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Teresa Schick’s Vision: Creating a Lifeline for SOF Spouses
When Teresa Schick, a proud Navy SEAL spouse, founded The Pillar Foundation, she had one clear mission: to provide a community of support and resources for other SOF spouses—especially those who were facing the challenges of their husbands’ transitions out of the military. The foundation aimed to serve spouses during the crucial two years before and two years after their spouses' military careers ended, providing not only emotional support but also a strong sense of community.
However, as Teresa and her team began building The Pillar Foundation, they realized that their mission could go further. They wanted to expand beyond just the Navy SEAL community and provide resources and support to all SOF spouses—no matter the branch of service. As they began growing, they faced a new challenge: how to not only serve these incredible women but also empower them to follow their own passions and entrepreneurial dreams.
That’s where Victor + Valor® stepped in.
The Challenges: Expanding the Mission, Reaching More Spouses
While Teresa’s heart for service and dedication to supporting military spouses was clear, The Pillar Foundation faced several key challenges in expanding its reach and refining its mission:
Clarifying the Mission: Initially, The Pillar Foundation was focused on serving Navy SEAL spouses, but Teresa and her team realized that the need was broader. They wanted to extend their reach to all SOF spouses, which required refining the foundation’s messaging and creating programs that would serve a wider audience.
Building Resources for the Spouse Community: As the foundation’s impact grew, Teresa realized that they needed new offerings—personalized programs, more events, and resources tailored to meet the unique needs of SOF spouses, especially those transitioning into civilian life.
Entrepreneurial Support: The Pillar Foundation wasn’t just about support in the traditional sense; it also aimed to help spouses realize their entrepreneurial potential. Teresa wanted to create opportunities for spouses to explore their passions and business ideas—but she didn’t know how to integrate this vision into the foundation’s offerings.
Teresa had the vision and the drive, but she needed expert guidance to help her clarify the foundation’s mission and create a more robust framework for reaching and supporting SOF spouses.
Victor + Valor® Steps In: Refining the Mission and Supporting Growth
When Teresa was introduced to Victor + Valor®, we immediately understood the incredible potential in The Pillar Foundation. Our team recognized that by helping Teresa and her team refine their message and build their offerings, we could help The Pillar Foundation expand its impact and serve even more military spouses across the country.
Here’s how Victor + Valor® helped The Pillar Foundation:
Clarifying the Mission: We worked closely with Teresa and her team to refine the mission of The Pillar Foundation, helping them move beyond the Navy SEAL community and embrace the entire SOF spouse community. By adjusting their messaging and brand identity, we made it easier for the foundation to connect with a broader audience of spouses and create a more inclusive environment for all SOF families.
Developing Tailored Resources and Programs: We helped The Pillar Foundation create personalized programs that focused on the unique needs of SOF spouses, including those who were transitioning into civilian life. By designing workshops, webinars, and a network of resources tailored to this audience, we helped the foundation become a true resource hub for spouses looking for guidance, community, and support.
Supporting Entrepreneurial Dreams: Teresa was passionate about helping SOF spouses not just survive but thrive after their husbands’ transitions. We partnered with The Pillar Foundation to incorporate entrepreneurial support into their offerings. From mentorship to brand execution, we created the framework that encouraged spouses to explore their business ideas and follow their dreams.
The Future: Expanding Reach and Impact
As 2025 approaches, the future of The Pillar Foundation looks incredibly promising. With Victor + Valor®’s ongoing support, the foundation is poised to expand its impact and continue serving SOF spouses in new and exciting ways.
In 2025, The Pillar Foundation plans to:
Launch More Personalized Programs: The foundation will roll out more targeted programs that address the specific needs of different groups within the SOF spouse community, from mental health support to career guidance and financial literacy.
Host Nationwide Retreats: Building on the success of their initial events, The Pillar Foundation plans to host more retreats across the U.S., offering in-person support, networking opportunities, and personal growth for spouses. These retreats will also serve as a fundraising opportunity to continue supporting the foundation’s work.
The Ongoing Partnership: Always Ready to Adapt and Grow
At Victor + Valor®, we understand that life happens, especially for military families. That’s why we pride ourselves on offering ongoing support to The Pillar Foundation. As their mission evolves, we remain committed to helping Teresa and her team adapt, grow, and refine their programs to ensure they continue to meet the needs of SOF spouses.
Our partnership isn’t just a one-time service; it’s an ongoing collaboration. Whether they need help scaling programs, creating new offerings, or adapting to changing needs, we’re always ready to pivot, restart, and assist as The Pillar Foundation continues to expand its impact.
The Impact: Transforming the Lives of SOF Spouses
At Victor + Valor®, we are incredibly proud to be part of The Pillar Foundation’s growth. Through our partnership, we helped refine their mission, create personalized programs, and establish nationwide events that are now transforming the lives of SOF spouses across the country.
The Pillar Foundation is no longer just a local resource for Navy SEAL spouses; it has become a national movement for SOF spouses seeking support, community, and entrepreneurial opportunities. We look forward to continuing this journey with Teresa and her team as they empower military spouses to live their best lives and achieve their dreams.
Support Victor + Valor® – Help Us Empower More Military Families
At Victor + Valor®, we help military family entrepreneurs and nonprofits like The Pillar Foundation grow, scale, and make a lasting impact. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, veteran, military spouse, or donor, your support is crucial to our mission.
If you believe in empowering military families, building community, and transforming lives, we invite you to join us. Your donations, partnerships, and collaborations can help us expand our reach and empower even more brands like The Pillar Foundation to make a difference.
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Together, we can create lasting impact, support, and empowerment for those who serve our nation. Join Victor + Valor® today, and help us continue to build a legacy of strength, community, and success.
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