Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jun 18, 2017
Amy McDermott, zero8hundred Development and Marketing Manager 
On most military installations, 8 AM, or “zero eight hundred” marks the start of a new day. zero8hundred grew out of the belief that service members should have support as they navigate the transition back to civilian life.  Amy McDermott, Development and Marketing Manager for zero8hundred spoke to our club about the unique service that zero8hundred provides.
 
Many service members enter the military directly after high school, and thus had never lived independently, negotiated a lease, bought a car, or set up a checking account. zero8hundred helps military service members during a critical transition period- 9 months before they leave the service through 12 months post-service.
 
 As the end of their service approaches, all military members attend a mandatory transition class, or as Amy’s military husband calls it: “How to be a civilian in 40 hours or less”. During these transition classes, service members at San Diego County Coast Guard, Marine, and Navy installations are given the opportunity to partner with zero8hundred. Spouses also take transition courses, and they too can work with zero8hundred.
 
Transitioning service members who opt in are assigned a “Peer Navigator”, who is trained in social work and has been in the military or is part of a military family.  Service members meet regularly with their Peer Navigators, who can help them identify critical resources and services, as well as make personal introductions to individuals at these agencies, or who are working in fields of interest to the service member.    
 
zero8hundred is built on a Veteran’s Wellness Framework that has four key pillars: i) Education and Jobs; ii) Basic Needs; iii) Physical and Mental Health; and iv) Personal/Social Connections.  The agency also maintains a web portal with an extensive database of local agencies that address critical issues involving employment, education, health, and wellness. 
 
zero8hundred was established in January 2015 with the goal of serving 300 families.  They have already served nearly 2,000 families and many service members who partnered with zero8hundred said that they “saved my life” by reaching out during an uncertain time.  More than 200 clients have completed the 21-month transition period, and they report a 90% satisfaction rate with how zero8hundred helped them achieve stated goals. 
 
The agency is proud to help all service members, regardless of their discharge status.  They are currently funded by grants and local sponsors, but welcome donations from individuals who are interested in supporting these transition services.