We've watched as Ukraine has asked everything of its defenders. These soldiers have sacrificed physically in defense of their country, giving their bodies, their futures, their sense of wholeness in service of Ukraine's survival.
But when the gunfire stops and injuries prevent them from returning to their previous roles, we saw a stark reality: there is no system waiting to catch them. Unlike veterans in the United States who have access to extensive support services, Ukrainian soldiers often face their recovery alone, confronting the challenge of supporting their families while adapting to new physical realities. The question that haunted us was simple: What happens to a provider who can no longer provide?
We started Outgrow because we understand what it means to risk everything and rebuild. As entrepreneurs, we know the grit required to start over, to adapt when circumstances change, to create opportunity where none exists. We saw veterans with that same determination, warriors who refused to be defined by their injuries but lacked the tools to move forward.
Outgrow addresses this by focusing on what veterans can do: learn, adapt, and build new professional skills. English language training and workforce development aren't glamorous solutions. They won't heal every wound or solve every problem. But for veterans ready to fight a different kind of battle, the battle to remain providers, professionals, and contributors, these skills open doors. They transform limitation into possibility.
We're not trying to help everyone. We're here for those who are ready to outgrow their circumstances, who want to compete in the global marketplace despite their injuries. By investing in education and training, we help ensure that service members who gave so much can continue providing for their loved ones with dignity and independence. Because dignity isn't just about surviving. It's about thriving.