About OneK9 Corp
Mission
Population Served
Founding Story
One K9 Corp is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of veterans by addressing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), preventing veteran suicide, and fostering long-term stability. With a collaborative “no wrong door” approach, we partner with the Governor’s Challenge, Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (
One K9 Corp is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of veterans by addressing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), preventing veteran suicide, and fostering long-term stability. With a collaborative “no wrong door” approach, we partner with the Governor’s Challenge, Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA), the VA, and local organizations like Bowen Health, Northeast Indiana Works, and Connect Allen County to provide seamless access to resources in healthcare, housing, employment, and crisis intervention. Guided by a “veterans helping veterans” philosophy, we focus on suicide prevention, service dog placement, and holistic care, building a strong network to empower and uplift the veteran community across Indiana and beyond.
(Fort Wayne, veteran suicide prevention, veterans helping veterans, veteran service dogs.)
Founding Story
Population Served
Founding Story
Founded in June 2021 by two combat veterans—a Navy veteran and a Marine—One K9 Corp was created in response to a deeply personal tragedy: the loss of a close friend to the veteran suicide crisis. Determined to honor their friend’s memory and prevent similar heartbreak for others, the founders joined the Governor’s Challenge initiative a
Founded in June 2021 by two combat veterans—a Navy veteran and a Marine—One K9 Corp was created in response to a deeply personal tragedy: the loss of a close friend to the veteran suicide crisis. Determined to honor their friend’s memory and prevent similar heartbreak for others, the founders joined the Governor’s Challenge initiative and committed to a mission of preventing veteran suicide. Through providing critical support to veterans within their community and beyond, One K9 Corp reflects their unwavering dedication to saving lives and fostering hope among those who have served.
(Fort Wayne, veteran suicide prevention, veterans helping veterans, veteran service dogs.)
Population Served
Population Served
Population Served
One K9 Corp serves Indiana’s diverse veteran population, which includes individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, and ages. According to the VA and IDVA, Indiana is home to over 400,000 veterans. This population spans:
- Age Groups: From younger veterans of recent conflicts (Iraq and Afghanistan) to older veterans from Vietnam, Korea
One K9 Corp serves Indiana’s diverse veteran population, which includes individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, and ages. According to the VA and IDVA, Indiana is home to over 400,000 veterans. This population spans:
- Age Groups: From younger veterans of recent conflicts (Iraq and Afghanistan) to older veterans from Vietnam, Korea, and WWII.
- Gender Identity: While most veterans are male, there is an increasing number of female veterans with unique needs in housing, safety, and mental health.
- Racial and Ethnic Diversity: Includes White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, and Asian veterans, each facing distinct socioeconomic and healthcare challenges.
(Fort Wayne, veteran suicide prevention, veterans helping veterans, veteran service dogs.)
Lifeline Program
No Wrong Door Approach
Population Served
One K9 Corp’s Lifeline Program ensures veterans stay connected to vital resources and support. We provide free mobile devices equipped with emergency assistance tools, appointment reminders, telehealth access, and social connectivity features. These phones help veterans access healthcare, attend appointments, and maintain communication wi
One K9 Corp’s Lifeline Program ensures veterans stay connected to vital resources and support. We provide free mobile devices equipped with emergency assistance tools, appointment reminders, telehealth access, and social connectivity features. These phones help veterans access healthcare, attend appointments, and maintain communication with family and caregivers, reducing isolation and fostering stability. In 2024, we served over 12,000 veterans, particularly those in rural or underserved areas. The Lifeline Program bridges gaps in healthcare and crisis support, empowering veterans to lead healthier, connected lives. Contact us today to learn more and see if you qualify for this essential service.
( Fort Wayne, veteran suicide prevention, veterans helping veterans, veteran service dogs.)
