Alexander Graham Bell famously said, “When one door closes, another opens.” The inventor was clearly onto something because his quote from the 1800s is still a common saying today, and sometimes connections come full circle. Bell suffered setbacks and struggles, but never focused on the closed door. He set his sights on the one that hadn’t yet opened.

We all know how that turned out with his first phone call to his assistant in the other room,

“Mr. Watson, come here; I want to see you.” 

Phone calls were the common form of communication between Laura Burh and HOPE’s career transition manager/scholarship program manager, Kristy Warren.

Laura, a military spouse to an active-duty Marine, decided to pursue a master’s degree in social work.

To help offset costs for this new endeavor, she applied for one of HOPE’s Spouse and Military Caregiver Scholarships.

Within hours of submitting her application, Kristy contacted her.

The connection was immediate, and Laura was struck by the remarkable communication and support she received throughout the process.

Although the scholarship did not materialize, the seed of a partnership was sown.

Fast forward to a year later, as Laura was on the cusp of graduating with her master’s degree.

In a delightful twist of fate, Kristy contacted Laura with news of an open regional social work position with Hope For The Warriors. 

“When the regional social worker position opened, I was eager to reach out to Laura because I knew she would fit in perfectly with HOPE’s culture and do right by those we serve,” Kristy said.

HOPE was the very organization that had initially captivated Laura’s attention and had opened its doors to her.

Laura fondly recalls the moment, “It was really flattering that she remembered me. We hadn’t spoken in quite a while. It was cool to see that it was reciprocated.” The connection had come full circle.

Personal experiences and a profound sense of purpose fueled Laura’s dedication to working with the military population.

As a military spouse residing in Wilmington, N.C., Laura was immersed in a military town, and her husband’s service provided a unique perspective on the challenges faced by military families.

Laura acknowledges the tremendous need for support within the military community. The frequent deployments, relocations, and the toll it takes on mental health underscored the importance of providing empathetic care and assistance. “It’s a real privilege to work with the military community,” Laura reflected.

One pivotal moment that solidified Laura’s commitment was witnessing her husband’s mental health journey after back-to-back deployments.

This experience heightened her understanding of the unique struggles of service members and their families.

Laura’s compassion and determination to make a positive impact shine through as she endeavors to alleviate military families’ burdens.

For Laura, making a difference is not just a job—it’s a calling that brings unparalleled fulfillment. “It’s such a privilege to have your career also bring such fulfillment and to work in an organization where everyone shares that mindset. It’s a really powerful thing that keeps you motivated,” Laura passionately expressed.

Laura’s role within HOPE has allowed her to create positive change and introduced her to a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to the same cause.

With over 25 years of service under her direct management at HOPE, Laura is inspired by the enduring commitment and fulfillment that her colleagues find in their work.

The organization’s unwavering support for its staff members underscores the values that underpin its mission.

Her journey serves as a testament to the power of dedication, compassion, and the profound impact a single individual can have on the lives of many.

Laura Buhr’s commitment to military families and her partnership with HOPE exemplifies the extraordinary change that can be achieved when passion meets purpose.

It’s a fantastic example of why it’s important to set sights on the unopened door rather than the one already closed.  

*If you’re interested in the field of social work, please visit the sources listed below:
The National Association of Social Workers  or The New Social Worker- Online

*For more blog posts from HFTW, check out their Mission:Milspouse Author Page.