About Us
Learn about our mission to support veteran mental health
Our Story
Project Headspace and Timing (PHAT) began operating in 2017 and officially became a 501(C)(3) in 2019. The organization was founded by Eric Peterson after a fellow teammate took his own life after multiple tours overseas. Determined to make a difference, Eric created PHAT as a bridge between veterans and the support they deserve.
The name itself reflects what every veteran needs: the mental clarity ("headspace") and the right moment ("timing") to take the next step forward. As an organization, we believe that we live in a community that supports their veterans but may not know how to show it, and we have veterans that need that support but may not know how to ask.
What began as a local effort in Manteno, Illinois has grown into a multi-program organization serving hundreds of veterans through advocacy, outreach, and community building across three core focuses: Veteran Advocacy, Veteran Outreach, and the Veterans Village Initiative.
Eric Peterson
Eric spent several years in the Middle East between the State Department, Department of Defense, and Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment of the Illinois Army National Guard. After his time in the Middle East, he worked in Executive Protection and as a private investigator until the suicide of a fellow teammate caused him to change course entirely.
Eric went back to school to study psychology and founded Project Headspace and Timing. His goals are to improve the transitional process for veterans into the civilian world, bridge the gap between communities and veterans, and to one day run a transitional tiny home lodging facility and treatment center for veterans.
Read Full BioMission, Vision & Values
Our Mission
"Project Headspace and Timing (PHAT) was founded to promote positive mental health practices to our nation's veterans by working to unify them with their communities, nature, and themselves."
Our Vision
"A world where every veteran has the support, community, and resources they need to thrive after service."
Community
Building bridges between veterans and their communities.
Nature
Harnessing the healing power of the outdoors.
Service
Continuing the spirit of service beyond the uniform.
Resilience
Fostering mental strength and positive practices.
Organizational Transparency
EIN Number
83-3998869
Project Headspace and Timing is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
We are committed to full transparency in how we use every dollar entrusted to us. Our goal is to maximize the impact of every contribution in service to the veteran community.
Support Our Veterans
Your contribution helps us connect veterans with their communities, nature, and the resources they need to thrive. Every dollar makes a difference.
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