

Our Mission
The Full Story
NLAB- Never Leave Anyone Behind
Never Leave Anyone Behind (NLAB) is a Veteran nonprofit organization based in Houston, Texas. Our mission is to honor and empower veterans who have selflessly served our country by providing comprehensive support services that address the unique challenges they face during their transition to civilian life and beyond. We are committed to offering innovative solutions to the multifaceted issues that veterans encounter, including access to healthcare, employment opportunities, housing assistance, and mental health support. By collaborating with local communities, government agencies, and other nonprofit organizations, we strive to ensure that every veteran receives the respect, resources, and opportunities they deserve.
NLAB recognizes the profound importance of camaraderie and peer support. Through our network, veterans find a community of like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges they face. We foster an environment of mutual respect, understanding, and solidarity, where veterans can share their experiences, offer guidance, and forge lifelong bonds. Additionally, we are dedicated to equipping veterans with the tools and resources they need to thrive professionally. We offer mentorship programs, career development workshops, and job placement assistance to help veterans leverage their skills and experiences in the civilian workforce. Whether they are seeking employment, entrepreneurship opportunities, or further education, we provide guidance and support every step of the way.
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to fostering personal growth and resilience among veterans. We empower veterans to overcome obstacles, pursue their passions, and lead fulfilling lives beyond their military service. Once this is accomplished, we realize there is no better therapy than service to others. We aim to give veterans the tools and support they need to help their fellow veterans, creating a positive ripple effect within the community. Our commitment to service knows no bounds, and we will continue to strive for a world where every veteran is honored, respected, and empowered to thrive.
The biggest issue facing veterans is a lack of purpose. To address this, NLAB provides a continuum of support from the moment they transition out of the military and throughout their civilian lives. Our services include career counseling, job placement, VA disability claims assistance, and housing solutions to prevent homelessness. According to a 2011 report by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans make up approximately 3,600 (28%) of the homeless population in Houston, Texas. About 45% of homeless veterans suffer from mental illness, PTSD, alcohol abuse, and/or drug abuse problems. Despite the availability of several transitional homes in Houston, there are no comfortable and safe transitional homes that provide holistic and personalized services for homeless veterans who suffer from these conditions. NLAB aims to fill this gap by providing a safe haven for veterans to regroup, clear their minds, heal, and prepare for their futures.
The proposed Never Leave Anyone Behind (NLAB), Incorporated will offer a different approach to providing temporary transitional housing for homeless veterans in Houston, Texas. Our organization will not merely provide food and shelter; we plan to offer a unique, robust, and holistic housing experience that includes comprehensive services to help veterans become independent and confident in their abilities to reach their full potential. NLAB’s transitional housing solutions will provide a safe and nurturing environment as a bridge for homeless veterans to make a slow and methodical transition back into society. We plan to hire a team of professional, licensed, and bonded business partners, including plumbers, carpenters, electricians, HVAC technicians, interior designers, and other professionals to remodel a six-bedroom transitional home into a safe and comfortable housing solution for our clients.
In addition to transitional housing, NLAB will offer three service plans guided by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Basic Living Services, Medical Services, and Employment Services. Basic Living Services include teaching veterans basic living skills such as computer literacy, conflict resolution, financial literacy, and personal hygiene. Medical Services will address the psychological needs of our clients, providing assistance with physical examinations, mental health evaluations, dental health services, drug and alcohol abuse evaluations, and counseling services. Employment Services will help veterans achieve their full potential through permanent employment by offering personality assessments, employment aptitude tests, resume preparation, and job interview training.
NLAB relies on individuals like you to spread the message and create real change in local communities. Your active participation enables us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans and their families. We offer fundraising opportunities for those looking to give back and raise awareness about the challenges faced by veterans. Together, we can create transformative programs that positively impact countless lives.
Brian Ard, Executive Director of NLAB, is a disabled Navy veteran who grew up in a low-income neighborhood in Houston, Texas. Although Brian does not suffer from mental illness, PTSD, alcohol, or drug abuse, he has first-hand experience watching people close to him suffer from these ailments. His personal experiences and the plight of his homeless veteran family members and friends motivated him to start NLAB. Brian currently spends approximately 10 hours per week completing the tasks necessary to establish NLAB as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. He also takes lunches to homeless people in his community, donates to food drives, and helps veterans complete VA claims.
Initially, NLAB will focus on serving clients in the Settgast Community in Houston, Texas, with plans to expand to other areas using a phased approach. We will fund our activities through grant funding, tax-deductible investments, and net proceeds from fundraising activities. Our ultimate goal is to offer services nationally, providing comprehensive support to veterans across the United States.
In summary, Never Leave Anyone Behind (NLAB) is committed to providing a comprehensive platform for veterans, offering a continuum of support from the moment they transition out of the military and throughout their civilian lives. Our mission is multi-faceted, addressing the diverse needs of veterans as they navigate the complexities of post-service life. By offering holistic and personalized services, we aim to help veterans become self-sufficient and lead productive, fulfilling lives. We believe that by empowering veterans, we can create a positive ripple effect that will benefit not only the veterans themselves but also their families and communities.