About Us
Our Story
The Invisible Wounds Project was founded because our founder, Russ Hanes suffered from the realities of PTSD and trauma firsthand as a first responder. He spent 17 years in public safety, serving as a police officer, corrections officer, and 911 dispatcher. By 2016, he was struggling deeply with PTSD and had hit rock bottom. He was experiencing suicidal ideations, hated who he had become, and found his struggles were affecting every part of his life. He was not the father or husband he wanted to be, and he was making decisions at work that put himself and others at risk. He knew that he had to make a change, or he wasn’t going to survive.
When he looked for help, he couldn’t find anything that felt safe, relatable, or built for what a first responder goes through. Years earlier, in 2009, Russ had started an event that would become Cruise For Heroes as a way to honor his dad, a Navy veteran, and give back to those who served. That experience, combined with his own struggles, stuck with him. He eventually left his public safety career and transitioned into sales and marketing. Despite rebuilding his career, he continued to be drawn to serve. He knew too many first responders and veterans who were suffering in silence without access to meaningful support.
Over time, he connected with other like-minded individuals who felt the same calling to help. In 2018, the Invisible Wounds Project was officially founded. While the programs and services have evolved to meet the growing needs of those we serve, the vision has remained constant: to improve the lives and mental health of veterans, first responders, and their families. We focus on supporting the small percentage of people who answer the call to serve and are exposed to trauma most will never see. Equally important, we intentionally include families, because trauma does not stop at the individual, it comes home and affects everyone.
Today, the Invisible Wounds Project has grown into something far greater than we first imagined. Through our Support Center, we provide a safe, welcoming space where individuals can access specialized therapists, participate in wellness and peer-connection activities, and find a sense of belonging and purpose again. We’ve built a community of helpers, people who have walked their own healing journeys and now pay it forward by supporting others. Each year, we serve thousands of individuals, families, and groups, offering hope, connection, and pathways to healing.
As funding allows, we plan to continue expanding the Support Center and our programming to increase our reach and improve accessibility for more people who need help. The need is great, and our commitment is unwavering. With continued support, we can ensure that no veteran, first responder, or family member has to face invisible wounds alone.
Stories of Hope
OUR MISSION
