Invisible Wounds Project

04/13/2026

Looking at the week ahead!

Monday
Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM
6 PM Holding Space: a grief group
7 PM Veterans and First Responders AA Meeting

Tuesday
Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
10 AM Status Check- A Peer Support Group
10 AM Complimentary Chair Massages with Carlson Clinic

Wednesday
Hours: 9 AM to 9 PM
9 AM Coffee and Conversations
9 AM Complimentary Reiki Sessions (2 available)
10 AM APRIL PAINTING WITH SAM
6 PM Movie Night, TBA

Thursday
Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
1 PM Rockin' with Ray Jam Session
6 PM Public Painting Class with Beth: Open to everyone. Register via Venmo at the picture below.

Friday
Hours: 8 AM to 4 PM
8:30 AM Coffee and Conversations
9 AM Third Friday Breakfast sponsored by Mike's Discount Foods
11 AM The Iron Circle- A Men's Group
11 AM Ember Circle- A Group for Women

Drop-In Support Available
Remember, we always offer drop-in support if you need encouragement, connection, or simply someone to talk to.

You are not alone.

04/12/2026

Today marks the start of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

It takes a special kind of person to answer the call to serve others, and our dispatchers do just that, day in and day out. Working long hours under intense pressure, they meet people on their worst days with professionalism, compassion, and calm.

They are the steady voice in the chaos, the unseen lifeline coordinating every response, bringing order when it matters most. Yet so often, their work goes unrecognized and misunderstood.

To all who have served and continue to answer the call: we see you, we appreciate you, and we thank you.

🎧 We tip our headsets to you.

04/11/2026

This popped into our feed again today, and it stopped us in our tracks.

This moment happened back in 2019 — but its impact is just as powerful today as it was then.

It’s a reminder of why we do what we do at Invisible Wounds Project. The connections made, the lives touched, and sometimes even the lives saved… often happen quietly, without recognition.

The truth is, we never fully know what someone else is carrying.

So above all else — be kind. You never know the difference it might make. ❤️

***TEAR JERKER ALERT***
Feel good Friday post! We don't always get to post success stories because a lot of what we deal with is of such a sensitive nature and we want to respect the privacy and fragility of the situation for those we're helping. BUT, sometimes we get to share and we're certain this story will be as impactful to you as it was to us.

Two years ago, we had the amazing opportunity to provide dogs to a few very deserving families thanks to donations from some of our awesome Invisible Wounds Project supporters. Earlier this week, one of those families reached out to our founder Russ Hanes to share a little more back story about what receiving the dog meant to their family.

"You will always hold a significant place in my life. I don't know why you reached out that night to ask if I had submitted my application (for a dog) or why you kept responding. But I'm so thankful you did because what you don't know is that my bags were packed and I was leaving that night. Except the only thing in my bag was a 9mm and while I told myself over and over that it was selfish and my kids didn't deserve that. I didn't know how to fix my situation and as an RN and a mom, that is what I do. I fix. Everyone in my house was sleeping and I had just closed the gun safe when your message came through and you... you kept responding and for that alone. I will forever be grateful. We are in such an amazing place as a family now. I'm so glad I didn't miss out on this. Thank you"

We have been given permission to share this story with others in hopes that it will lead more people to reach out for help and understand that even though it may feel like it, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out and let us help. We are here for you and we always will be. Send us a message or call us at 1-855-HELP-IWP.

04/11/2026

We’re excited to bring them back to North St Paul where it all began! Mark and Russ (IWP founder) connected there one Friday night, and from there, the friendship bloomed. They have worked on many shows together, including the Invisible Wounds Project's Car Show for a Cause, and they even founded and hosted Rockabilly Radio MN together for several years! Through the years, they’ve made a few side bets for steaks, and Mark has yet to win a single one! 🤣 Make plans to see them this year when we host the North St Paul Friday Night Car Show on Friday, July 17, 31, and August 28!

We are VERY HAPPY to announce a grand return to the place where everything started for us! In 2011 the History Cruzer Car Show folks hired us to play many fun Friday nights and things took off!

C’mon out and see us July 17, July 31 & August 28. We’ll start rockin’ at 6pm each night.

Many thanks to our good friend Russ Hanes of Invisible Wounds Project for bringing us back to North St.Paul!

Hope to see you there!👓

04/10/2026

It was another incredible day at the Hunt 4 Healing! 40 hunters hit the fields at Wild Wings of Oneka in pursuit of chukar, quail, and some bonus pheasant. This is always a fun day of connection, and impact.

Like last year, Limitless Cycling brought out one of their track chairs for an IWP member to receive a special hunt. This year, Deputy Chris Majeski, who has been bravely battling cancer was able to participate along with his brother. Chris has spent his entire career serving his community through the Washington County Sheriff's Office, Scandia Fire Department, and as a bus driver. It was great to have him in the hunt!

A huge thank you to our sponsors for making it possible! Presenting sponsors BFirst Industrial, field sponsors Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack, Emergency Apparatus Maintenance, Inc. (E.A.M), Large Munsterlander Association, and WSB Engineering. Also, thank you to all of the hunters, guides, and everyone who helped make this day possible. Thank you Pete, Sam and Shane for cooking, and Shane for sharing your story and the impact IWP has had on you and those around you. This is a community, a group of people who dig in to help others, and lift them up. It’s not about one person or the other, it’s about the entire community rising together.

