ROVERS Dev Blog August 2025

ROVERS Dev Blog #1

August 2025

ROVERS has been trudging along and has long since missed the deadlines we originally set forth. So I want to get everyone updated on what is going on.

Our goal was to reconfigure Flash Emergency Management core app and start building out all the great features onto ROVERS to help reduce veteran suicide. 

To add more security and have a great deal of flexibility to configure things exactly as we want, we needed to change the database and server platform away from Firebase/Firestore.

This was a bigger haul than we expected because Firebase has a lot of built in functions that make wiring everything together much easier. When you move away from that environment, many other built in features have to be rebuilt.

Thankfully we have a great team of developers but the bad news was it took way longer than we hoped.

Our original release which was based on a optimistic estimate was March 2025. Once we really got into the nitty gritty of it our new deadline was May 31, 2025.

In the end the rebuild took until July 31, 2025.

So where is the ROVERS app? 

Well the delays hurt. The bulk of the configuration is done, the app works but there are a few outstanding items:

  • Branding
  • Sign up form and veteran confirmation process
  • Panic button
  • iOS/Android Store prep & release

This is what we need for the 1.0 release. Then we can raise money for the 2.0 release which includes the diet/nutrition/physical training modules and then onto the 3.0 release that includes our AI chat bot for veteran resources including mental health and Military to Civilian transition resources.

However, the delay has exhausted current funding. We are short the final bits of funding. We have grant requests submitted to help us over the finish line but until then, we are on hold while we raise more funding to finish it up and get it out to the world.

Once we’ve knocked out the last couple bits, we’ll be live within a month.

Want to help, donate below.

His Way Press or Print

His Way Press or Print

His Way Press or Print is a professional apparel shop that understands the need to give back. Our official partner with all our promo and apparel needs, His Way has been awesome in supporting our mission. 

“We can make your vision a reality – from Custom Signage, Banners, Decals, and Stickers to help take your brand to the next level. Recently adding Video content for your social media platforms. Our heart’s desire is to create relationships with our partners. Something new can be challenging, at His Way Press or Print, you can ask any questions and leave our shop with as much information possible knowing that you are comfortable on the process of your Product.

The possibilities are endless and we are excited on what the future holds.”

Kendra Scott Sponsors Hope Builds Life

Kendra Scott Helps Foster Children Have Joy

Kendra Scott understands that foster children need normalcy in their lives and birthday boxes are a way for families to bond and joy to be brought to the children.

Kendra brings beauty to the world through their craft, now they are helping children see beauty in the world and that people care. 

We are grateful for Kendra’s support and sponsorship to this mission to bring birthday boxes to foster children and help them in their day through recognition, validation, and letting a kid, be a kid.

Hope Builds Life – Helps the next generation in Trades!

Construction Career Academy helps prepare the next generation of high school graduates to join the Trades Industry.

Thanks to private and corporate donations, Hope Builds Life was able to provide tool grants to five deserving students entering the trades workforce next month with $1,000 gift cards to a home improvement store. 

Our mission is to close the growing trades gap by giving new tradesmen a head start by helping them get the tools they need to succeed at their new trade.

Dreambox Delivery!

Dreambox Birthday Boxes has started its deliveries! We are grateful to be able to help put these together with the help of our partners and donors. 

Shoutout to Jeremiah’s Italian Ice for their contributions to the boxes!

We are in process of the next batch now. If you want to help us you can donate money for the gift cards and cakes or you can directly purchase items for the boxes that we need.

Let’s make sure every foster kid has a real birthday party. It is the little things that help them feel worthy. Help us celebrate their life on their birthday.

Ethos Educate Shout out

Ethos Speech Language Learning Published

Ethos Speech Language Learning was featured in SA Voyage a San Antonio publication connecting the community and bringing exposure to San Antonio’s small businesses.

READ IT HERE

Why is this important? 

With our partnership with SCORE San Antonio, Hope Builds Life’s Strengthen Foundations program is producing results. Executive Director Andrew Flippo has been a mentor and coach to Ethos and received a shoutout from them in the article. 

We are excited about their success for the future.