Sheep Dog Impact Assistance

What Sheep Dog Impact Assistance does

Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2010 and headquartered in Rogers, Arkansas, that provides posttraumatic growth (PTG) programming and disaster response opportunities for U.S. military members, veterans, first responders, and their families. SDIA delivers its services through a structured Continuum of Care branded as Get Off The Couch, which integrates four core programs: Outdoor Adventures (hiking, fishing, hunting, Yellowstone and Hawaii excursions, Mount Kilimanjaro climbs), Warrior PATHH (an immersive peer-led mental wellness training program built on the PTG framework developed in collaboration with Boulder Crest Foundation, Dr. Richard Tedeschi, and Dr. Bret Moore), Continued Service & Disaster Response Missions (chainsaw operations, debris removal, first aid, community support), and family programming including HomeFront. Programming is anchored at Heroes Ranch, a year-round facility in Jane, Missouri featuring an Equine Engagement Center and Highland cattle program, with additional national reach delivered through a 50+ Ambassador network and Sheep Dog University training platform.

The organization reports cumulative reach of 23,724 Sheep Dogs served since inception, 7,000+ disaster response volunteers, and 300,000+ disaster survivors assisted, alongside documented Warrior PATHH outcomes including a 65% reduction in PTSD symptoms, 58% reduction in depression/anxiety, 73% improvement in relationships, and 92% of graduates reporting lasting growth and purpose. SDIA is funded through individual donations, corporate sponsorships (Walmart, Veterans United Foundation, Broadway Contracting, Sam's Furniture), event fundraising (Heroes Gala, Poker Run, Heroes Cup Challenge, NWA Gives), and merchandise sales through the Sheep Dog Shop. All participant-facing programs are delivered free of charge. SDIA holds Charity Navigator four-star and GuideStar Platinum transparency ratings and has been named Best Nonprofit in Northwest Arkansas for three consecutive years (2023-2025).

The business is led by CEO and Founder Lance Nutt (SgtMaj, USMCR Ret.) with Kyle Schultz as Outdoor Adventure Director, and is governed by a Board of Directors. Strategic priorities for 2026 include a 30% expansion of mission reach, scaling Heroes Ranch to year-round operations, and increasing Warrior PATHH course cadence to 15-20 courses annually serving up to 240 participants.

Name

Sheep Dog Impact Assistance

Legal name

Sheep Dog Impact Assistance

Website

https://sheepdogia.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Sheep Dog Impact Assistance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers posttraumatic growth programming, outdoor adventures, and disaster response opportunities to U.S. military members, veterans, first responders, and their families. It operates the Warrior PATHH program at Heroes Ranch in Missouri and reaches a national audience through an Ambassador network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Veteran and First Responder Support Services

NAICS

Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers (621420), Civic and Social Organizations (813410), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212)

SIC

Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050), Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

Peer Support, Recovery Coaching & Sober Living Services (HLAFACAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Adventure Therapy & Therapeutic Wilderness Programs (THAAAOAG), Disaster Recovery, Reconstruction & Resilience Programs (BPAGAAAK)

Keywords

• Veteran mental wellness programs
• Posttraumatic growth services
• Disaster response volunteer operations
• First responder peer support
• Outdoor adventure therapy

Headquarters

HQ city

Rogers

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: SDIA operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization relying primarily on donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Donations support all core programs including Outdoor Adventures, Warrior PATHH, and disaster response missions.
2. E-commerce Merchandise Sales: The Sheep Dog Shop (shop.sheepdogia.org) sells mission-driven merchandise including hoodies, t-shirts, hats, patches, tumblers, and commemorative items. All proceeds directly fund SDIA programs.
3. Event Fundraising: Revenue generated through event-based fundraising including Heroes Gala ticket sales, silent auctions, Poker Run raffle tickets, and sponsorship packages for events.
4. Sponsorships and Corporate Partnerships: Corporate sponsors (Walmart, Sam's Furniture, Broadway Contracting, and others) provide financial support, in-kind donations, matching gift programs (Walmart Spark Good), and event sponsorships.
5. Program Sponsorships: Individual donors can sponsor specific programs: $1,200-$1,550 sponsors a Sheep Dog for an Outdoor Adventure; $2,700+ supports a participant through Warrior PATHH.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