No Wrong Door Approach
No Wrong Door Approach
No Wrong Door Approach
One K9 Corp’s No Wrong Door approach ensures veterans can access essential resources without confusion or barriers. We provide personalized guidance to connect veterans with healthcare, housing, employment, and crisis intervention services. Our trusted partners, including the Governor’s Challenge, Bowen Health, Northeast Indiana Works, an
One K9 Corp’s No Wrong Door approach ensures veterans can access essential resources without confusion or barriers. We provide personalized guidance to connect veterans with healthcare, housing, employment, and crisis intervention services. Our trusted partners, including the Governor’s Challenge, Bowen Health, Northeast Indiana Works, and Connect Allen County, enable seamless access to critical support. From medical care and job training to shelter and mental health assistance, we streamline pathways to stability. By removing hurdles, we create a clear path to resources, fostering a community where veterans feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive. Learn more about our mission today!
( Fort Wayne, veteran suicide prevention, veterans helping veterans, veteran service dogs.)
Service Dogs
No Wrong Door Approach
No Wrong Door Approach
Central to our efforts is our specially trained service dogs. Each dog undergoes rigorous training by certified, accredited dog trainers to meet AKC standards for working dogs. These animals are meticulously selected and trained to assist veterans in their daily lives, particularly during PTSD episodes and flashbacks.
( Fort Wayne, veter
Central to our efforts is our specially trained service dogs. Each dog undergoes rigorous training by certified, accredited dog trainers to meet AKC standards for working dogs. These animals are meticulously selected and trained to assist veterans in their daily lives, particularly during PTSD episodes and flashbacks.
( Fort Wayne, veteran suicide prevention, veterans helping veterans, veteran service dogs.)
About One K9 Corp/ The Mckenna Foundation
The Battle We are Fighting
- Veterans are at 72% higher risk of suicide than those who haven't served.
- 6,392 veteran suicides in 2021
- 20 consecutive years with 6,000+ veteran suicides
- 131K+ veterans have died by suicide since 2001
- 2ndleading cause of death in veterans under age 45
- Populations with Significant Increases in Suicide Rates in 2021
- The rate of suicide among women veterans is double that for non-veteran women.
- The 35-54 year old veteran age group experienced an increase of 10.7% in age-specific suicide rate.
- American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans experienced an increase of 51.8% in the unadjusted suicide rate.
- Among veterans who served during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the suicide rate for those who were un-deployed is 48% higher than for veterans who experienced deployment.
- Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for post-9/11 veterans
- In 2021, more than 50% of veteran suicides occurred outside Veterans Health Administration care.
( Fort Wayne, veteran suicide prevention, veterans helping veterans, veteran service dogs.)
Founded by Veterans for Veterans
Service Connected Disabled Veterans Helping Other Veterans
One K9 is 100% founded and operated by Service Connected Disabled Veterans working to Prevent Veteran Suicide. Our Mission is prevent veteran suicide and provide Trained- Certified Service K9's to Disabled Veterans in need.
( Fort Wayne, veteran suicide prevention, veterans helping veterans, veteran service dogs.)
Preventing Veteran Suicide
Veterans are at 57% higher risk of suicide than those who haven't served. There's no better indicator of the fight we’re in right now. 57% higher risk. More than 1.5x the national average.
Among veterans who served during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the suicide rate for those who were undeployed is 48% higher than for veterans who experienced deployment. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for post-9/11 veterans, accounting for 22.3% of all deaths. In 2015 (most recent year data is available), more than 70% of veteran suicides occurred outside Veterans Health Administration care.
( Fort Wayne, veteran suicide prevention, veterans helping veterans, veteran service dogs.)
Working with the VA
Disabled Veterans in crisis are the mission! We provide certified service K9 animals to veterans suffering from PTSD and Service Connected Conditions at no cost to the veteran. We work with the Veteran Suicide Prevention Team to find veterans in need.
( Fort Wayne, veteran suicide prevention, veterans helping veterans, veteran service dogs.)
Our Certified/ Degreed Professional K9 Trainers are all disabled veterans on a mission to help our brothers and sisters to overcome PTSD and Service Connected Conditions.
Executive Director - Christopher James McKenna
