Support Veterans Moving Forward Association (VMFA)

Joshua HENDARTO is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

The Challenge

Every day in the United States, an estimated 22 veterans take their own lives, a heartbreaking and urgent crisis rooted in isolation, lack of purpose, and limited access to supportive communities. After years of selfless service, many veterans return to civilian life struggling to find a sense of purpose, belonging, community, and direction.

According to the recent U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs data, over 6,404 veterans died by suicide in 2021, with that number rising slightly to 6,407 in 2022, and continuing to increase. In Pennsylvania alone, over 246 veterans lost their lives to suicide in 2024. In Philadelphia and the surrounding areas, many veterans continue to face these silent battles every day. But they shouldn’t have to face them alone.

Our Mission

Veterans Moving Forward Association (VMFA) is a veteran-led nonprofit based in Philadelphia, established in 2022. VMFA is committed to reducing veteran suicide and restoring purpose, connection, and hope to the lives of those who served. We provide free, in-person community-building events throughout the Greater Philadelphia area, creating space for camaraderie, networking, and healing.

What We Do

Host Community Events for Veterans and their families
From casual meetups, sports tailgating, and group hikes to BBQs, wellness activities, and speaker panels, VMFA creates safe, inclusive environments for veterans to gather, reconnect, and support one another.
Build Veteran-to-Veteran Networks as well as Military Dependents Networks, because as veterans ourselves, we know that when one family member serves, the whole family serves.
Our events foster organic relationships between veterans, helping them discover shared experiences, opportunities, and resources.
Provide Access to Vital Resources - VMFA provides veterans with information to reach veteran support services in the area.

Why It Matters

We believe that connection saves lives. When veterans feel seen, valued, and part of a community, they are less likely to suffer in silence. Our work addresses the root causes of veteran suicide: loneliness, disconnection, and hopelessness, by creating a lifeline of purpose, people, important connections, and opportunities.

VMFA's Impact

Partnerships with local veteran service organizations and community leaders continue to expand.
We are building a culture of connection, one event and one veteran at a time.
VMFA has helped many veterans connect with valuable resources to advance their education and careers.

The Fundraising Goal & How You Can Help

VMFA aims to raise $20,000 this year to support administrative and operational costs, ensuring we can continue offering free events for veterans throughout the Greater Philadelphia area. Your support directly sustains these programs, providing spaces for connection, healing, and community. Whether through financial contributions, event sponsorships, in-kind donations, or volunteering, you can play a vital role in helping us move veterans forward.

Team Philly VMFA

Team Philly VMFA is made up of two Drexel Graduate Students, Joshua Hendarto and Francesca LaRosa, seeking to assist Veterans Moving Forward Association reach its annual goal of $20,000. Currently, Team Philly is fundraising for $250 to help the cause. All proceeds will go to the organization and directly support VMFA’s mission and operations.

Join us in the mission to reduce veteran suicide, one connection at a time.

Donate