Good Strategies

Good Strategies Has Closed — Thank You for the Journey

Good Strategies was born out of a simple belief:
when people give their time, talents, and hearts to each other, communities change.

After decades working alongside volunteers, neighbors, donors, and nonprofits, I launched Good Strategies with the hope of helping organizations strengthen their ability to engage volunteers in meaningful ways — not just as helpers, but as partners in mission and community change.

Over the past year, I had the privilege of:

listening to nonprofit leaders who are carrying enormous loads

meeting neighbors who want to serve but aren’t sure where to start

learning more about the shifting landscape of volunteerism

and seeing sparks of hope in a challenging time for our country

What became clear, though, is that the nonprofit sector is operating under extraordinary strain — limited budgets, staffing shortages, and urgent needs. There is a deep desire for help, but not the funding or infrastructure to support consulting services like the ones I offered.

At the same time, the ways people volunteer are changing.
Some give less time but more often.
Others serve in short bursts rather than long commitments.
And many are searching for meaning, connection, and belonging — which requires developing a genuine relationship with each and every volunteer.

I still believe wholeheartedly that volunteerism is essential community infrastructure.
But I came to realize that my calling in this season is to support that work from within an organization, rather than on my own.

So with a full heart and deep gratitude, Good Strategies is closing.

To everyone who shared a conversation, opened a door, offered insight, or simply cheered me on — thank you.
Every idea exchanged, every cup of coffee, every encouragement helped shape this journey.

I’m taking everything I learned into the next chapter, and I’m excited to continue lifting up the power of service, connection, and community — just in a different way.

Thank you again for believing in the work — and for all you do to build a kinder, more connected world.

Today—and every day—we honor our veterans. 🇺🇸

This month, we’ve highlighted eight organizations serving our military community with compassion and purpose: Operation Homefront, Tri-County Veterans Support Network, Friends of Fisher House, Heroes on the Water, Warrior Surf Foundation, She’s the Veteran, Operation VetFit, and RJ’s Mission Foundation.

To all veterans: thank you for your service, sacrifice, and example.
To our community: may we continue to serve those who have served us.

Dedicated to honoring veterans and first responders, RJ's Mission Foundation turns gratitude into action through community projects and support.

RJ’s Mission Foundation began with one life-changing phone call. When founder, RJ, was on the line with a Marine Veteran friend who was ready to take their own life. That painful moment sparked a promise: no hero should ever feel forgotten or alone.

From that call grew a grassroots nonprofit that now provides hot meals, groceries, toiletries, and essential support to Veterans, first responders, and their families across our Lowcountry community.

They are 100% volunteer-driven, and every dollar donated goes directly to caring for those who’ve carried us.

Operation Vet-Fit empowers combat veterans and active duty members through fitness, camaraderie, and mental health services—helping those who served rediscover purpose and strength.

With a goal of zero suicides, Operation Vet-Fit is accomplishing its mission by helping to rebuild that sometimes lost sense of purpose while fostering a healthy transition after combat service.

Operationvetfit.org 🇺🇸💪🏻

Empowering women who served—She’s the Veteran provides mental health advocacy, community, and programmatic activities designed by and for female veterans. Membership is free for past and present female service members.

Apply to be a member by visiting shestheveteran.org 🩷🖤🤍

The Warrior Surf Foundation believes that all Veterans deserve the right to live lives to their fullest potential. WSF provides free surf therapy, wellness coaching, yoga, and community to Veterans struggling with mental health issues.

Visit warriorsurf.org to learn more and support their programs.

Through kayaking, fishing, and outdoor connection, Heroes on the Water helps veterans, first-responders, and active-duty military members find peace, camaraderie, and healing.

Email [email protected] to get involved! 🎣

Friends of Fisher House provides a “home away from home” for veteran families traveling to Charleston to receive care through the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. Since opening in 2018, the house has welcomed over 8,000 families, providing them with lodging, meals, transportation, and other essentials – all at no cost.

As a premier veteran-supporting organization in the Charleston area, their mission is to ensure that no family has to worry about where to stay or how to afford the essentials while their loved one receives care.

Please see link below for their website, social media and meal train (biggest volunteer opportunity).

https://linktr.ee/fofhchs

Tri-County Veterans Support Network proudly celebrates 12 years of service, having supported more than 7,000 Veterans and families across the Lowcountry. Yet, the need continues to grow.

They're launching the Patriot Housing Project to provide additional housing and job opportunities for homeless Veterans.

You can make an immediate impact — donate today to help a Hero find hope and a home- https://givebutter.com/U4b9ny
To learn more or get involved, email [email protected].

From emergency financial help to holiday support, Operation Homefront strengthens military families and builds community connections.
Their mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military and veteran families by improving their financial, emotional, and social well-being. 💙 Learn how you can lend a hand to those who’ve given so much.

As Veteran’s Day approaches, Good Strategies is proud to spotlight eight extraordinary Charleston-area organizations serving our veterans and their families: RJ’s Mission Foundation, Operation Homefront, Operation VetFit, She’s the Veteran, Heroes on the Water, Friends of Fisher House, Tri-County Veterans Support Network/Patriot Housing Project, and Warrior Surf Foundation.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll share how each one is making a difference—and how you can get involved to thank the men and women who have served our nation.

Follow along and join us in honoring veterans not just on November 11, but every day.

Did you know our website has a comprehensive list of nonprofits in the tri-county area? Head over to goodstrategiesus.com to explore all of the incredible organizations in our community! 💚