SDIA delivers free, peer-led posttraumatic growth programs for military members, veterans, first responders, and their families through the Get Off The Couch continuum of care. The offering comprises Outdoor Adventures (hiking, hunting, fishing, expeditions), Warrior PATHH mental wellness training, Continued Service/Disaster Response Missions, Sheep Dog University leadership training, and family support programming, delivered at Heroes Ranch in Jane, MO and nationwide through a trained Ambassador network.

Product overview

Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) operates as a nonprofit service organization built around the Get Off The Couch™ (GOTC) Continuum of Care—a unified programming framework comprising five core programs: Outdoor Adventures (physical reconnection through adventure activities), Warrior PATHH (peer-led Post-Traumatic Growth mental wellness training), Continued Service & Disaster Response Missions (volunteer service opportunities), and Sheep Dog University (leadership development and ambassador training). These programs are supported by Heroes Ranch—a year-round facility in Jane, MO that serves as the primary site for Warrior PATHH, Outdoor Adventures, and equine therapy, with a newly launched Equine Engagement Center. Additional offerings include HomeFront (family support), the Sheep Dog of the Year Award recognition program, the annual Heroes Gala fundraising event, the Heroes Cup Challenge Greek Life competition, and the Sheep Dog Shop ecommerce store. The organization is run by veterans and first responders for veterans and first responders, with all programs grounded in Post-Traumatic Growth principles developed in partnership with Boulder Crest Foundation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Get Off The Couch: Core programming brand for SDIA's continuum of care designed to transform trauma into growth and help veterans and first responders live their best lives.
• Heroes Ranch
• Warrior PATHH
• Sheep Dog University
• Sheep Dog Shop

Products and services

• Outdoor Adventures Adventure-based experiences that reconnect veterans and first responders with camaraderie, nature, and themselves through activities such as hiking, fishing, trail rides, snowmobiling, Yellowstone trips, Hawaii canoeing, and Mount Kilimanjaro climbs. Provided free to eligible military members, veterans, first responders, and their families.
• Warrior PATHH Progressive and Alternative Training for Helping Heroes - an immersive, peer-led mental wellness training program grounded in the Posttraumatic Growth framework, designed for veterans and first responders navigating life after high-stress service. Delivered free to participants with documented outcomes including 65% reduction in PTSD symptoms and 51% reduction in stress.
• Continued Service & Disaster Response Missions (CS/DRM) Volunteer programs that enable Sheep Dogs to continue serving communities through disaster response, including chainsaw operations, debris removal, first aid, and community support activities across the United States.
• Sheep Dog University A national training and development program that equips members with leadership skills, knowledge of SDIA programs, and ambassador training to spread awareness and lead community outreach in their regions.
• HomeFront Family Program Programming that empowers spouses and families of veterans and first responders to grow alongside their Sheep Dogs, providing support and resources for the entire family unit, including HomeFront initiative, couples retreats, and Christmas outreach for children.
• Sheep Dog Shop Online store selling mission-driven merchandise including hoodies, t-shirts, hats, patches, challenge coins, and tumblers, with all proceeds directly supporting SDIA programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• 65% reduction in PTSD symptoms among Warrior PATHH participants
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Avalon Action AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational network committed to connecting veterans and first responders with life-changing care, while removing financial and geographic barriers. Together, they deliver transformative solutions for those facing the overlapping challenges of mild traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress, and substance abuse.
• Boulder Crest FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal leader in Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) programs. Warrior PATHH was developed by BCF in collaboration with Dr. Richard Tedeschi (founder of PTG) and Dr. Bret Moore (Army psychologist). SDIA began offering Warrior PATHH in Northwest Arkansas in March 2021.
• WalmartmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting SDIA through Walmart Serves program, Spark Good donation registry, and matching gift programs. Walmart provides both financial support and in-kind donations.
• Carry The LoadminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCollaborative partner for Memorial March events where SDIA participates and raises awareness for veteran and first responder causes.
• Sam's FurnitureminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor for Climb for a Cause (Mount Kilimanjaro expedition) benefiting SDIA.
• Farmer Veteran CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for disaster response missions. FVC Texas Chapter, led by President Dan Legereit, teamed up with SDIA for flood cleanup efforts in Kerrville, TX.
• Heartsgood FarmsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBeautiful partnership bringing meaning to 'healing through' with therapeutic farming programs supporting veteran wellness.
• Ozark SportsmanminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHost of Range Madness shooting competition supporting SDIA in Northwest Arkansas.
• Haul SupplyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEquipment partner supporting SDIA Disaster Response team with critical equipment needs for mission readiness.
• Tacos 4 LifeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRestaurant partner hosting Tacos for Life fundraiser nights where 20% of purchases are donated to SDIA.
• Spark's Burger Co.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal restaurant partner selling Get Off the Couch Burger with 20% of proceeds supporting SDIA local activities.
• Na Koa Wounded Warrior RegattaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual outrigger canoe regatta in Hawaii where SDIA has fielded canoes for 10 consecutive years, promoting resilience and healing.

