At Grounded Boots Relief, we frequently take time to evaluate what it means to stay true to our mission. Mission creep can occur when an organization stretches beyond its intended purpose, spreading resources too thin and reducing overall impact. With limited funding and a dedicated but lean volunteer base, focus and clarity are essential to make sure every action strengthens our work in the field.

 

Our off-road capability remains one of the most distinctive tools in disaster response. It allows us to conduct post-disaster assessments, navigate debris-filled areas, and deliver supplies to locations that are otherwise inaccessible. These efforts help fill critical gaps, supporting emergency operations centers, local governments, and nonprofits that may lack the ability to reach remote communities.

While some tasks, such as mucking out homes or rebuilding structures, are better suited to organizations already specializing in those areas, we aim to be a force multiplier for everyone involved in recovery. We are exploring partnerships with groups such as the ASPCA for animal rescues, the American Red Cross and local emergency management for shelter logistics, and regional VOAD partners for coordinated last-mile supply distribution. We have also considered how we might assist in public health outreach, damage assessments, and even resource transport for hospitals or clinics in isolated areas.

 

By narrowing our scope, we have created space for new opportunities. Staying grounded in what is unique, necessary, and within our mission allows us to work alongside a variety of partners, strengthen overall response capacity, and ensure that every deployment counts. Collaboration makes our mission stronger, and it helps communities recover faster when disaster strikes.

It’s that time again! Our next Gear Up & Game On event takes place this Friday, November 8 at 2pm, at Ponder Woods in Pisgah Forest (5370 Hendersonville Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC).

 

This field exercise is a hands-on opportunity to practice our setup and breakdown operations. We’ll be assembling our full deployment setup, including the 16x16 humanitarian tent, generators, and other response equipment. Look for the Grounded Boots Relief feather banner along Highway 64- you can’t miss it.

 

Everyone is invited, whether you’re already part of our volunteer network or just curious about joining Grounded Boots Relief. This is a great chance to learn what we do, connect with the team, and get involved. RSVP on our Facebook event page.

 

For the “Game On” portion of the event, all attendees are invited to join our founder, John Badger at no charge as he hosts the Haunts of Hendo ghost tour in downtown Hendersonville later that evening.

 

Come ready to learn, collaborate, and have a little fun. We’d love to have you there.

  Misalignment Starts Internally
 One of the earliest signs of mission creep is internal confusion among staff about priorities. When teams lose sight of what the organization truly stands for, inefficiency follows.  
Source: fundsforngos.org

As we gear up for our upcoming Gear Up & Game On event, I’ve been focusing on how to strengthen our readiness. Back when I was a Boy Scout, one of my favorite setups was troop 182’s Chuck Box (a mobile kitchen cabinet). It folded open to reveal stoves, pots, pans, and spices, ready to go wherever they camped. I’m just about to start building one like it for Grounded Boots Relief, and I’m excited to get my hands back into woodworking. Once it’s finished, we’ll have a tailgate-ready kitchen and a mobile sink setup that will make cooking in the field a whole lot easier. If any woodworkers or helpers want to help bring this project to life, I would be honored to have your assistance.

 

This month has been busy. Between moving storage units and attending the NCEMA conference, I have not had much time to breathe. The old lock on our previous unit malfunctioned, and I ended up having to break it off just to get our equipment out. Thankfully, we are now settled at Penrose Mini Storage (not a sponsor), and I cannot thank them enough for how accommodating they’ve been. They went above and beyond to help us make the transition as smooth as possible.

 

Now that October is in our rearview mirrors, I can refocus on the outreach side of our mission. One of our growing concerns is how the recent USDA decision to suspend SNAP benefits will strain local food pantries and community meal programs. Many of these organizations will likely see overwhelming demand in the weeks ahead, and we want to find ways to help. Our off-road capabilities can be a lifeline for hard-to-reach communities where supply chains struggle. If you have connections to local food banks or pantries that could use our assistance, I encourage you to reach out or connect us directly.

 

At the NCEMA conference, I took stock of just how many hats I wear for this organization, and I realized how important it is to share them to decrease my workload, as well as enhance my capabilities with what pots my hands are in. My current list includes: programs manager, newsletter author, graphics designer, volunteer coordinator, outreach representative, donations manager, accountant, training materials creator, event coordinator, grant writer, social media director, website developer, relationship builder, and yes, even tour guide. It is a lot to juggle, and while I have had great help along the way, there is plenty of room for others to step in.

 

If you have skills in any of these areas or just a willingness to learn, Grounded Boots Relief could use you. Every person who joins helps lighten the load and strengthens what we can accomplish together. Particularly at this juncture, your time and talent will make a lasting impact, and this is the perfect moment to get involved.