Hidden Battles: Healing Heroes, One Connection at a Time

A Mission Born from Tragedy—Transformed into Hope

It started with heartbreak.

When Scott failed to hear from his brother Nicky in June 2012, he followed his gut and drove to check on him. Nicky, a retired corrections officer, had taken his life after silently battling years of untreated trauma.

That moment changed everything.

In the wake of unimaginable grief, Scott became a tireless advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. And after confronting his own struggles from over a decade in the Army and nearly 20 years in law enforcement, he and his wife Leslie made a life-changing decision: to turn pain into purpose.

What began as a simple scholarship program in Nicky’s honor has grown into a full-blown mission of healing. Today, Hidden Battles Foundation (headquartered in Dracut, MA) stands as a pillar of strength for the unsung heroes among us—veterans, active-duty military, first responders, dispatchers, nurses, and their families—quietly fighting battles most will never see.

A Safe Space for Those Who “Get It”

The work Hidden Battles does is more than powerful—it’s personal.

They offer free, community-based programs that create safe spaces for those impacted by PTSD, depression, anxiety, and trauma. And they do it in a way that feels less like therapy and more like connection, meeting people where they are and helping to bring them back to themselves.

Hidden Battles offers a variety of programs that benefit veterans, first responders, and their families, including:

• Equine therapy in partnership with local therapeutic farms
• Weekly Heroes Support Groups (peer-led)
• Service dog sponsorships for PTSD, TBI, and MST-affected veterans 
• Couples reconnection, family reconnection, and women’s programming through shared activities (fly fishing, kayaking, trail rucking/hiking and monthly coffee meetups 
• Senior support and technology classes

For many, the impact goes far beyond just one event. Take it from Sharon Mayer of Groton, MA—a former Westford dispatcher, firefighter’s wife, and someone who knows firsthand the weight of “the job”:

“Thank you, Hidden Battles. I am a former Westford Police & Fire Dispatcher, the wife of a proud Massachusetts State Trooper, and former Westford Firefighter. It’s an isolated world we live in. There aren’t many that ‘get it,’ so we typically rely on each other for company and relief from the stresses of ‘the job.’ I dragged my husband to our first Hidden Battles Cooking Class last year, and we haven’t missed a class since! We’ve invited friends who are veterans, troopers, police officers and firefighters—and now they are hooked too! Such an amazing experience, and so much needed laughter. The best therapy is to be surrounded by people who live our life. We’ve made so many new friends and look forward to every class. Thank you for providing this much-needed outlet which promotes positive mental health & stress relief.”

Whether it’s a coffee meetup, a trail hike, or just sharing stories with someone who understands the weight of the job, Hidden Battles reminds people that they’re not alone.

The Courage to Heal, The Power to Belong

What makes Hidden Battles truly unique is their heartfelt, family-centered approach. Every event they host is completely free and open not just to heroes, but to their support systems, too—spouses, kids, friends, coworkers. Because trauma doesn’t just affect the person wearing the uniform—it ripples through entire households.

This year, they’re excited to launch EmpowHer, a brand-new initiative designed by and for local women heroes. It’s a space for women in uniform—and the women supporting them—to connect, share, and rise together.

And while they’re proud of what they’ve built, the team at Hidden Battles knows they still have hills to climb: raising awareness, securing sustainable funding, and reaching more heroes in need.

If there’s one message Hidden Battles wants to share with the community, it’s this:
True bravery, inner strength, and resilience come from being willing to ask for help, admitting when you need it, and standing by those who do. Supporting mental health isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a powerful act of courage that can inspire others to do the same.

Help Hidden Battles Make Sure No Hero Fights Alone

Hidden Battles is 100% volunteer-run, and 94 cents of every dollar donated goes straight into programming.

Want to help?

• Volunteer at an upcoming event
• Sponsor a therapy session, activity, or support group
• Spread the word to local heroes who may need a place to heal
• Donate to honor the brave people in your life who serve others every day
  

Every action, no matter how small, helps preserve the mental well-being of those who keep our communities safe.

🔗 Learn more or get involved at: hiddenbattlesfoundation.org

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