Restore 22 may be a newer nonprofit veteran organization, but its mission runs deep as it works to ease the transition for veterans coming home from combat.
Mark and Renee Callahan began Restore 22 in 2019 to help veterans access secondary schooling but during the Covid-19 pandemic, they pivoted to providing food to those in need. In the summer of 2022, Christine and Rob Ree partnered with the Callahans on a new vision for the organization and are raising money to open a cafe in Coraopolis.
The Rees want to supplement services provided by organizations such as the VFW and American Legion. Restore 22 is open to anyone who has served or is currently serving in the military.
“If you have ever worn a uniform, you are welcome here,” says Christine Ree.
The organization’s name comes from a recent Veterans Affairs Department report that an average of 22 veterans commit suicide every day.
“We want to restore our veterans before they become one of the 22,” says Ree.
Restore 22 added a podcast, Restore 22 Coffee Roadshow, in November 2023 to provide more resources for veterans and their families. During their show, the Rees visit veteran-owned businesses in the Pittsburgh area, share information about resources and tell a story about a veteran. Episodes of the podcasts can be found on Spotify, Rumble and Apple Podcasts.
Restore 22 also wants to bring an increased awareness of what veterans go through to the public.
“Military only teaches military,” says Christine Ree, speaking of her experience with her husband Rob, a veteran.
Through fundraisers and the podcast, the couple hopes to create a community of veterans and their supporters.
Upcoming events include a Military Bike Ride on Saturday, April 27, at the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Heritage Trail, a miniature golf tournament on June 22 (details to come) and a golf tournament on Aug. 25 at Moon Golf Club. Event registration and information can be found online.
At an event on March 11 at the Adventures in Training with a Purpose in Wexford, Gina Wilkes taught a Military Mindful Movement Moment class. It included low-intensity exercises and meditation to help relieve stress and support mental health. In 2016, Wilkes became a certified yoga instructor for first responders, veterans and active duty military.
Edward Stormer, a retired Navy, Air Force and Army veteran who has attended Adventures in Training with a Purpose for the past two years, said he is thankful for what the programs are doing for veterans.
Gary James, a former Marine, came to the event because he had seen how programs such as Adventures in Training with a Purpose impact veterans.
“I wouldn’t be where I am without the help,” says James.
Jon Kolb, former offensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers and a National Guard veteran, founded Adventures in Training with a Purpose, a Christian nonprofit organization focused on helping people improve their quality of life through physical training. Caleb Kolb, Jon’s son, is the executive director. Jon oversees the physical exercises, while Caleb focuses more on the mind through Aurelius 520, which is focused on helping veterans, active duty military and first responders.
Adventures in Training with a Purpose is free for all veterans and first responders at 7000 Stonewood Drive in Wexford. For information on supporting the organization or joining a class, please visit Facebook, Instagram or Adventures in Training with a Purpose.
Adventures in Training with a Purpose will host a Military Mindful Movement Moment class on the second Monday of each month. The next class will be held on Monday, April 8, at 5:45 p.m.
Coffee & Camaraderie is another monthly event held by Restore 22 on the second Friday of each month at Coraopolis Youth Creations Community Hub. The next event will be on April 12 at 8:30 a.m.
Currently, Restore 22 does not have a permanent location. However, the plan is to raise money for a coffee shop and a space for veterans. Of the $100,000 needed, they are at about $25,000. Donations can be made at Restore 22, which also has an online store with merchandise, coffee and a pay-it-forward option.