We are a small group of veterans on a mission. Many years ago, I had an idea for a veteran center that focused on art and coffee. I love coffee. I love art. Seemed like a good idea. Since then I have refined my dream into a mission to support my brother and sister veterans through promoting art as therapy, art therapy (Yeah, I didn't know there was a difference, either.), and other services for veterans and their families. I even incorporated community activities.
I served in the Army from 1992 to 2000. There were ups and downs in my service. Some days I wish I could go back. Other days, I curse the day I signed. I am proud of my service regardless of the scars and disabilities I live with. Since my discharge I have learned that the way to survive was to find a new mission. Sitting around trying to fit in to the civilian world wasn't working. Here is my vision...
I am working toward a brick-and-mortar veteran art center. The center will have studio space, classrooms, and a retail outlet for veterans and their families to create and sell their creations. There will be office and meeting spaces for groups like AA, NA, PTSD recovery, meditation, music lessons, and counseling. There will also be a snack bar with coffee, because life is not worth living without coffee; and we have several veteran-owned coffee businesses to work with. We will employ veterans and family members of veterans to give them job training and experience. Veterans will have many ways to develop their own missions.
We are currently in Phase 1, which is a podcast/videocast. We have some inexpensive equipment and will be producing our first show soon. We hope to reach veterans and their families and will offer connections to resources, advice, and ideas for things they can create for personal use, decoration, or to sell. We hope to gain a larger partnership so we can monetize and help raise funds for our center. Once we have the center, the podcast will be handed over to other veterans interested in broadcasting.
I have been slowly chipping away at things we need to get started with my own funds. Take into consideration that my only income is my VA disability compensation. Slow and steady wins the race. We are Incorporated with the state of Wisconsin and are awaiting approval of our nonprofit status with the federal government. We have a Facebook Page, Instagram, Twitter, and now this website. As we progress, I will post updates. Please consider donating to our mission by checking out our store.
Thanks for joining us.
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