Community as the Intervention
Community Statement
As an intentional community, Bastion’s core mission is to cultivate a living environment full of meaningful, lasting relationships among neighbors in which our veterans can once again feel a sense of belonging, identity, and purpose. This is embodied in our motto, “Community as the Intervention.” Our on-site services and resources assist our veterans in building their independence, health, and wellness, but the core source of support our veterans receive at Bastion comes through their relationships with one another.
2024 Residential & Community Wellness Impact Statistics
100+ Mind-Body Wellness Groups & Individual Sessions (Massage, Yoga, Acupuncture, TRE, Tai Chi, and more)
20 Walk/Run/Ride Meetings
17 Community-Based Wellness Providers utilized
52 Social Connection Events
10 Warrior Writers Workshops
240 Resident-led Activities (Coffee Cart, Bible Study, Sobriety Group)
48 Leadership, Training, and Learning Activities
27 Psycho-education Classes from Bastion’s Social Work & Occupational Therapy Teams
2024 Headway Snapshot
Overview
- 24 participants with TBI or neurological conditions served
- 9 vocational placements
- 12 caregivers and family members supported
Group programming
- 141 group therapeutic sessions
- 24 community outings and field trips
Occupational Therapy
- 824 hours of individual OT provided
- 186 short-term goals met by Headway veterans
- 50 long-term goals met by Headway veterans
Click here to learn more about Headway, Bastion’s signature brain injury program for post-9/11 veterans living with traumatic brain injuries and other neurological conditions.
2024 Annual Report
2024 Wellness Intensive Program: Results & Testimonials
Results:
Our 11 veteran participants filled out the DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale) and across the board, all participants lowered their depression scores.
Additionally, 73% of participants decreased or maintained baseline anxiety scores and 82% reported a decrease/maintained stress scores. Participants also filled out the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and 73% decreased their scores.
Feedback from our Veteran Participants:
Participant Testimonials:
“The Wellness Intensive definitely grounded me mentally. It strengthened my coping skills and added several techniques I was previously unaware of to my repertoire. It connected me with my fellow veterans and the social work staff of Bastion, providing me with a clear and compassionate support system if I need it.” – Bastion Resident, Veteran
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Wellness Intensive as a veteran who shares many personal struggles as Bastion residents. As a board member, I was blown away by the team’s professionalism and compassion for the veteran community. I’m extremely proud to be a part of the Bastion story.” – Bastion Board Member, Veteran
Previous Studies
2022
The Effect of an Intentional Residential Community on the Reintegration of Veterans with a Traumatic Brain Injury and their Families
Resilience scores peaked at Bastion during the pandemic. These findings suggest suggest that peer networks, social support, connectedness, and appraisal, or social capital more broadly, can improve health and wellbeing in a predominantly disabled community.
2018
Community Reintegration for a Returning Warrior
This case study examines the challenges associated with mental health among military veterans, and the opportunities to improve the continuum of care for this population.
