WHEELING – A gratifying career can be forged through service to people in the community who are in need, and when that effort helps those who served our country, the rewards are worthy of a salute.

In 2010, Jeremy Harrison and his wife, Susan, co-founded Helping Heroes – a center for veteran resources. Since then, the organization has grown and its services have expanded in the Ohio Valley, and that impact has helped make a difference in the lives of veterans who greatly benefit from a reason to hope for a better tomorrow.

“What is amazing about my job is that there is no typical day,” Harrison said. “Every single day is different from the day before. From fundraising, networking, educating, working with veterans … There are always opportunities to do something different. I knew that when we built Helping Heroes, I would enjoy every day. The work for veterans, to me, is the best thing I can do, and because they have so many needs, ‘typical’ isn’t a word we use.”

Harrison, 43, said that as co-founder of Helping Heroes, his role has remained fluid.

“I take part in important decisions made within the organization, oversee fundraising and planning, work on corporate sponsorships and foundational support, work with state officials regarding veteran related issues, and so much more,” he said. “Right now we have our new building project taking place in downtown Wheeling, which requires a lot of attention from all of the administrative staff.”

The team at Helping Heroes has been hard at work to transform the former Columbia Gas building on 16th Street into its new headquarters, one that will be designed to provide emergency shelter rooms, transitional housing apartments, education and training facilities, administrative and program office spaces, and more.

Harrison said he and his staff put in the effort to get better every day and to provide the best service possible. Striving to be the best at what you do is a normal goal for those who work hard and who are passionate about what they do, Harrison noted. However, perfection is rarely achievable, and he said he’s learned valuable lessons in this pursuit.

“One of my struggles early on was when I didn’t have an answer, and wanting to be the best but not having answers was very frustrating,” Harrison said, explaining that he discussed this dilemma with someone who is very well known and respected in the field and beyond. “He told me that part of being the best is realizing you don’t have all of the answers. So as I moved forward with my career and started accepting that I don’t have all of the answers, I eventually was not bothered by not having an answer, and actually grew more informed by utilizing more resources to help find the answer. This is something I passed on over the years to those wanting to get in the field and those who are in the field.”

A great team is a valuable resource, and when your team is surrounded by a supportive community, the sky’s the limit.

“I was born and raised in the Ohio Valley,” Harrison said. “I grew up in Benwood with my parents and three brothers. I have also traveled all over, and no matter where I go, I look forward to returning home to the Valley. This place has taken care of my family and me in so many ways. I decided to build our organization here, because I knew our community would support us, and the veteran families that we serve.

“Everywhere you go in the Ohio Valley, it feels like home. We genuinely care for one another.”

In addition to the people, the Ohio Valley has many assets, according to Harrison, who said he loves the outdoors and the activities that go with it.

“It’s easy to overlook the beauty of nature here when we see it every day,” he said. “However, when I travel and tell people where I am from, if they know about the Valley, they talk about how beautiful it is. From skiing and snowboarding, golfing, boating, canoeing, camping and so much more – there are endless activities to enjoy year round.”

And there’s no secret that the area – especially Wheeling – is growing, and people are investing in communities throughout the area.

“From new jobs to new buildings, road and bridge repairs, and new companies regularly choosing to build in West Virginia, it’s an exciting time to live and work here,” Harrison said.

For those looking to roll up their sleeves and contribute to the area’s growth, Harrison said his motto is “if you can, you should.”

“I’ve always believed that if you have the ability to do something good that makes the community better, you should, no matter how small,” said Harrison, who offered advice to young adults who are entering the workforce. “Find something that you enjoy and understand the needs of the Ohio Valley so that you can be successful, happy and continue to live in this great community.”

In addition to Harrison’s work with Helping Heroes, Harrison previously served on the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce board and is currently a founding member of the Northern Panhandle Veterans Council, a member of the American Legion Post No. 3 in Moundsville, and a member of U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin’s Veteran Advisory Committee.

“I am a social worker,” Harrison said. “I have a master’s degree from WVU in social work. One of the great things about our community – and this goes back to what I said about people caring about our own people – is that we have an abundance of social services and resources that take care of our fellow citizens in need. And the people that work in this field are often well educated at one of our local colleges and universities, leading to great care. These services continue to grow, thus a need for social workers will always be here.”

Harrison is not only a social worker and active member of the community, he is also a family man. He and his wife have a 14-year-old son, Evan, along with a don, Finley, and a pet python named Dirk.