Warrant Officer (Ret’d) John Gorrell, a Veteran with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety, found healing and purpose through art, launching his own graphic design business. Fardous Hosseiny, President and CEO of the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, shares that Gorrell’s experience reflects a common struggle among Veterans facing a profound identity shift, worsened by PTSD and a lack of post-service structure. He stresses the need for recognizing moral injury as formal diagnosis to support treatment and recovery and urges other Veterans to find something they love to help navigate life after service.
The Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families launched a new set of online resources to address intimate partner violence (IPV) within the military and Veteran community, where unique stressors like frequent relocations, isolation, and post-service transitions can increase the risk of unhealthy relationships. Developed in collaboration with Veterans, Families, researchers and service providers, the resources aim to increase awareness, reduce stifma, and provide practical guidance for those affected, including help for parents supporting children affected by IPV.
The Athena Project is a research initiative focused on understanding and supporting the unique needs of women Veterans during and after their transition from military service. It uses a community-engaged approach, involving women Veterans directly in designing and guiding studies. Atlas is conducting two major online studies: one examining health care access and well-being, and another exploring transition experiences and service awareness.
The 2025 Atlas Institute Veteran Family Summit provided tools, resources and inspiration tailored specifically to Veteran Families facing the operational stress injuries of their loved ones. The event featured keynote speakers and experts touching on topics such as sleep, moral injury and parenting with a posttraumatic stress injury, as well as panels highlighting lived experience.
In collaboration with Veterans and Family members and in partnership with the Centre for Suicide Prevention, the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families has released a new suite of suicide prevention resources. The resources aim to support both Veterans and their Family members so they can find answers based on the experiences of people like them for the questions they may have about mental health and suicide. The resources aim to acknowledge and support people’s needs at different points along the continuum of experiences for both the Veteran and the Family member.
Veteran and Atlas Institute National Strategic Advisor Brian McKenna highlights posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and moral injury among Veterans. Military members may deal with inadequate emotional and mental preparation for combat and limited support systems, which can make the transition to post-military life even more challenging. McKenna, diagnosed with PTSD, found limited resources and cultural competency in medical services. Therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy and neurofeedback show promise. Advocating for more support, McKenna emphasizes readiness in medical systems for returning Veterans.
An online hub has been launched by the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families to offer support for people impacted by military sexual trauma. It provides resources on military sexual misconduct and trauma recovery and aids for health care providers treating Veterans.
A new course aims to bridge the knowledge gap for therapists treating Veterans and first responders. Developed by Dr. Tim Black, it addresses the unique mental health needs of these groups, focusing on a more direct, transparent approach than traditional therapy methods. Nearly 800 health care providers have accessed this training, hoping to improve care for those frequently exposed to trauma.
Canadian Press story featured in more than 250 outlets, including the National Post, Toronto Star, CTV News and Global News
Veterans are increasingly facing loneliness, with nearly one-quarter living alone, a rate higher than the general population. Operation VetBuild, a program at Royal Canadian Legion branches, aims to reduce this isolation by providing socializing opportunities through model-building activities. Although effective for participants, the program faces challenges in attracting younger Veterans. The issue of loneliness among Veterans is significant, as it’s associated with various health problems and impacts their overall well-being. Understanding and addressing this loneliness is crucial for supporting Veteran communities.
Profile of Veteran and former Atlas Institute reference group member Floyd Powder and his appointment as sergeant-at-arms for the N.W.T. Legislative Assembly. His extensive volunteer work includes involvement with Atlas, the Last Post Fund and Métis National Council, which highlights his commitment to community service.
