Alexis Werner – Director "Seeds of Hope" for Veterans

Did you know over a million US Veterans suffer from homelessness due to PTSD, financial difficulties, and lack of a support system? Post Traumatic Stress Disorder affects more than 5 million people, so chances are you know someone who suffers from this anxiety disorder. It can occur after an extreme emotional trauma that involved the threat of injury or death – from combat to a car accident. I was married to a Viet Nam vet who suffered from PTSD, so I experienced first-hand the crippling power of the anxiety and how it impacts a family. Back then, help wasn’t widely available. Alexis Werner of Pittsburgh, PA is dedicated to making change in the lives of others. After her step-father came home from Afghanistan with PTDS, she realized she could either be upset at her situation or do something to change it. She decided to create Seeds of Hope. Alexis was 15 years old and a high school freshman at the time. Seeds of Hope has 3 main projects: planting victory gardens to provide relaxation and tangible items for Veterans and their families; Our Way Home, a student-made documentary that follows the stories of 9 veterans from WW2-present day focusing on PTSD; and Seeds of Hope: The Beginning, a children's book focusing on the importance of community service, healthy eating, and veteran appreciation. Alexis graduated high school in June and received the Jefferson Award for Public Service and a $10K scholarship from the Anne Frank Foundation to be used for Temple Univ this fall. Clearly Alexis has some big plans for making the world a better place. After the interview, check After Hours at Jersey Coastal Live for more info.