When 19-year-old Jessica Manfre of Bradenton, Florida, looked at her handsome date and said, “Oh, you’re in the Coast Guard? What’s that?” she had no way of knowing this fateful meeting would take her all across the United States, plunge her into profound loneliness, challenge her to do things she never thought possible, and give her a mission for radical kindness.
Since marrying her Coast Guard husband Scott, she has moved nine times in the last 15 years. After struggling with severe loneliness and depression, Manfre realized that there is a great need within military communities for support.
As she discovered new depths of inner strength and resilience, Manfre became a licensed social worker; founded Inspire Up Foundation, a nonprofit which serves military and first responder families; and wrote a new book, “Never Alone” (March 2023), dealing with the problem of loneliness in military communities. “I know I can walk alongside them,” said Manfre. “I can empathize deeply.”
Manfre imagined that becoming a military spouse would be a grand adventure. While this has been true, she struggled with being away from her husband for long periods of time. Depression marked her first two years as a Coast Guard wife. But then she realized she had an opportunity to grow and discover herself. “It made me stronger. I started to do things I never thought I could do,” she said. She worked at Bank of America, became friends with coworkers, attended night school, and earned her associate’s degree in social work. Her perception of family and friends began to change, and she became intentional about fostering community.
