New Hope, is dedicated to providing military and veteran families with the supplies they need through its annual campaign, the Back-To-School Brigade.
“Our goal is to ensure that children of military and veteran families begin the school year with the tools they need to succeed—mentally, emotionally and materially,” explains William H. (Bill) Moore, President and Chairman of the Board at Project New Hope Inc. “The Brigade provides free backpacks filled with school supplies, but more than that, it offers a sense of stability and recognition for families facing unique pressures.”
Project New Hope serves thousands of individuals each year through wellness retreats, food assistance via Sully’s Veteran Food & Baby Pantries, emergency financial assistance, and seasonal programs. The programs are available to active-duty service members, veterans of all eras, National Guard and Reserve members, and their immediate families.
A Mission Born from Experience
Moore has a firsthand understanding of the challenges facing military families.
“I am a proud disabled U.S. Air Force veteran who served as a crash rescue firefighter from 1976 to 1980,” he notes. “After my military service, I earned a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts until retirement.”
In January 2011, Moore established his own independent 501c3 non-profit in Massachusetts. Project New Hope Inc. is dedicated to supporting veterans through free programs designed to promote healing and resilience.
“I recognized the gap in services available for veterans and their families, especially those coping with the invisible wounds of service,” he points out. “Our mission is to foster healing, resilience, and purpose beyond military service—honoring their service while strengthening individuals, families, and communities.”
The Back-To-School Brigade was born out of a conversation with military families who shared the financial stress of preparing for the school year. The organization is funded through private donations, grants, and fundraising events, and all programs are offered at no cost to the recipients.
The Impact of Support
Moore says helping other veterans and military families is very personally fulfilling.
“One of our most rewarding moments was when a Gold Star mom attended one of our Survivor Family Retreats,” he remarks. “She shared that for the first time since her loss, she felt seen and supported in her grief. Another veteran attending one of our retreats for the first time said it was the first time he had truly felt understood since leaving the military.”
“Another veteran, after participating in a Project New Hope retreat, said it was a turning point in his recovery from PTSD,” Moore adds. “These moments reaffirm why we do what we do.”
His message to all veterans and their families is one of solidarity and hope.
“You are not alone. Our mission is to walk beside you as you heal and grow. Project New Hope is always evolving to meet the needs of those we serve, and we welcome collaboration and community involvement to expand our impact.”
For more information, please visit the organization’s website at www.projectnewhopema.org.