In-Person expeditions will take place in July and August
Applications accepted through June 1
DENVER (February 10, 2022) — CoBank, a cooperative bank serving agribusinesses, rural infrastructure providers and Farm Credit associations throughout the United States, today announced that it has renewed its No Barriers program for rural veterans with disabilities for 2022. The bank is once again inviting customers to nominate disabled veterans from rural communities to participate in the program. CoBank-sponsored No Barriers expeditions will take place in July and August.
“The No Barriers program creates meaningful and life-changing experiences for veterans with disabilities,” said Thomas Halverson, president and chief executive officer of CoBank. “CoBank’s sponsorship allows us to partner with our customers to give back to the men and women who have sacrificed for their country through military service.”
“It’s been a challenging few years for everyone, but it’s been particularly difficult for some veterans who were already dealing with isolation or depression,” said Luis Gallardo, executive director, No Barriers USA. “That’s why we are excited to once again partner with CoBank and bring back our life-changing outdoor adventures for veterans with disabilities from all branches and eras of service. Together they will stretch, learn, and reconnect with other veterans as we empower them to believe that what’s within them is stronger than what’s in their way.”
CoBank partners with Colorado-based No Barriers to support the nonprofit’s Warriors program. A No Barriers Warriors expedition is an engaging and impactful experience designed to help veterans tackle personal challenges and create a catalyst for positive change. CoBank sponsors a series of four expeditions each year, covering the full cost of participation for up to 50 veterans. Approximately 300 veterans have participated in CoBank-sponsored No Barriers expeditions or taken part in an online curriculum.
Each CoBank-sponsored No Barriers experience includes a combination of online learning modules and meetups, as well as an expedition in the Colorado wilderness. Experienced staff and expedition leaders guide participants through a series of physically and mentally challenging experiences that can include rafting, rock climbing, hiking and more. Throughout the experience, veterans are asked to reflect on their past, recognize their present situation and explore future possibilities.
Nominees unable to participate in an in-person expedition are eligible to take part in Warriors At Home, a four-week, at-home course that connects veterans through guest speaker presentations, facilitated conversation and activity assignments. Whether they participate in person or at home, veterans will have the opportunity to explore the No Barriers Life and, in the process, transform their own lives.
Beginning February 10, CoBank customers can nominate an unlimited number of veterans from their communities to participate in the No Barriers Warriors program. Applications will be accepted through June 1. Additional information and program requirements are available on CoBank.com.
About CoBank
CoBank is a $155 billion cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 75,000 farmers, ranchers and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country.
CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure and rural communities. Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore.
About No Barriers USA
A non-profit organization based in Colorado, dedicated to helping people of all abilities find hope, optimism and resiliency for the future. Whether in our personal lives, at work, or in our communities, we all face challenges that can prevent us from living our best lives and reaching our full potential. No Barriers believes that what’s within you is stronger than what’s in your way. No Barriers empowers people of all walks of life to overcome obstacles, live a life of purpose, and give back to the world, all through their groundbreaking curriculum, the No Barriers Life. Learn more about the inclusive roadmap to break through challenges, build community and find strength through adversity at nobarriersusa.org.