Lance Newman, a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, serves as the Executive Director of Hidden Wounds, a nonprofit focused on supporting veterans, active-duty service members, law enforcement, and emergency responders. The organization operates the Hidden Wounds Resource Center, offering essential services such as mental health counseling, peer support, sexual trauma recovery, and food assistance for those facing food insecurity.
Central to Lance’s mission is the Hidden Wounds Call Line, which manages around 65 calls daily from individuals in crisis, grappling with suicidal thoughts or seeking understanding for their unique challenges. Lance ensures that each veteran receives the support they need, embodying a commitment to those who feel overlooked.
Currently pursuing his doctoral degree, expected to be completed by August 2025, Lance’s academic work aligns with his professional mission to assist those who struggle after serving the nation. He also collaborates with a team in Sumter to develop housing solutions for vulnerable veterans.
Lance’s mission is to meet veterans with dignity, compassion, and action. Having faced his own struggles, he believes no one should endure mental health battles alone. He and his wife, Cecilia, share a deep commitment to community service.
Hidden Wounds aims to offer immediate and long-term mental health support to military service members, veterans, first responders, and their families, particularly those facing invisible wounds such as PTSD, TBI, and military sexual trauma. The organization acts as a crucial lifeline during critical times, often bridging gaps left by traditional government services.
At the Sumter Resource Center, an average of 25 veterans receive face-to-face support daily, including guidance, food assistance, and access to essential resources. While primarily serving South Carolina, Hidden Wounds extends its reach across all 50 states and supports a network of 13 peer-to-peer support groups, including four specifically for women addressing sexual trauma and bullying. These groups meet regularly in South Carolina and other states, guided by trained facilitators to ensure safe and supportive environments for healing.
To combat veteran homelessness, Hidden Wounds is collaborating with VALANTHROPY on a new housing project near the Sumter Resource Center. This initiative will accommodate 12 veterans and provide them with vital access to counseling, job training, and community resources. Its location near the Veterans Administration clinic ensures residents receive necessary medical and mental health care. This project represents the first of many such initiatives responding to demand for similar housing solutions.
By fostering a safe space for combat veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors, Hidden Wounds helps to alleviate silent suffering with compassion and community support. The organization thrives on donations and partnerships, driven by the belief that every life is valuable, especially those who have served.
For more information visit https://hiddenwounds.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/OurHiddenWounds.