One veteran moved from PTSD, financial challenge, and instability to leading a
nonprofit that helps veterans and first responders across Northern Colorado heal
through community, fitness, and wellness.
“I love seeing people win. I love seeing people overcome adversity,” said Nick Dunagan, CEO and founder of Health4Heroes. “It fills my cup.” Nick’s journey started one year after his tour with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan, when he began having PTSD symptoms. A visit to the on-base mental health practitioner was less than helpful, mainly resulting in prescriptions he didn’t feel comfortable taking.
With no other resources provided from the military, he eventually had to leave — a loss
of income, identity, structure, and camaraderie. Years of instability followed: moving to a different state, self-medicating, divorce, bankruptcy, and difficulty keeping a job.
He found a local rock-climbing session for vets for just $5 each. While spending time
with the other veterans, Nick heard his own story through the other veterans. But there
was a difference — some had found a way to a calmer, happier, healthier life.
"It was the first time I had hope I could heal,” he said.
Boosted by the sense of community, Nick started going to yoga classes and found relief from the pain from his active-duty injuries and PTSD symptoms. He now knew there could be a path to wellness without medication.
He started making more healthy choices — diet, exercise, and volunteering (he calls it a “serious method of medicine”).
Inspired by the combined power of healthy living, volunteering, and community with
other vets, Nick founded Health4Heroes. The nonprofit connects veterans and first
responders through wellness-focused programming, including fitness training, nutrition
coaching, recreation activities, and community events.
Health4Heroes tries to host between 12 and 24 activities annually. At a typical
gathering, participants might spend an hour hiking, practicing yoga, or working out
together before sharing a meal or conversation. The goal isn't just physical wellness. It's creating connections with people who have shared experiences.“Getting that community together is magic,” he said. “Community is rooted in everything we do.”
Participants say the programs are life-changing. Nick has watched people arrive feeling isolated and leave with lasting friendships, workout partners, hiking buddies, and support networks.
Through physical fitness coaching and support from fellow participants, one participant
— a first responder’s spouse — gained confidence, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose. "This program didn't just give me tools for 12 weeks," she wrote. "It gave me tools for life."
As Health4Heroes grew, so did the challenges of running a nonprofit. Finding funding,
building processes, and maintaining sustainable growth required support from
community partners. One of those partners has been Elevations Credit Union, where
the organization does its banking.
Selected for their business banking needs because of Elevations’ community
contributions, Nick’s found personalized and friendly service.
“It’s been a really supportive, welcoming community,” Nick said. “Above and beyond
what banking’s ever been in my experience.”
When Health4Heroes applied with Elevations for an auto loan, a team member not only helped them with the application — they helped them connect to other resources that could help them.
The credit union support is one way the Northern Colorado community shows up for a
nonprofit that gives back so much. Showing up for the first responders and veterans
who have been through Nick’s same struggles continues to support his healing.
He calls it an “opportunity to give of myself in a way that ripples further than it could on
my own.”
Elevations Credit Union is insured by NCUA.