SOAR
Special Operations Additional Resource Program
A Lifeline When It’s Needed Most
Operation Healing Forces’ (OHF) Special Operations Additional Resource (SOAR) Program serves as a critical family stabilization and direct support program for the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community including service members, veterans, partners, and children.
Through personalized intervention, crisis response, and long-term resiliency services, SOAR helps minimize the risk factors that can lead to behavioral health crises, family instability, caregiver burnout, financial hardship, and challenges impacting the well-being of military children and families.
At the center of SOAR is OHF’s Immediate Needs Program (INP), which provides direct, timely assistance to wounded, ill, injured, and Fallen SOF service members, veterans, caregivers, spouses, and children. Support is tailored to the unique needs of each family and may include emergency financial assistance for food, housing, utilities, and transportation; access to mental and behavioral healthcare services; individual, child, couple, and family counseling; respite care for caregivers; medical and adaptive equipment; educational and tutoring support; and assistance navigating complex medical or transitional challenges.
SOAR also provides direct services designed to strengthen families before crisis escalates. This includes parenting and reintegration support for mothers and fathers navigating the impacts of deployments, combat injuries, military transition, and long-term caregiving responsibilities. Families are connected with wellness coaching, resilience resources, and personalized support that promotes healthier communication, emotional well-being, and long-term family stability.
Recognizing that military transition and financial uncertainty can place additional stress on families, SOAR also offers workforce development and career transition assistance, including certification support, life skills coaching, employment-related assistance, and guidance designed to help military families build sustainable futures beyond service.
As a trusted partner of the U.S. Special Operations Command Warrior Care Program, OHF fulfills urgent requests for support often within 24 hours, ensuring families receive compassionate, direct assistance when they need it most. In 2025 alone, SOAR fulfilled hundreds of requests for support and continues to expand its reach as the needs of the SOF community evolve.
Immediate Needs and Crisis Support Programs
The OHF Immediate Needs Program provides direct support and crisis stabilization services to Special Operations Forces families facing medical, financial, emotional, or transitional hardships. Services are available to the entire family unit — including service members, veterans, spouses, caregivers, mothers, fathers, and children — helping reduce stressors that can impact family stability, mental well-being, and long-term resilience.
Programs Include:
- Emergency financial assistance for housing, utilities, food, and essential living needs
- Medical and adaptive equipment support
- Emergency travel and funeral assistance
- Mental and behavioral health support services
- Child, family, and caregiver support resources
- Career transition and workforce development assistance
- Other urgent crisis and stabilization services for SOF families
*This program is powered in part by Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) to honor and empower post-9/11 injured service members, veterans, and their families.
Holistic Wellness Support
Operation Healing Forces provides holistic wellness support to the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community that extends well beyond the retreat experience. Through wellness coaching, family and parenting resources, peer connection, and personalized support services, OHF helps service members, veterans, spouses, caregivers, and children navigate the challenges of military life, transition, injury, caregiving, and reintegration.
This ongoing support connects families with resources that address mental, physical, emotional, relational, and financial well-being during times of transition, hardship, and growth. By promoting healthy communication, resilience, emotional wellness, and family stability, OHF’s holistic approach is designed to strengthen protective factors, reduce isolation and stress, and support long-term well-being across every stage of the SOF journey.
Exclusive Resources for OHF Alumni
These programs are exclusively available to Operation Healing Forces alumni. Eligibility is reserved for those who have participated in an OHF retreat or have previously received support through the Immediate Needs Program. In our commitment to ongoing care and support, these programs ensure our alumni families continue to receive the resources they need to thrive.
Employment & Transition Assistance
Tax Preparation Services
Alumni Events
Partner Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Special operations additional resource (SOAR) program?
All Special Operations Forces service members, Veterans, their family members and caregivers are eligible for OHF's SOAR programs.
Can caregivers or spouses apply directly for immediate needs support?
Yes. Caregivers and spouses of SOF members may apply directly if the crisis directly impacts their role of the wellbeing of the household.
What types of needs are supported?
Immediate needs support may cover:
- Emergency travel for medical care or family situations
- Rent or utility assistance during financial hardship
- Essential items or home/vehicle repairs directly impacting safety or health
- Specialized medical equipment or supplies not covered by insurance
- Other items on a case-by-case basis
What types of requests are not covered?
The program does not typically provide long-term income replacement, credit card debt repayment, or luxury items. Assistance is focused on immediate, crisis-driven needs that directly affect the wellbeing of SOF families.
What documentation is required?
- Proof of military service (DD214, orders, or verification of SOF status)
- Invoices, bills, or estimates related to the request
- A brief explanation of how the support will address your immediate need
Can you Provide More details about the Transition assistance program?
Q: How much funding can I request?
A: Grants typically range from $500 to $3,000, based on purpose and documentation.
Q: Can I apply while still on active duty?
A: Yes — you must provide official separation or retirement orders, and the request must support your transition planning.
Q: Are family members eligible?
A: Yes — if the request supports the overall transition of the SOF household (e.g., spouse job training, relocation, equipment).
Q: What documentation is required?
A: Please provide the following:
- DD214 or retirement/separation orders (if applicable)
- Invoice, quote, or estimate
- A detailed explanation of how this request supports your transition
Q: What should I include in the explanation of how this request supports my transition?
A: Be clear and specific. Examples:
- “This certification will help me meet job qualifications in cybersecurity and increase my competitiveness for employment after service.”
- “These tools are required for me to start work as a mechanic and are not provided by the employer.”
- “My spouse’s medical billing course will enable her to work remotely and provide income during my shift from military to civilian life.”
- “Relocating for a confirmed job offer ensures I can begin work immediately after separation.”
Q: How long does it take to process?
A: Most grants are reviewed within 7–10 business days
Q: Can I request support for medical or mental health expenses?
A: No — please refer to OHF’s Immediate Needs Program (INP) for crisis or wellness-related support.
Is financial assistance a loan or a grant?
Immediate Needs support is a grant, not a loan. Families are not required to pay back funds provided through SOAR.
How often can I apply?
Each case is reviewed individually. In general, support is meant for urgent, one-time situations, but families experiencing unique or ongoing crises may reapply if circumstances warrant.
Does OHF provide ongoing financial planning or counseling?
While the Immediate Needs Program provides short-term crisis support, OHF may ask to connect you with trusted resources for financial counseling, legal support, or transition planning to build long-term stability.
WHo do I contact for help or to apply?
You can reach out through the OHF website application form or contact our program staff directly by phone or email. A staff member will guide you through the application and documentation process.
