About Us – NPO-Veterans
🇺🇸 Our Story

About Veterans Hope

Born from the sacrifice and service of veterans themselves, we exist to ensure no veteran is left behind.

Who We Are

A Mission Forged in Service

Veterans Hope was founded in 2014 by a group of combat veterans who experienced firsthand the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. We saw our brothers and sisters struggling — not from weakness, but from a lack of resources, guidance, and community.

Today, we are a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving thousands of veterans and their families across all 50 states. Our programs are built by veterans, for veterans.

3,200+

Veterans Served

$4M+

Funds Distributed

Our Core Values

🎖
Honor

We honor the sacrifice of every veteran through integrity and transparency in all that we do.

🤝
Service

Service does not end at discharge. We serve veterans with the same dedication they gave our country.

💪
Empowerment

We believe in equipping veterans with tools, not just aid, for long-term independence.

🌟
Community

No veteran should walk alone. We build lasting communities of support and belonging.

The Team

Our Leadership

Veterans, advocates, and community leaders united by a single mission.

👨‍⚕️

Col. Robert A. Hansen

Executive Director

U.S. Army (Ret.) 24 years of service. Champion for veteran employment rights.

👩‍💼

Dr. Sandra M. Rivera

Director of Programs

Ph.D. Social Work. Veteran mental health advocate for 15+ years.

🧑‍💻

James T. Wilson

Director of Operations

Former Navy logistics officer, now leading our national expansion.

👩‍⚖️

Attorney Michelle K. Park

Legal Services Director

Specializes in VA disability claims and military law.

Our Journey

A History of Service

2014

Founded

Veterans Hope established by 5 combat veterans in Washington, DC with a $50,000 seed grant.

2015

First Employment Program

Our inaugural job placement program placed 47 veterans in their first year.

2017

Mental Health Initiative

Launched free counseling services in partnership with 12 licensed therapists.

2019

National Expansion

Expanded to 15 states with a network of 80+ partner employers.

2021

Housing Program Launch

Opened emergency housing assistance program, serving 400+ veterans in year one.

2023

3,000 Veterans Milestone

Celebrated supporting our 3,000th veteran — and growing.

2026

Today & Beyond

Serving 3,200+ veterans nationally, raising over $4M in donations, and expanding every day.