Non-Profit Helps Veterans and First Responders Through Skydiving Therapy

Leaps of Hope provides adventure therapy to those dealing with trauma and PTSD.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:54pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print depicting multiple skydivers in freefall, rendered in a bold, neon color palette that captures the adrenaline and empowerment of the experience.Leaps of Hope's skydiving retreats empower first responders and veterans to confront their trauma and rediscover a sense of purpose through the thrill of freefall.Zephyrhills Today

A non-profit called Leaps of Hope is helping first responders, veterans, and survivors of child abuse regain their confidence through skydiving. The organization takes participants on a multi-day retreat where they learn to skydive and use the experience as a form of adventure therapy to work through trauma and PTSD.

Why it matters

First responders and veterans often face high levels of trauma and stress in their jobs, which can lead to mental health challenges like PTSD. Programs like Leaps of Hope provide an innovative approach to therapy that gets participants out of their comfort zones and into an empowering, adrenaline-filled experience.

The details

Leaps of Hope takes three candidates at a time on a multi-day skydiving retreat, where they learn to pack parachutes, go through ground school, and ultimately earn their skydiving license. The organization's founder, Ross Mitchell, is a veteran and former paramedic who discovered the therapeutic benefits of skydiving after a traumatic call. Participants like Bay Area first responder Whitney Wright say the experience is incredibly empowering, allowing them to leave their everyday stresses behind for a few minutes in the air.

  • Leaps of Hope held its first-ever retreat in April 2026.
  • The current retreat is taking place from April 13-15, 2026.

The players

Leaps of Hope

A non-profit organization that provides adventure therapy through skydiving to help first responders, veterans, and survivors of child abuse.

Whitney Wright

A Bay Area first responder participating in the Leaps of Hope retreat.

Daniel Lynn

A former firefighter and board member for Leaps of Hope.

Ross Mitchell

The founder of Leaps of Hope, who is a veteran and former paramedic.

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What they’re saying

“It is an honor, I am so grateful, I am so proud to be a part of something like this, it really is an incredible thing.”

— Whitney Wright, Bay Area first responder

“No matter what's going on at home, whether it's a bad call or whatever, when the door opens, that's gone. For the next 5 minutes, nothing matters.”

— Daniel Lynn, Former firefighter and Leaps of Hope board member

“We're not just taking them up and kicking them out of the plane, showing them a good time. We're putting leaders back into the community, because they are refining their sense of purpose.”

— Ross Mitchell, Founder of Leaps of Hope

What’s next

Leaps of Hope is accepting applications from first responders and veterans interested in participating in future retreats. The organization is also accepting donations to support its mission.

The takeaway

Programs that provide innovative, adrenaline-fueled therapy like skydiving can be incredibly beneficial for first responders, veterans, and others dealing with trauma and PTSD. By pushing participants out of their comfort zones, Leaps of Hope helps them regain a sense of purpose and confidence to better serve their communities.