Jane Doe (real identity withheld) came to us from Silver Lining Villages, an organization offering veterans holistic emotional health.  Jane Doe served as a career officer in the military, however, while patrolling the Demilitarized Zone, she was sexually assaulted, traumatized and, thereafter, left the military.  After leaving the service, she enrolled in the School of Theology at Virginia Union University and completed her residency in pastoral care and counseling at Emory University.  In 1995, she was ordained in the United Church of Christ.  For a while, she had to leave her ministry because of the effects of PTSD, anxiety and depression stemming from the earlier sexual assault.  By the time of her nomination for the Spirit Award,  Jane had received therapy and felt able and desirous of resuming her pastoral care in order  to help other veterans.

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The BBMEF awarded Jane a grant enabling her to take a required Pastoral Counseling certification course so that insurance will cover the veterans' care she provides to military clients.  She is midway through her course and feels like she is reclaiming her life and able to give to others.

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*Nominated by nonprofit partner Silver Lining Villages .