Southwest Riverside County Veterans Group Gathers To Share Creativity

WINCHESTER, CA ? A Southwest Riverside County nonprofit organization, Help Heal Veterans, hosted Creativity Heals: Veterans Day Open House at its headquarters this week.

The event featured the unveiling of ?The Healing Journey,? an art installation that illustrates a service member?s journey of service, struggle, and healing, and the vital role creativity can play in recovery.

Help Heal Veterans, based in Winchester, creates and distributes therapeutic craft kits for veterans and active-duty service members, guided by the belief that Creativity Heals, according to a recent news release.

Community members learned how craft therapy supports veterans recovering from traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and other wounds of war. During the event, guests took guided tours of Heal Vets? craft kit manufacturing facilities, participated in hands-on craft workshops, and enjoyed live music from the American Patriot Music Project.

?As we honor those who have served in our armed forces this Veterans Day, we want to raise awareness of how creativity can heal the visible and invisible wounds of war,? said Capt. Joe McClain, USN (Ret.), CEO, Help Heal Veterans. ?We welcomed community members to experience firsthand how Creativity Heals through craft therapy as we celebrate both the healing power of creativity and the community that stands behind our veterans.?

?I struggle with PTSD, panic attacks, and anxiety. Putting the craft kits together helps ease those symptoms ? it occupies my mind and keeps me calm,? said Master Sergeant Everett Shiltz, USMC (Ret.).

?I suffer from PTSD and isolation. These craft kits help me keep my mind off the demons inside; they keep my mind occupied,? said Yvonne Wilson, USAF (Ret.).

Representatives from other Veteran Service Organizations, including Thundar & Lightning & Peace, Semper Utilis, American Patriot Music Project, The Vet Center, American Legion, and Wellness for Veterans, as well as NAMTA (the International Art Materials Association), and sponsors including Southwest Airlines and Starbucks also participated, offering free prizes and sharing ways to support veterans and their healing journeys.