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What’s The Cause on Your Heart?

For Sara Otto it was the military mental health crisis.

And so in 2021, she co-founded the Ohana Home Front Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that no service  member, veteran, military spouse, or military child is left behind when it comes to receiving the mental health and wellness care they deserve.

Her journey of letting her frustration and anger fuel her to take action to address an issue is a powerful example of turning your passion into impact. 

Building the Ohana Homefront Foundation

Ohana Homefront Foundation was born out of a shared vision and a deep desire to make a difference. Sara, along with  her best friend Natalie Eley, co-founded the organization with the goal of creating a comprehensive support system for the military community, specifically focusing on mental health. Inspired by their personal connections to Hawaii and the concept of “Ohana,” meaning family, they chose the name Ohana Homefront. From the humble beginnings of brainstorming at Sara’s dining room table, the organization started with a Facebook page and quickly grew, attracting attention and messages from military spouses in need.

Comprehensive Support for Military Mental Health

The foundation’s mission expanded rapidly, driven by the urgent need for accessible mental health services. Ohana Homefront Foundation offers a range of free services, including counseling, peer-to-peer support, and life coaching. Recognizing the shortage of mental health professionals, they have formed partnerships with organizations like Vida Health and Foresight Mental Health and have counselors covering nine states. Furthermore, they are actively advocating for changes in credentialing processes and pushing for the implementation of the Brandon Act, which would ensure that military service members receive the support they need without fear of reprimand.

Addressing the Gaps

Ohana Homefront Foundation plays a vital role as a “gap filler” in the military support system. They bridge the divide between available resources and the growing demand for mental health services. By tirelessly working to connect military families with the right counselors and resources, they ensure that no one falls through the cracks. Additionally, the foundation actively engages in advocacy efforts, taking their concerns to Congress and senators, aiming to address issues such as toxic leadership and the unique challenges faced by military families stationed in different areas.

Becoming A Change-Maker

When we look around us, it can be easy to feel discouraged. There are lots of challenges to the military lifestyle. But there is also something that each of us can do to not only notice the problems, but to become a part of the solution. 

There is a way for all of us to make a difference. I shared Jessica Honneger’s quote last week, but I’ll say it again. “Your contribution matters, even if that contribution feels awefully small right now.”

I hope that this conversation sparks something in you to notice what causes you are passionate about, and explore ways that you can be a part of the conversation and the solution. We are better together and together we impact the world for good.