For many veterans, the transition to civilian life comes with obstacles—both seen and unseen. But thanks to Break the Barriers, veterans across California’s San Joaquin Valley and Nevada are discovering the power of adaptive sports, mobility training, and community support.
Through a $5,000 Empowerment Grant from the Hanger Foundation, Break the Barriers served 940 veterans, providing opportunities in aquatics, archery, daily fitness, powerlifting, performing arts, and more—all designed to restore confidence, independence, and mobility.
Army Veteran
They are truly about including people of all abilities. Break the Barriers has the staff, equipment, and programs that give us purpose in our daily lives again.
Competing on the National Stage
One of the most remarkable impacts of the grant was the opportunity for 40 veterans to compete at The Vegas Shoot, one of the largest archery tournaments in the world. Events like this don’t just highlight physical skill; they celebrate resilience, determination, and camaraderie among veterans.
Additionally, 11 veterans competed in the USA Archery California State Indoor Championship, with many finishing in the top 12 of their division—a testament to the program’s success in training elite adaptive athletes.
Expanding Opportunities for Female Veterans
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by female veterans, Break the Barriers launched specialized women-led clinics in archery and swimming—ensuring that women veterans have a safe and empowering space to develop their skills. The organization is also establishing a DAV Advisory Board of women, further amplifying the voices and needs of female veterans.
Looking Ahead
With 288 program days, 300 hours of training, and 150 volunteer hours, Break the Barriers is poised for continued growth. The organization plans to expand its adaptive sports offerings, provide specialized equipment, and increase access to mobility training, ensuring that even more veterans can rediscover movement, independence, and strength.
To learn more about Break the Barriers and the crucial work the organization is doing, visit their website.