Help Heal Veterans Brings Community Together Through Art and Healing

WINCHESTER, Calif., November 7, 2025 – Veterans, families, and community members came together at Help Heal Veterans’ Winchester headquarters for Creativity Heals: Veterans Day Open House, a celebration of the healing power of art and creativity.

Hosted by Help Heal Veterans (Heal Vets), the nation’s leader in therapeutic craft kits for veterans and active-duty service members, the event invited guests to experience how creativity helps veterans recover from the visible and invisible wounds of war.

A highlight of the day was the unveiling of “The Healing Journey,” a new art installation illustrating a service member’s path from duty and struggle to healing. Attendees also toured Heal Vets’ craft kit manufacturing facilities, took part in hands-on 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 of Help Heal Veterans. “We welcomed community members to experience firsthand how Creativity Heals through craft therapy, as we celebrate both the healing power of art and the community that stands behind our veterans.”

Veterans who have benefited from Heal Vets’ programs also shared personal stories about the impact of craft therapy in their recovery.

“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.).

Local veteran service organizations, including Thundar & Lightning & Peace, Semper Utilis, American Patriot Music Project, The Vet Center, American Legion, and Wellness for Veterans; NAMTA (the International Art Materials Association); and sponsors including Southwest Airlines and Starbucks also participated, offering prizes and sharing ways to support veterans’ healing journeys.

Founded during the Vietnam War, Help Heal Veterans has provided more than 31 million free craft therapy kits nationwide and internationally to veterans recovering from trauma, anxiety, and other service-related injuries.

For more information, visit HealVets.org.