Changing minds is about alternative programs to assist our fellow veterans in becoming a healthier you. With these and upcoming programs, we encourage you to check them out and one might be right for you in ways you never knew possible. Have ideas for additional alternative programs? Submit them to us and we will look into them.
Guitars 4 Vets
Nervous from the Service… Don’t fret Vet!
iNearly one million Military Veterans struggle with physical injuries, PTSD and other emotional distress. Music helps elevate your mood and motivation, Reduce stress, Improve focus, Help with relaxation, and Reduce anxiety and depression decrease anxiety, increase self-esteem, and reduce episodes of panic attacks, nightmares and flashbacks. More simply put, playing a guitar can help veterans safely connect with their surroundings and other people.
How It Works:
10 Weeks of One-on-One Lessons
You want to learn to play the music you like to listen to. So that’s what we’ll help you learn. From rock to country to folk and everything in between.
When you finish your lessons, you’re just getting started. You’ll “Graduate” and receive your own guitar and all the equipment you need to keep the riffs rolling. For free.
If you have a service connected disability and are interested in learning to play guitar, click here to apply
Playing The Guitar Has A Proven Ability To Heal.
How Can You Help G4V?
Tax-deductible donations made to Guitars for Vets help provide free guitar lessons and acoustic guitars to our nation’s deserving heroes. Donations ensure that we are able to continue sharing the healing power of music with veterans right here in Lucas County.
You can text “G4VLucasCounty” to “443-21”
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/guitars-for-vets/guitars-for-vets-lucas-county-ohLocal donations of gently used guitars and accessories, as well as volunteer instructors are welcomed. Call Charles, Lucas County Chapter Coordinator by e-mail at oh.lucascounty@guitarsforvets.org for more information.
Are you an instructor and want to volunteer?
Volunteer Instructor sign up
Congratulations to our first class graduate, Eric Perkins and instructor Joe Reimer
H.O.O.V.E.S
At H.O.O.V.E.S. we continuously believe in and witness the profound healing power of horses. Through the facilitation of the Equine Wisdom Integration Method™, our team works tirelessly to ensure our veterans receive the critical support they need.
Horses are partnered with service men and women in a judgement free environment to work through stress and trauma incurred by the effects of military service. With this methodology, the program participants regain confidence and self-worth, while aligning with new purpose, empowering them to reconnect with their family and the community.
There are many equine programs out there, but H.O.O.V.E.S. specifically is a retreat, safe haven, and sanctuary for both horses and heroes (and their families). We provide our service men and women an opportunity for growth, self healing, and personal empowerment, through connecting with a new mission, vision & purpose a platform that fosters social and networking opportunities, via a platform that fosters social and networking opportunities.
Our workshop curriculum is action-based and results in finding a renewed sense of purpose. The opportunity to fine tune new insight is available during monthly educational workshops. We encourage the continuous involvement of alumni by welcoming them back for opportunities to help other veterans through the H.O.O.V.E.S. Mentor Program.
Although H.O.O.V.E.S. has many therapeutic benefits, we are not a therapy program. Our facilitators are thoroughly trained and skilled coaches, who help veterans access the ability to self-heal. Often times mental health providers refer to us, because of our ability to help veterans get “un stuck”. What make this process unique is that, unlike therapy, we do not ask you to tell your story. In fact, we encourage you to leave your story outside the fence for the time you are at the retreat.
While riding opportunities are available, you will not ride a horse during your H.O.O.V.E.S. retreat. In this experience, horses are position as a conduit and mirror of your unconscious in-congruencies and limitations, in a process that produces instant feedback, immediate shifts, and sustainable results.
Team RWB
The Mission of Team Red, White and Blue (Team RWB) is to enrich the lives of America’s Veterans.
Every year, more than 250,000 active duty service members transition out of the military, joining the 3.5 million post-9/11 veterans already living in communities nationwide. They face many challenges including isolation, weight gain, lack of purpose, and other health issues.
Team Red, White & Blue is the antidote to the isolation and health challenges they face. By forging America’s leading health and wellness community for veterans, service members, and their families, we strive to make tomorrow better. Together, we will find strength and success.
Our chapters and the Team RWB App deliver virtual and local, consistent, and inclusive opportunities for veterans and the community to connect through physical and social activity. Volunteers host regular fitness activities, social gatherings, and community service events, and facilitate building strong local connections with members and organizations within the community.
For more information please click the link below or go to https://www.teamrwb.org/
Team RWB
Miles of Freedom
Ohio native Justin Held has been seeking adventure since day one. With
his love for the outdoors he has never been able to sit still. From
crushing miles on foot through the Appalachian Trail and hiking the
Coast of Maui, to Fly fishing some of the nation’s most pristine rivers
and streams. If it involves rad gear than he has done it! After battling
an alcohol addiction for 20+ yrs, he learned tools that helped him
experience deep healing. Since his recovery, he has found inspiration in
bike-packing. In 2021 he rode his bicycle across the state of New York,
as well as from Pittsburg to Washington D.C. Now he is ready to give
back. In 2022 he has launched Miles of Freedom, a program that pairs
bike-packing and sobriety . His mission and vision is to share his
wisdom and adventures with veterans who are seeking a new life of hope
and healing.
For more information please email: mofbikepacking@gmail.com
Additional VA Mental Health Resorces can be found by visiting http://www.maketheconnection.net
