News Summary
Help R Heroes, a nonprofit established by Vietnam War veteran Gary Scaife, offers creative workshops for veterans dealing with PTSD. The organization promotes art as a healing tool, providing classes in woodworking, painting, and more at no cost. Workshop participant Mikhal Tippin shares how the program has helped him maintain sobriety. Civilians can also join for a fee, fostering community support. Help R Heroes seeks volunteers and runs an online shop featuring veterans’ crafts, aiming to help veterans channel their pain into artistic expression.
Las Vegas, Nevada – A nonprofit organization called Help R Heroes is making strides in providing creative healing for veterans grappling with the invisible wounds of military service, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Founded by Vietnam War veteran Gary Scaife in 2021, the organization aims to support those who have served in the military by promoting hands-on creativity as a healing tool.
Scaife was motivated to establish Help R Heroes after witnessing the mistreatment of veterans upon their return from service. His mission is clear: to help veterans heal their mental and emotional wounds through various art forms, including woodworking and painting. He noted that many veterans struggle with feelings of isolation, and the organization’s activities aim to remind them that they are not alone in their battles.
Navy veteran Mikhal Tippin, who identifies as Max, shared that participating in Help R Heroes has significantly impacted his recovery journey. By using creative outlets, Max indicated he has been able to maintain sobriety for the past 90 days. His experience highlights the potential of artistic expression to facilitate healing for those dealing with similar challenges.
Help R Heroes offers a variety of creative workshops for veterans and their spouses at no cost. Classes are scheduled twice a month at specific partner locations. Woodworking and acrylic pour classes are held at US Vets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 10 a.m. In addition, the Help R Heroes workshop also provides classes in candle-making and quilting.
Civilians interested in supporting veterans can participate as well. While classes are free for veterans and their spouses, civilians may attend for a $35 fee. Interested individuals can register for classes at the Help R Heroes charity website.
The organization collaborates with local facilities such as US Vets, located at 525 E. Bonanza Road, and the North Las Vegas Veterans and Community Resource Center at 3090 E. Centennial Parkway. These partnerships not only expand the reach of Help R Heroes but also create a supportive community for veterans navigating their healing journeys.
In addition to class offerings, Help R Heroes is in need of volunteers and mentors to assist veterans in their artistic endeavors. The organization encourages community support, emphasizing the importance of connection in helping veterans address challenges related to PTSD, alienation, and financial struggles.
Scaife, the founder, appreciates the ongoing need for support within the veteran community. He conveys a strong commitment to sustaining the program as long as veterans require assistance. In seeking to foster a sense of purpose and direction, Help R Heroes paves the way for veterans to channel their pain into productive and meaningful artistic expression.
Help R Heroes also operates an online shop named “Made in Nevada,” where civilians can purchase goods crafted by veterans. This initiative not only supports the nonprofit’s mission financially but also showcases the talents of participating veterans, further enriching their involvement in the community.
By focusing on creative healing, Help R Heroes is positioning itself as a vital resource for veterans coping with the effects of their service. Through artistic expression, the nonprofit provides a pathway for recovery, demonstrating the powerful role that creativity can play in overcoming life’s adversities.
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Additional Resources
- PR.com: Help R Heroes Offers Creative Healing for Veterans
- Access Wire: Military Veterans Join Virtue Recovery
- GlobeNewswire: Military Veterans Expand Community Outreach
- KTNV: Veteran Finds Support at North Las Vegas Community Center
- Wikipedia: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
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