Our Mission
The Invictus Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works directly with Veterans and First Responders to provide access to mental healthcare services that they normally cannot afford or obtain.
Founded by veterans for veterans
In late 2014, following multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, the founders of the Invictus Project of Colorado, Sam Peterson and Jeffrey Haugland, found themselves feeling both mentally and physically exhausted. As happy as they were to finally be back home amongst their family and friends, they were struggling in their daily lives to complete even the most simple tasks. When attempting to seek help from the established medical system, they were met with endless prescriptions for a variety of anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications and anti-psychotics with the insensitive message to “soldier on.”
Soon after their own interactions with what is a deeply frustrating process, a multitude of case studies was released proving the ineffectiveness of prescription medication to treat PTSD, anxiety and suicidal ideations. This information and an empathy for the trials of tribulations that we know many service members endure, just like we did, spurred a new mission, to help other vets and first responders find care that yields real results.
We understand what it feels like to be hopeless, like there is no going back to the way things used to be after experiencing trauma. We’ve felt it first-hand and understand how our current system creates lifelong patients, rather than addressing and properly treating the root cause of symptoms. After years of witnessing the people around us suffer and eventually watching many succumb to suicide, we finally decided to do something about it. That’s why we’re standing here today, with the goal to help you and your loved ones persevere and find a better tomorrow. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and we want to point you in the right direction to get better and stay well.
Our Story
The Invictus Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works directly with veterans and first responders to improve the way we approach and treat mental health. These individuals have bravely served their country and communities and now they need us to help them to successfully reintegrate. By securing access to mental healthcare treatments that many vets and first responders can’t obtain or afford, we act as a catalyst to help patients suffering from PTSD, TBI, anxiety and depression, explore new and effective methods. Through our mission to serve, we gather data in the hopes to impact policy change within our government and fuse the current financial gaps. In thanks to our generous donors, we are curating scholarship funds to give service men and women the opportunity to receive necessary and long-lasting care that will reshape the future they truly deserve.
Our Founders
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Sam Peterson
BOARD MEMBER
Sam’s career in the Army as a bomb disposal technician, included two combat deployments to Afghanistan, and subsequent mental challenges that arose during his transition back to civilian life. His own experience ignited a passion for mental healthcare and a desire to help others. Sam has founded multiple companies in the mental health space with a focus on Traumatic Brain Injury treatment.
His years in the world of start-ups coupled with his background in business administration and the military, make him an asset and true advocate for vets/first responders. He holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in business administration from Regis University.
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Mike Girard
BOARD MEMBER
Mike served 23 years in the Army with 4 deployments to Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan as a bomb disposal technician. His own experiences with PTSD and TBI became apparent after the loss to suicide of a dear friend of his wife and him. Mike and, his wife, Jennifer founded The 0.K for Veterans Mental Health, a free, community-focused event designed to get critical mental health information directly into the hands of veterans and the people who care about them. It’s a marathon of resources—not a race—where attendees can connect face-to-face with mental health organizations, discover support networks, and learn about services that are often hard to find or navigate alone.
At The 0.K for Veterans Mental Health, their mission is to connect veterans and their support network with the mental health resources they need—clearly, quickly and at no cost. To bring together mental health organizations and Community partners to create a comprehensive, accessible hub of information, ensuring that no veteran feels lost in the system. Through collaboration and outreach, we aim to break down barriers, reduce stigma, and empower those who served—and those who care—to find the support they deserve.
Whether you’re a veteran in need, a family member looking to help, or professional offering support, Mike and Jennifer create a vital bridge between service and access and reduce stigma, increase awareness, and make sure every veteran knows: it’s okay to not be okay— and help is here.
In 2020 The Invictus Project, extended its hand to Mike and started his journey to healing the years of damaged caused by his military service. Mike and Jennifer experienced first hand the amazing effects from The Invictus Projects hyperbaric and ketamine therapy. The 0.K for Veterans Mental and The Invictus Project have officially joined forces in helping veterans who are seeking mental health services and quality of life.
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Dr. Ken Sagendorf
BOARD MEMBER
Dr. Ken Sagendorf has served as a Board Member, an Executive, a Founder, and a Consultant. He brings a unique combination of cutting edge thinking together with practical experience. He has worked in the education sector, personal health sector, and food manufacturing sector. He has founded small businesses focused on personal fitness and wellness in California and New York. He has first-hand experience in starting, growing and exiting businesses.
In addition to his experience in the for-profit world, Ken has extensive leadership experience in the university and the not-for-profit spaces. Building on his academic credentials and multiple published books, Ken has become notable for his focus on how people learn and how people innovate – two key challenges facing enterprises around the globe.
Ken holds a Ph.D. in College Science Teaching, a Master’s in Applied Exercise Physiology and a B.S. in Biology, all from Syracuse University. In addition, he completed postdoctoral work in Marketing and Management at the University of Florida and currently directs The Innovation Center in the Anderson College of Business and Computing at Regis University in Denver, CO.
Donate
Make a positive impact and potentially save someone’s life by donating to our mission to help veterans and first responders rebuild after serving our country and communities.
