ABOUT US
OUR STORY
Our Story
Hazel Gray Foundation was founded by Desiree Devonne Smith, LCSW-S, a Navy veteran and clinical social worker, to strengthen access to trauma recovery resources and support in Virginia.
Based in Newport News, we bring together clinical expertise, lived experience, and community partnerships. Our work follows three connected pathways: Peer Support; Clinical Mental Health; and Training, Consultation and Supervision.
We place special emphasis on military service members, veterans, and their families while supporting the broader recovery community. Through grant-funded projects and community initiatives, we help people access support and strengthen the workforce that serves them.
​
​
OUR MISSION AND GOAL
​
​Our Mission
Our mission is to expand access to compassionate, trauma-informed support, education, and mental health resources that strengthen recovery, connection, and resilience.
We recognize that trauma, grief, and loss can affect relationships, identity, and a person’s sense of safety. Our programs support greater understanding, healthy boundaries, practical coping skills, and meaningful community connections.
Hazel Gray Foundation provides peer support and education, connects individuals with clinical mental health services through Painted Bird Psychotherapy, and offers professional training, consultation and supervision. Our work with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services has supported grant-funded projects addressing trauma recovery and veteran suicide prevention.