OUR MISSION
Serving struggling combat veterans in the greater Los Angeles area, TUFF (The Unlimited Fitness Foundation) — a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization) — provides free, structured, professional boxing, fitness, wellness and nutrition programs to help Veterans.
Abundant scientific research reveals that physical fitness and nutrition are catalysts for restorative change. Additional research relevant to military veterans reflects that like-minded peer support, teamwork, bonding and camaraderie are essential to healing.
During the past decade, the TUFF Program has proven to be a powerful force that helping Veterans cope with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, anger, substance abuse and other combat-related consequences. TUFF helps Veterans regain physical strength, confidence and mental stability as they learn valuable skills in fitness, boxing and nutrition. The TUFF Program works by teaching and motivating individuals in a safe, mutually respectful environment where Veteran comrades train together in their shared quest to heal and reintegrate into civilian life.
TUFF testimonials validate the effectiveness of this life-changing Program for Veterans. In addition to meriting the commendation of Eric Garcetti, Mayor, City of Los Angeles, California, the TUFF Program earns kudos from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Volunteers of America Greater Los Angeles, and Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, among others.
Your help in supporting and furthering this important Program would mean alot for the men and women who put it all on the line for our freedom, securing additional equipment and full-time fitness training facility. A safe, stable healing place where Veterans can go to get healthy and feel "at home" — especially considering many of are homeless.
OUR CHALLENGE
"The Veterans TUFF aims to help courageously stepped up to serve our Country by volunteering for military service," says TUFF founder and professional fitness training Coach Jeff Dordick. "They returned proud but injured and traumatized — physically, mentally and emotionally. Many of these veterans are homeless, without family or a support group. As a preferred alternative to institutionalizing and over-medicating them, TUFF teaches Veterans skills that help combat physical and mental health obstacles."
For over a decade the TUFF Team packs up fitness and boxing equipment and takes the their Training Program directly to Veterans. Working with peer groups and one-on-one at the WLAVA, West Los Angeles Veterans Administration three days a week, TUFF also has an on site gym and works once a week at Boxing on the Blvd. a boxing training gym with a ring.
"Veterans look for ways to live the most productive and fulfilling lives possible, says Jeff. “My goal is to devote 110 percent effort to assisting those in need on a full-time basis."
These Veterans need a safe, permanent fitness venue where they can receive the free boxing training and nutrition programs, peer support and military camaraderie that TUFF delivers.
You can support these efforts by donating via PayPal.
During the past decade, TUFF founder and coach Jeff Dordick, together with his partner Roberta Shorman, has been working hard to honor the men and women who made the sacrifice to put Country first.
Working one-on-one with thousands of veterans who served in the US Military, Jeff, Roberta and other TUFF volunteers help these courageous warriors by teaching them valuable skills in weight-lifting, boxing, fitness, nutrition and instilling a renewed sense of confidence.
As Jeff sees it, "I am extremely grateful for the freedom we have as a Country which we wouldn’t have if not for the courageous, selfless service of Veterans who consequently struggle to navigate daily life post Military. Many people thank them for their service, but the 'gratitude' ends there. We’re working to change that by providing health and fitness programs that actually help Veterans in their rehabilitation."
Jeff Dordick, founder of TUFF
(The Unlimited Fitness Foundation), a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Roberta bolsters the effort with her expertise in nutrition and substance abuse counseling. "We have found that rather than over-medicating or institutionalizing veterans, the cardiovascular conditioning and focused mindset involved in boxing workouts — along with proper nutrition and counseling — helps them overcome anger issues and other PTSD-related health challenges," says Roberta, whose own father experienced heart-wrenching behavioral health issues related to his military service.
Roberta notes that many folks are unaware of how diet affects mood and capacity for resilience. "Add to that the fact that about 93 percent of the veterans we work with struggle with substance abuse issues. So there’s also a great deal of teaching and guidance involved in this work," she says. "We’re inspired by the results we see from teaching them these valuable skills. It's a transformative process and it feels really great to be able to help people in this way."
OUR TEAM
TESTIMONIALS
RESEARCH
Could boxing be a secret weapon in the fight against anxiety and depression?
Psychologists don’t often use exercise as part of their treatment arsenal. Here’s why they should.
The most effective, potent way we can improve quality of life and duration of life is exercise.
The exercise prescription for depression, anxiety and stress.
The importance of peer support for veterans after military service.
Researchers explore how high-intensity exercise like boxing can combat PTSD.
Low rates of exercise among people with PTSD may explain why many are at higher risk for other health problems.
How physical activity prevents and treats mental illness.
PLEASE
DONATE NOW!
We hope our mission, challenge, team, testimonials and research inspires your support of veterans participating in TUFF (The Unlimited Fitness Foundation), a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization.
Your contribution will help raise funds needed for expansion of the TUFF Program, securing a permanent fitness training facility and additional workout equipment.
All donations are tax deductible.