StMichaelsWarriors_Alercia_Presentation_LVMAC_21Aug2024.pdf

Presentation by the St. Michael's Warriors by David and Danielle Alercia, co-founders, to the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council meeting on 21 August 2024 on the subject of “Turning Trauma into Triumph". The origins and much of the direction of this new nonprofit lies with assisting first responders with work-related traumatic conditions. Such an effort has advantages to military veterans as well.

1. SAINT MICHAEL’S
WARRIORS
NONPROFIT

2. OUR MISSION
"Saint Michael's Warriors is an experience-
based group created to guide first
responders, veterans, active- duty military,
and their families through difficult times.
We are committed to assisting those
struggling with PTSD, substance abuse,
and mental health challenges find and
access a pathway to health."
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3. WHO WE ARE
Saint Michael’s Warriors is a registered 501(c)3
non-profit organization. We are committed to
helping First Responders, Veterans, Active
Military and family find mental health services or
services for PTSD, substance and alcohol misuse.

4. WHY WE EXIST
ON AUGUST 1, 2020, OUR PRESIDENT, DAVID ALERCIA WAS
INVOLVED IN A POLICE SHOOTING. DURING THIS ENCOUNTER,
DAVID RECEIVED NUMEROUS PHYSICAL INJURIES, AS WELL AS
INVISIBLE WOUNDS. SHORTLY AFTER THE INCIDENT, DAVID WAS
DIAGNOSED WITH PTSD.
IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT FINDING THE PROPER SERVICES
IN OUR AREA FOR HIS HEALING. THIS RESULTED IN HIS WIFE
CONTACTING NUMEROUS ORGANIZATIONS, SOMETIMES MET
WITH RESISTANCE. IT WAS A TRIAL AND ERROR PROCESS TO
FIND HIM THE HELP HE NEEDED. FROM THAT EXPERIENCE OUR
ORGANIZATION WAS BORN.
WE HERE AT SAINT MICHAEL'S WARRIORS FEEL NO ONE
SHOULD HAVE TO STRUGGLE LIKE DAVID DID.

5. MEET OUR BOARD
MEMBERS
•David Alercia- Founder and President
•Danielle Sheehan Alercia- Co-founder and
Vice President
•Caity Weiss- Founding Board Member
•Benjamin Iobst- Founding Board Member
•Matthew Rush- Founding Board Member
•Jo Fiorentino- Founding Board Member
•Stacey Janusz- Board Member
•Justin Wright- Board Member
•Brian Sabo- Board Member
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6. WHAT WE HAVE ACCESS TO
•Inpatient therapy
•Outpatient therapy
•First Responder AND Veteran Specific AA Meetings
•Veteran AND First Responder Specific treatment facilities
•What works for one person may not work for another. That
is why it is important to have a specific treatment planned
tailored to each person's needs.
•Treatment for some may also be a lifelong process. It is
something that may need to be worked on and continued
over time.
ALL PLACES AND SERVICES WE REFER ARE VETTED DIRECTLY
BY OUR BOARD.
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7. MONETARY
DONATIONS
•Transportation
•Groceries
•Some medical expenses
•Housing i.e. hotel before treatment
•Other relevant expenses that are needed
ALL ARE VOTED ON BY THE BOARD ON A
CASE –BY- CASE BASIS.

8. COMMUNITY EVENTS
•Northampton Veterans Outreach 2024
•Forks Community Days 2024
•Yoga in the Park
•Lower Mt Bethel Community Day 2024
•Vet Fest 2024
•Craig J. Geiger Memorial Golf Outing 2024
•Women’s Support Group for Spouses/partners of Vets
and First Responders
•Veteran & First Responder Connection Hour-
Facilitated by one of our board members
•Member of LVMAC as of 2024
•Board Members that are part of LVLEO Wellness and
Peer Support Group
•Volunteer at DeSales Friday Drop-in hour at VA Center
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9. OUR VISION FOR
THE FUTURE
•Expand our reach further beyond the Lehigh Valley
area.
•Recruit more volunteers.
•Recruit donors.
•Expand our sustainability and impact.
•Provide monetary funds to First Responders and
military personnel that succumb to suicide.

10. CONTACT INFORMATION:
•(484) 223- 8325
•WEB Address: Saintmichaelswarriors.org
•Email: [email protected]
•Instagram: Saintmichaelswarrior_nonprofit
•Facebook: Saint Michael’s Warriors
•https://givebutter.com/saint- michaels-warriors10