The Pillar Foundation | Supporting Special Operations Spouses Through Military Transition

The Pillar Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preparing Special Operations spouses for one of the most significant transitions their families will ever experience—moving from military life to civilian life.

Through retreats, education, professional development, grants, and community, The Pillar Foundation equips spouses with the confidence, resources, and support needed to build strong families and successful futures beyond military service.

Fast Facts

At a Glance

Organization The Pillar Foundation

Founder Teresa Shick

Organization Type 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Primary Industry Military & Veteran Services

Headquarters Tyler, Texas

Service Area National

Military Connection Special Operations Spouse

Branch of Service United States Navy

Special Operations Community Navy SEAL

Years Connected to Military Service 21–25 Years

Victor + Valor® Brand Ecosystem Member Since 2024

Current Growth Stage Established

Current Opportunities

Currently Seeking

• Corporate Partnerships

• Donors

• Speaking Engagements

• Strategic Collaborations

• Mission-Aligned Sponsors

Organization Snapshot

Mission Support Special Operations spouses before, during, and after military transition through education, leadership development, retreats, grants, scholarships, and community.

Who They Serve Special Operations spouses and military families preparing for life after military service.

Known For Helping Special Operations spouses successfully navigate military transition while strengthening families through professional and personal development.

Based In Tyler, Texas

Serving Special Operations families across the United States.

Website www.sofpillarfoundation.org

Inside the Victor + Valor® Brand Ecosystem

Growing Stronger Together

Victor + Valor® believes organizations thrive when they are surrounded by trusted partners who understand their vision and help remove barriers to growth.

Since joining the Victor + Valor® Brand Ecosystem in 2024, The Pillar Foundation has partnered with Victor + Valor® to strengthen its brand, increase awareness, develop strategic growth initiatives, expand fundraising opportunities, and build a stronger national presence in support of Special Operations families.

Victor + Valor® Support Received

• Brand Strategy

• Brand Identity

• Logo Design

• Marketing Strategy

• Social Media Consulting

• Content Development

• Print & Marketing Collateral

• Visual Marketing Productions

• Photography

• Videography

• Website Design & Development

• Business Consulting

• Organizational Growth Strategy & Support

• Leadership & Resilience Coaching

• Business Development

• Fundraising Strategy

• Grant Strategy & Grant Writing

• Public Relations & Media

From Teresa Shick

"Victor + Valor has been a Godsend. Ali and her team are always present, never judgmental, and have empowered The Pillar Foundation to keep moving forward in the tough nonprofit space. Victor + Valor sees my vision and makes it happen in easy, manageable steps."

About The Pillar Foundation

Behind every Special Operations service member is a spouse whose life has been shaped by years of sacrifice, resilience, uncertainty, and unwavering support.

Yet when military service ends, those spouses often face a transition that receives far less attention than the service member's own journey.

The Pillar Foundation exists to ensure they never navigate that transition alone.

Through in-person retreats, professional development opportunities, leadership training, grants, scholarships, and virtual resources, the organization equips Special Operations spouses with the tools they need to confidently build the next chapter of their lives while preserving the strength of their families.

Recognizing that military transition affects the entire household—not just the veteran—The Pillar Foundation focuses on empowering spouses so families can emerge stronger, healthier, and better prepared for civilian life.

Media & Recognition

Leadership Recognition

Founder Teresa Shick has devoted more than two decades to serving the Special Operations community and has been recognized for her leadership and commitment to military families.

Highlights include:

• Naval Ombudsman for Naval Special Warfare Development Group for seven years

• Harvard Leadership Certificate

• University of Notre Dame Leadership Institute for Military Spouses Certificate

These experiences continue to shape The Pillar Foundation's mission of serving Special Operations spouses with excellence, empathy, and practical leadership.

Looking Ahead

A Vision for the Future

Over the next three to five years, The Pillar Foundation plans to expand its proven model to serve even more Special Operations spouses through additional retreats, leadership development opportunities, and increased access to grants and scholarships.

The organization also hopes to significantly increase the financial assistance it provides, ensuring more military spouses have access to life-changing educational and professional development opportunities.

Current Priorities

• Expanding grants and scholarship funding

• Growing donor support

• Increasing corporate partnerships

• Serving more Special Operations spouses nationwide

• Expanding leadership and personal development programming

Ways You Can Help

The Pillar Foundation is actively seeking:

• Corporate Partners

• Donors

• Speaking Opportunities

• Mission-Aligned Sponsors

The organization is especially interested in developing a strategic partnership with Operation Healing Forces to strengthen support for Special Operations families by expanding spouse-focused programming alongside existing veteran initiatives.

Voices From the Ecosystem

Why Victor + Valor®

"Victor + Valor is your first step as a founder. They see your vision and bring it to life. Imagine having a friend walking beside you, helping every step of the way while giving you the tools and resources to succeed."

To Future Members

"As an entrepreneur and founder, it's hard to see the forest through the trees. Victor + Valor clears that mess in your head, keeps you focused, and helps you stay motivated."

A Message to Victor + Valor® Supporters

"Thank you! Your generosity goes so very far in directly helping military families. While the impact may not always be visible in the traditional sense, your support creates opportunities and resources that change lives for military spouses and their families every single day."

Connect With The Pillar Foundation

Website www.sofpillarfoundation.org

LinkedInTeresa Shick

FacebookThe Pillar Foundation

YouTubeTeresa Shick

Proud Member of the Victor + Valor® Brand Ecosystem

The Pillar Foundation is a mission-driven organization within the Victor + Valor® Brand Ecosystem—a growing community of nonprofits, businesses, founders, and leaders committed to creating lasting impact. Through strategic branding, organizational growth, fundraising strategy, marketing, and public relations, Victor + Valor® helps organizations like The Pillar Foundation strengthen their mission, expand their reach, and serve more Special Operations spouses and military families across the nation.