K2 Gus Mendez Valor Initiative Wellness Program
The K2 Gus Mendez Valor Initiative Wellness Program is designed to support the physical and mental wellness of past and present military personnel and their families through a comprehensive approach encompassing mental health, fitness, nutrition and adventure.
Over the course of 6 months, participants will engage in various activities aimed at improving physical and mental well-being, culminating in a challenging, yet rewarding final adventure, followed by 6 months of ongoing post-adventure support.
Program Components:
1. Mental Health Counseling:
– Frequency: 1-hour weekly pre-adventure and once monthly post-adventure for the remainder of the program.
– Participants will have access to professional mental health counselors. Through individual counseling sessions, participants will have a safe space to explore and address any mental health challenges they may be facing, such as PTS, depression, anxiety or adjustment issues.
2. Fitness Training:
– Frequency: 3 sessions/week pre-adventure.
– Led by certified fitness trainers, these sessions will focus on improving strength, endurance, flexibility and overall fitness levels. Workouts will be tailored to accommodate various fitness levels and any physical limitations. Remote training programs will be available as needed.
3. Nutrition:
– Frequency: 1 session/week pre-adventure and once monthly post-adventure for the remainder of the program.
– Participants will receive personalized nutrition coaching from a certified nutrition coach. Sessions will cover topics such as meal planning, healthy eating habits, portion control and managing nutritional needs to support physical activity and mental well-being. Participants will also be required to utilize an online nutrition program to support accountability and measure progress.
4. Accountability:
– Frequency: monthly group check-in calls for the 12-month program.
– Participants will be included in a private group cohort texting app to foster support and accountability.
5. Adventure Preparation:
– Frequency: throughout the 6-month pre-adventure program.
– Participants will be encouraged to participate in outdoor activities and excursions that build physical endurance and mental resilience in preparation for their final adventure.
Adventure Examples:
1. Grand Canyon Experience:
– The pinnacle of the program will be a multi-day trip to include a single-day Grand Canyon hiking experience. Participants will embark on this challenging hike as a culmination of their physical and mental preparation throughout the program. Led by experienced guides, the hike will offer breathtaking views and serve as a symbolic journey of overcoming obstacles and pushing personal boundaries.
2. Outdoor Activities:
– The pinnacle of the program will be a multi-day trip to include kayaking, biking, fishing and additional outdoor recreational activities in a location to be determined. Participants will embark on these challenging outdoor recreational activities as a culmination of their physical and mental preparation throughout the program.
Program Goals:
– Improve mental and physical well-being among participants.
– Enhance physical fitness, strength and endurance.
– Foster camaraderie and a sense of community.
– Educate on the importance of nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits.
– Complete a challenging outdoor adventure experience.
Success Criteria
Successful completion of the K2 Gus Mendez Valor Initiative Wellness Program will be based on the following criteria:
Pre-Adventure:
– Regular attendance and active participation in counseling, fitness sessions and nutrition coaching.
– Physical fitness improvements measured through benchmarks such as strength gains, endurance levels and overall fitness assessments.
– Utilization of an online nutrition program to support accountability and measure progress.
– Monthly attendance on the program check in call.
– Completion of a final adventure.
Post-Adventure:
-Routine check-ins for mental health support: 1 session/month.
-Routine check-ins for nutrition support: 1 session/month.
-Ability to apply for continued fitness training scholarships.
Application Requirements:
-Applications will be open to any past or present military personnel and their families.
-In order for an application to be reviewed, it must be filled out in its entirety.
-Members of the corporation’s board of directors and their children are not eligible.
Would you like to support this program?
Founding Donor
The Mendez Family
Donors
