Since 2009 the Dolphin Research Center in Florida has been partnering with the Wounded Warrior Project to ease severely wounded heroes into healthy civilian lives.  Project Odyssey, named for Homer’s saga of a hero’s journey home, helps brain injured and PTSD warriors work through challenges and improve their outlook.  The warriors participate with peers in a three day retreat which includes dolphin dock interactions and a dolphin swim.  The atmosphere and activities are designed to invite warriors to connect with their outer world in a stress-free, nurturing environment.

In addition to core goals of bonding with others on similar journeys, connecting with nature, and learning new skills in a novel setting, the program supports the warriors families and caregivers with special dolphin time as well.

So if you are still working on last Tuesday’s Giving,* here’s a cause that I know will bring big smiles.

*Someone designated the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, as Giving Tuesday.