After 11 years of devoted service to the North Las Vegas veteran community, the veteran-founded nonprofit organization 'Forgotten Not Gone' has closed its location, marking the end of an era filled with hope, healing, and purpose. This somber moment does not signify the end of its mission, but rather underscores the ongoing need to address a glaring crisis—veteran suicide. While the shop may no longer serve as a gathering space, the organization’s legacy and critical message remain clear: veterans need support, and the community must rally to ensure no one is forgotten.
Founded with the urgent goal of stemming the epidemic of veteran suicide, 'Forgotten Not Gone' was a beacon of hope for countless veterans battling isolation, depression, and the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life. Returning from military service is often fraught with hardship, as service members navigate a world that feels alien after their time in uniform. Recognizing this, 'Forgotten Not Gone' created a compassionate, proactive approach to combat these struggles—one rooted in connection, movement, and community.
At the heart of its mission was a simple yet powerful philosophy: physical activity and communal engagement foster healing. The organization introduced veterans to the transformative power of outdoor activity, helping them reconnect with themselves and others. Recumbent tricycles became a unique, integral tool for this purpose, enabling veterans to enjoy group rides, bond with peers, and rekindle their sense of camaraderie. These rides brought more than the obvious physical benefits; they also reawakened mental fortitude, purpose, and joy in veterans who had once felt directionless and alone.
The closure of the North Las Vegas location, therefore, is more than just the shuttering of a physical site—it’s a bittersweet moment for a nonprofit that has touched so many lives. Over the course of its 11 years of operation, 'Forgotten Not Gone' fostered deep, meaningful change, becoming a critical safety net for veterans teetering on the brink. It leaves behind a legacy of resilience, solidarity, and unwavering support. But as the organization’s doors close, the broader fight against veteran suicide remains urgent and ongoing.
The statistics are staggering: an average of 17 veterans lose their lives to suicide every day in the United States. This crisis highlights a systemic problem—one that requires collaboration across government organizations, nonprofits, and community members. What 'Forgotten Not Gone' taught us is that addressing this crisis is not just about statistics; it is about people. It’s about creating spaces—whether physical or emotional—where veterans feel seen, valued, and supported. And while its storefront may be gone, the lessons and efforts born there cannot fade.
Local leaders and community members are now tasked with carrying forward this mission. From city officials to grassroots activists, many are urging the public to remain engaged and active in combating veteran suicide. This is a call to action for people from all walks of life to contribute in whatever ways they can. Whether through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading awareness about veteran mental health, individuals can make a difference in ensuring that programs like 'Forgotten Not Gone' don’t fade into obscurity.
The closure of the organization also brings an important reminder about the fragility of nonprofit work. Nonprofits often wrestle with challenges tied to funding, volunteerism, and operational sustainability. Despite their enormous impact, these organizations sometimes struggle to keep their doors open, particularly when they serve vulnerable or marginalized groups. Supporting them—financially and otherwise—is critical to ensuring their longevity and, by extension, the well-being of the communities they serve.
'Forgotten Not Gone’s' story, however, does not need to culminate in defeat. Its 11-year journey demonstrated that healing is possible when a community comes together to show its veterans that they are not forgotten, not alone, and that their struggles matter. This nonprofit built bridges of understanding and offered a pathway toward hope. Even without its physical location, the spirit of its mission can live on in those inspired by its work.
The end of one chapter can be the beginning of another. The veteran community in North Las Vegas and elsewhere remains in urgent need of support, and the closure of 'Forgotten Not Gone' serves as a rallying cry for every individual to take action. By engaging in the mission, we can ensure the legacy of this incredible organization lives on and that no veteran ever feels left behind. Together, we must continue to advocate for healing, opportunity, and connection, ensuring that veterans are not just remembered—but truly cared for and supported. Through our collective efforts, this closing chapter can be rewritten as a story of resilience, hope, and enduring impact.