03/30/2026
*One day an old man was walking along the beach in the early morning and noticed the tide had washed thousands of starfish up onto the shore. Ahead, he spotted a boy gathering up the starfish, then one by one tossing them back into the ocean. He approached the boy and asked why he spent so much energy doing what seemed to be a waste of time. The boy replied, "The starfish cannot live if they are left out in the sun."*
*Then the old man gazed out as far as he could see and responded, "But there must be thousands of miles of beaches and countless starfish. You can't possibly rescue all of them. What difference is throwing back a few going to make anyway?"*
*The boy bent down, picked up yet another starfish and threw it as far as he could into the ocean. Then he turned, smiled, and said, "It made a difference to that one!"*
*The old man leaned over, picked up a starfish and joined the boy throwing starfish into the water.*
---
A few years ago, our state lost someone in the first responder community. I never knew them personally. Around that same time, a friend of mine was struggling — unrelated to the job, but struggling nonetheless. And if I'm being honest, about eight years ago I started having my own issues too.
I was just one person in our huge family of first responders who was quietly falling apart. I felt like I couldn't get treatment because of the bills piling up and the cost of getting help. So my treatment became something else — building this community. Building this organization. And holding onto one simple truth:
*If it helps just one person. Just one. Then it was worth it.*
---
🛡️ **From an idea to an official nonprofit — Project Shield is real.**
Not long ago, Project Shield existed only as a vision — a belief that first responders fighting PTSD and depression deserved more than thoughts and prayers. They deserved real, tangible support while they focus on getting better. A place where a first responder could contribute $20 from their paycheck knowing it might help a colleague today — or themselves someday.
Today we can say this with confidence:
✅ Officially incorporated in the State of West Virginia
✅ Federal EIN obtained
✅ Bylaws drafted and ready for adoption
✅ Website live at projectshield.net
✅ Community growing right here
And we're not stopping there. Here's what's coming next:
🔲 WV Business Registration Certificate
🔲 Bylaws officially signed and adopted by the board
🔲 Bank accounts opening
🔲 Board Policy & Procedure Manual being built
🔲 WV Charitable Solicitation Registration
🔲 Federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status application — coming soon
Every single one of those boxes gets checked, one by one. That's how you build something that lasts.
Right now we're focused on helping cover at least part of treatment costs. As we grow, so does our ability to help — because a first responder in treatment shouldn't have to worry about anything except getting better.
That's the mission. That's why we exist.
---
💙 **In the spirit of transparency:**
Running a legitimate nonprofit has real costs — filing fees, registrations, and compliance requirements run roughly $300 a year. Every purchase from our store helps cover those administrative costs so that direct donations go where they belong — straight to first responders in need.
A portion of donations will also be set aside in a dedicated savings fund working toward something bigger — a treatment facility of our own, right here in West Virginia, dedicated to the specialized care of first responders so they can get the help they need close to home.
---
To every person who has followed, shared, or believed in this from day one — thank you. You are part of this. We may not be able to help everyone at once — but we can make a difference to that one. 💙
💙 The mission continues.
🔗 Learn more: projectshield.net
*Project Shield Inc. is a registered West Virginia nonprofit currently pending federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Donations are accepted but are not yet tax-deductible pending IRS approval.*