04/10/2026

WOW- THANK YOU! ❤️

We are incredibly ecstatic to announce that the 5th Annual Blue Jean Ball is SOLD OUT! 😮

If you would still like to donate a silent auction item or bottle for the bottle pull, we greatly appreciate all donations to help make this our BIGGEST and MOST SUCCESSFUL ball yet! Please send us a message. We would like to collect these ASAP!

Lastly, we could not do this without this year's sponsors: Trinity Auto Care Nabpco - Napa Auto Parts-Linstrom, The Silvis Family, Republic Services, Acres for Life, Therapy & Wellness Center, Blaine Festival, Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack, Dave Arpin Family, 304 Bakery, Plasti Dip, The Spot by NutriSource, Hennepin County Association of Paramedics and EMTs, CHS Custom Decks and Design, Grand Casino MN, Meuser, Yackley & Rowland Law Office, Fischer Reentry Consultation LLC, Blue Line Investigations & Security Services LLC, Quality Polymers, The Leblanc Family, Major David Schlicher, Perreault Chiropractic and Acupuncture, Trustegrity, Redner Trucking, Lakes Floral, Gift & Garden, J&J Northwood's Construction Inc., and Chelsea Erickson Real Estate

04/09/2026

Hard to top an already awesome and busy week, but here are a few reminders as we head into the weekend!

We just launched two more upcoming workshops including: Still Here: Making sense after a su***de loss on April 25th and our next APPLIED SU***DE INTERVENTION SKILLS TRAINING on July 13 & 14th. Register at the above event pages, spaces are limited.

Tomorrow is our annual Hunt 4 Healing and we have over 40 people joining us 😍

The center is open Friday from 8:30–4:00 and includes:

8:30–10:30 Coffee and Conversations
11:00 The Iron Circle- A Men's Group
11:00 Ember Circle- A Group for Women

We’re also open this Sunday from 10:00–6:00! A great day to hang out and connect with other members!

And it wouldn't be complete without a sneak peek of our almost finished fitness center ‼️

04/09/2026

Please give a round of applause to last night’s volunteer award recipients!

Although a few incredible individuals were honored through nominations, what stood out most was the room full of dedicated volunteers who are the true heart of our mission showing up, stepping in, and serving others whenever they can.

It’s not just about those who were recognized, but every single person who continues to give their time, compassion, and energy to this mission.

At Invisible Wounds Project, everything we do is rooted in those we serve. Our veterans, first responders, frontline professionals, and their families carry burdens that aren’t always visible. Because of our volunteers, they are seen, supported, and never alone.

To all of our volunteers, thank you for the compassion, strength, and dedication you bring every day. We are honored to serve those who have given so much. 💙

Click each photo to learn more about their service and award!

04/09/2026

“Volunteering is love in motion—quietly changing lives, including your own, one act of service at a time.”

Tonight we celebrated just a small portion of those volunteers who make Invisible Wounds Project what it is today!

Thank you for all that made it out and thank you to Minnesota Frost and Flame BBQ for catering a top notch dinner!

Learn more about volunteer opportunities at https://iwproject.org/volunteer/

04/08/2026

🚗✨ BIG NEWS, City of North St. Paul! ✨🚗

The Invisible Wounds Project is excited (and honored) to announce that we’ll be helping keep a beloved tradition alive by hosting select North St. Paul Friday Night Car Shows in 2026!

As many in the car community know, the History Cruzers recently announced they will host the event every other Friday this year. In response, the City of North St. Paul and local businesses approached us with the opportunity to host the remaining dates. We’re proud to step in on those alternating weeks to help keep the energy, community spirit, and classic car culture thriving all summer long. 💙

🔥 OUR 2026 SHOW DATES:
📅 June 5 – The Star Chiefs (1975 & older)
📅 June 19 – Band TBD (OPEN SHOW – all years welcome)
📅 July 17 – Holy Rocka Rollaz (OPEN SHOW - all years welcome)
📅 July 31 – Holy Rocka Rollaz (1975 & older)
📅 August 14 – Band TBD (1975 & older)
📅 August 28 – Holy Rocka Rollaz (1975 & older)
📅 September 11 – Lena and the Lovekills (1975 & older)

🚘 What to Expect:
✔️ Classic cars (1975 & older) at most shows
✔️ TWO open shows (June 19 & July 17) – all show cars/trucks welcome
✔️ Live music every night 🎶
✔️ $5 suggested donation
✔️ Farmers & Makers Market (6–9 PM) 🛍️
✔️ Great food, local businesses & community vibes

📍 Main entertainment/info hub will be on the south side of 7th Ave E (area across from the Post Office)

🛍️ VENDORS:
Current vendors—please sign up by May 1!

NEW - Farmers and Makers Market at SW corner of 7th/Helen
($140 for all 7 nights | up to 25 vendors)

We’re incredibly grateful to play a role in continuing this amazing tradition and can’t wait to bring some new energy to an already incredible event.

👉 General Questions and Sponsorship Inquiries?
📧 Russ: russ@iwproject.org | 📞 855-435-7497 ext. 3

👉 Vendor Questions?
📧 Laurie: assistant@iwproject.org | 📞 855-435-7497

More details coming soon—stay tuned!

04/08/2026

and the winners of the Heroes Off Duty tickets are....