- [David] Having served in the Army for 29 years, Samuel Rodriguez can relate with the veterans he works with.

- A lot of times they look and they feel downtrodden.

They've been struggling, they've been looking for answers.

- [David] Rodriguez is the Veteran Outreach and Program Coordinator for the Thrive Program.

The Thrive Program is a clinical outreach program that works to promote overall wellness for veterans by treating Traumatic Brain Injuries and PTSD - We hear things like, "I'm here because I got tired of duct taping my life together and, you know, I need some answers."

- [David] The program is a partnership between UNC Chapel Hill and UNC Health.

Veterans start with a three-day evaluation with upwards of 12 onsite specialists.

- And we've also helped a lotta, lotta people just after that three-day assessment, really by telling them that they're okay, you know, they're not broken.

- And that's one of the ways you stay oriented.

- [David] If a veteran is a good fit, they start on a three-week outpatient program and they give the veterans the tools and resources they need to thrive.

The Thrive Leadership Team says this process usually takes months, if not years, within the VA system.

- The whole goal here is to invite individuals who feel that they need it, or family members who feel a family member needs it, provide them the tools to take care of themselves and better themselves and then make sure that they integrate back into the community that they're from.

- [David] The vast resource network includes several schools within the UNC system and even outside organizations.

Veterans have access to these resources and receive follow-up even after their three-week outpatient period.

- To see the life back in their eyes again is extremely rewarding.

- [David] Since beginning in 2021, the Thrive Program has expanded to serve first responders and hopefully soon civilians.

For Rodriguez, that means more stories of hope for those he works with.

For NC Impact, I'm David Hurst.