Save A Warrior
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 | |
| Formation | 2012 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Jake (“Ronald Jake”) Clark |
| Founded at | Malibu, California |
| Type | 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization |
| Purpose | multi-day retreat programs, support for active-duty service members, veterans, and first responders |
| Headquarters | Columbus, Ohio |
| Website | https://saveawarrior.org/ |
Save A Warrior (SAW), also known as the Warrior Meditation Foundation, is a U.S.-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. It provides multi-day retreat programs followed by long-term support for active-duty service members, veterans, and first responders experiencing psychological stress such as post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal ideation.[1]
Save A Warrior was launched in 2012 by the former police detective and FBI special agent Jake (“Ronald Jake”) Clark in Malibu, California.[2]
The core offering consists of Integrated/Integrative Intensive Retreats (IIRs) - short, structured, typically weeklong in-person group programs. These combine elements such as warrior meditation, peer support, experiential and nature-based formats (including high-ropes courses), equine-assisted learning, and psychoeducational modules (for example, work with "Adverse Childhood Experiences" and PTSD education). The curriculum is holistically ritualised.[3][4][5]
The organization targets service members, veterans, and first responders.[6]
In 2013, after the organization had established itself, Charity Navigator, a non-profit and independent rating platform that evaluates charitable organizations in terms of transparency, financial responsibility and effectiveness, awarded the Save a Warrior Foundation a 4-star rating.[7]
As the program expanded in 2018, SAW shifted its main operations to Ohio and established the so-called Warrior Village to increase participant capacity. It serves as the central site for the IIR program.[8]
Clark moved his organization to the Midwest and began building this infrastructure.[9][10]
Program
The program begins with a 72-hour intensive phase at Warrior Village, followed by long-term aftercare, including mentoring and community support, which spans a structured plan lasting many months.[11]
After the 72-hour intensive phase, Save a Warrior develops an individual, structured 500-day plan for each participant.[12]
Save a Warrior also maintains a confidential peer network for ongoing support and crisis assistance.[3]
Organization and finances
In 2023, SAW reported income of approximately 3.97 million US dollars, expenditure of 2.54 million US dollars and assets of 11.57 million US dollars. The foundation has grown exponentially since 2017.[1][13]
SAW is primarily funded by donations and foundation grants. Grants totalling 50,000 US dollars were received from the Infinite Hero Foundation for 2018 and 2019, and veterans-focused foundations such as the DAV Charitable Service Trust have also announced contributions.[3]
Impact and reception
The program runs several cohorts per year (30 cohorts and 323 participants in 2023).[11][12] According to participants, SAW's approach is immersive and community-based.[1]
Former members particularly emphasise the combination of evidence-based methods, ritual work and mutual support. Participants report a perceived improvement in their PTSD symptoms and a stronger sense of connection.[12][14]