Scale indicators19 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Emerging players

• Warrior Canine Connection: Veteran-services organization using service dog training as a therapeutic intervention for veterans with PTSD and TBI. Comparable veteran-focused therapeutic service model with partial overlap on equine/animal-assisted wellness.

Direct peers

• Avalon Action Alliance: National network focused on veterans and first responders facing PTSD, mild TBI, and substance abuse. Strategic alliance partner with overlapping program philosophy and shared beneficiary population.
• Team Rubicon: Veteran-led nonprofit that mobilizes military and first responder volunteers for disaster response operations nationwide. Closest peer on the disaster response mission; similar veteran volunteer deployment model and free programming for participants.
• Travis Manion Foundation: Veteran-service organization empowering veterans and families of the fallen through character-based leadership programming and community service. Comparable veteran-led service mission and beneficiary support model.
• Boulder Crest Foundation: Global leader in Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) programming for veterans, first responders, and their families. Direct methodology partner that co-developed Warrior PATHH with Dr. Richard Tedeschi; closest functional peer in PTG-based peer-led veteran wellness.
• Farmer Veteran Coalition: National nonprofit supporting veteran farmers and ranchers, with active disaster response collaboration (e.g., Kerrville, TX flood cleanup with SDIA). Comparable agriculture/ranch-based veteran programming and disaster response partnership.
• The Mission Continues: Veteran-led nonprofit deploying post-9/11 veterans through volunteer service and leadership programs in communities nationwide. Closely aligned peer-led veteran service and continued-service model.

Broad incumbents

• Gary Sinise Foundation: Major veteran-services nonprofit providing entertainment, adaptive equipment, and wellness programs for wounded veterans and first responders. Comparable veteran/first responder beneficiary focus with substantially larger national brand and budget.
• Wounded Warrior Project: Largest U.S. veteran service organization offering physical and mental health programs, career counseling, and long-term support. Competes for the same donor base and beneficiary population across a much broader service portfolio.
• Carry The Load: National nonprofit honoring military, veterans, first responders, and their families through Memorial March events and awareness campaigns. Active SDIA marketing partner and similar awareness/event-driven veteran-support model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCpbTkTDsb931Cow263e7SRg
• Facebookfacebook.com/SheepDogIA
• Instagraminstagram.com/sheepdogia
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sheep-dog-impact-assistance

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sheep Dog Impact Assistance