ABOUT US
Rooted in lived experience. Committed to helping surviving military families move forward.
Who We Are
Never Alone Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting surviving military families through connection, healing, advocacy, education, and forward movement. Founded from lived experience, we serve surviving spouses, children, disabled dependents, caregivers, and families rebuilding after military-connected loss.
​
We create meaningful programs, trusted resources, and opportunities for connection so families feel seen, supported, and reminded that they do not have to navigate life after loss alone.
Lavandolyn Smith
Founder and President
Founded Through Lived Experience
​
Never Alone Initiative was founded in 2015 by Lavandolyn Smith, a surviving military spouse. After her husband, William B. Smith III, died while serving on active duty in 2008, Lavandolyn experienced firsthand how grief, caregiving responsibilities, financial strain, family transitions, and long-term support needs continue well beyond the initial loss.
​
What began through her family’s journey grew into a commitment to help other surviving military families feel less isolated and better connected to meaningful support. Never Alone Initiative was created to provide compassionate programs, trusted resources, advocacy, and opportunities for families to heal, strengthen their stability, preserve their loved ones’ legacies, and move forward in their own time.
OUR MISSION
​
Never Alone Initiative supports surviving military families through connection, healing, advocacy, education, and forward movement. We provide family-centered programs, trusted resources, and meaningful opportunities that reduce isolation, strengthen stability, and help families rebuild after military-connected loss.
​
VISION
​We envision a future where every surviving military family feels seen, supported, connected, and empowered to move forward without being forgotten or left to navigate life after loss alone.
What Guides Our Work​
Our work is grounded in lived experience, compassion, dignity, accountability, and respect for every family’s individual journey after military-connected loss.
Lived Experience
Our work is informed by an understanding of the realities surviving military families face after loss.
Connection
We create meaningful opportunities for families to build community and feel less alone.
Compassion
We meet families with empathy, care, and respect for their individual experiences.
Family-Centered Support
We recognize that military-connected loss affects spouses, children, dependents, caregivers, and entire families.
Dignity
We honor each person’s voice, choices, needs, and unique path forward.
Accountability
We are committed to responsible leadership, transparency, trusted partnerships, and thoughtful stewardship.