Driven by the loss of friends, brothers, and sisters in arms to suicide, substance abuse, and depression, I felt compelled to do something to help. After years of my personal battle with depression, substance abuse, I started to notice similarities between my behavior and those lost. I was gradually losing my drive to participate in things that made me feel happy and purposeful. Every funeral and celebration of life I attended, and every phone call with survivors, we talked about what the person used to love to do and what we “wished” they had gotten back into. The recurring reminiscence of the abilities, talents, and aspirations of those lost coupled with my own struggles and fears of my future inspired me to revisit my own forgotten talents and desires. Exploring this discovery led to the development of various systems and methods that may assist veterans going through their own struggles. Discovering ways to move forward and complete the mission is something I have had experience with my whole life. Take anything and make something happen with it.
Assisting with the design and development of products, programs, and activities for veterans or those effected by trauma that are looking to improve themselves, their community and quality of life. Our primary focus is military veterans, but after identifying the similarities between veterans and others that worked or lived in high stress environments we decided to expand our reach and open up to anybody that has endured similar experiences and are trying to improve themselves or their community.
The Choice is Always Yours
Taking the time to find out what you want in life is the most important thing you can do for yourself. By utilizing the experience and creativity of the Always Forward community, we can work together to explore and find what you might be missing. We promote healthy habits for a healthy mindset.
Setting our Roots
At Always Forward, we try to treat every client and companion as family. Every time we work with somebody we like to keep them in our contacts as mentors, and guides for future clients, projects and events. There is never an obligation to be there for anything. We hope that the experience and knowledge gained with us is worth the return. Every completed project, event, and product helps our network grow.
When we work with another business we create a companionship. Being able to test our abilities, while recognizing and supporting other businesses within the community, is right in our scope. These interactions allow us to try out our creativity with established emblems or logos while getting professional feedback from other business owners. We can also dip into our abilities with producing products that can be used or associated with the partnered business.
Below are a few of those that choose to be a part of our journey.
Friends, Mentors and Companions
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Brice
Brice joined us on the journey to blend horticulture with everything. From small planters to fully automated seeders, Brice has graced us with his knowledge and professionalism. Brice is currently helping us simplify and understand the implementation of native and pollinator friendly plants into our lives.
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Reni
Reni was looking for an opportunity to learn about logo design and we were looking for a logo. Reni helped us learn about the process of logo design from understanding our mission, to digitizing, to what we use today. Currently Reni is assisting some of our younger members with art exploration as well as co-designing and manufacturing shelters for vulnerable beneficial animals.
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Amanda
As an educator for nearly 20 years, Amanda is our go-to for any ideas that involve elementary education and development. Amanda brings experience from many grade levels and multiple schools. She also assisted us with the development of an after school chess introduction program.
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R Vida Cantina
Locally owned and operated in Citrus Heights, California. Excellent atmosphere, and even better food, a great place to take the family or have a drink. Fighting through the pandemic as a new restaurant was tough, but a strong discipline and evolving business strategies helped them survive and thrive.
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Pop's Premium Meat Shop
Locally owned and operated in Elk Grove, California. A great butcher that not only provides great customer service they give back and support their community. Always there to answer questions and offer help when available.
2023 and 2024 Best butcher in Elk Grove
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3 Blind Brothers
Known throughout the Elk Grove community. Taking care of your shutter and blinds needs, custom or otherwise, always with a smile on their faces.
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Andy
Shop Director and overall great person. Insatiable hunger to help others and spread knowledge. Andy has been at our first location from day one and we would be miles behind without him. If wood working is your interest, Andy is your man!
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Mike
Veteran and Culinary specialist, Mike wants to use his cooking wisdom to inspire future cooks and help find edible solutions for those who need it. No matter who you are a full stomach is a happy stomach.
What do you do?
We are always looking for people willing to share their knowledge and experience. Please reach out if you are interested in becoming a mentor or coach.