Whether it’s struggling to find a job, trouble navigating relationships, difficulty adjusting to a new routine and culture, access to housing and healthcare, or facing mental health issues alone, Veterans returning from service need support from everyone who can help. While government programs offer some assistance, it can be confusing and difficult to access. Thankfully, there are nonprofits set up that understand these challenges and fill in the critical gaps to make a profound difference in Veterans’ daily lives. By offering creative outlets, connection and community, financial support, and various other resources, these four local nonprofits aim to ensure no Veteran is left behind.
Creative Healing
In a small building a few blocks south of the Denton Square sits an art studio with a blue door that opens for everyone. Here, the creative process is not practiced for financial gain, but used for healing. The Art Room is a nonprofit studio that provides a “safe, creative, and educational space” to those struggling with mental health issues to explore their emotions through creation. Those who walk through that door enter a fully stocked studio equipped with guidance and support from volunteer artists and mental health professionals. Those who wish to create are given open studio time and encouraged to explore their own thoughts and emotions through expressive art.
Starting in 2024, the Art Room opened its door to a new program coined “Art for Veterans”. Veterans who are interested can attend an open studio session or a structured art class format on the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Wednesdays of each month from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Each session is guided by an artist, mental health professional, and Military Veteran Peer to support the creative process. The establishment’s space may not seem large, but the impact the nonprofit has had on the community is immense, promoting resilience and learning through art to those who served.
Peer Support
Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be a challenge, and no organization understands that challenge better than the Military Veteran Peer Network. This nonprofit aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for Veterans and their families to connect. The program’s intention is to build trust and community for those in difficult situations after service by relating to others who understand it best. The organization connects those who seek camaraderie and grows these relationships through various events and resources.
Peer-to-peer support is offered to both Veterans and their spouses and can be arranged online. The MVPN sets up small social outings for families to attend and bond with those with shared experiences. On top of that, the nonprofit hosts larger events such as “Vet-togethers” by providing Holiday meals for Veterans and families to come together. By sponsoring outdoor outings like fishing trips and camping for peer groups, as well as offering an eight-week horseback riding course, Veterans are encouraged to deeply connect with their community. For those who aren’t veterans but are interested in helping, you can volunteer in the MVPN’s IMPACT program that provides assistance to veterans who need help with home repairs, moving, and other similar tasks.
Collaborating for Change
Finding resources for help isn’t always straightforward for Veterans, so the Denton County Veterans Coalition (DCVC) aims to change that by facilitating “collaboration among Veteran organizations and community resources to resolve individual and collective Veteran issues.” By leading this collaboration, the DCVC is a national model for an integrated system of Veteran Services. The DCVC is a one-stop shop for Veterans to find what they need. The organization’s mission and vision are to honor Veterans by upholding the nation’s commitment to supporting them after service by networking and partnering with others.
The board at the DCVC offers support in a few ways. The DCVC has advocated for local veterans by working with several Congressmen and the VA to create a Behavioral Health Care Annex in Denton to offer mental health services to Veterans. Though it was shut down during the pandemic, the board continues to push for more local access to Veterans who are unable to make it to the center in Dallas. The nonprofit also hosts an annual Homeless Veteran Stand Down event to give relief to at-risk, poor, and homeless Veterans by setting up booths that provide free clothes and shoes, serve free food, and offer resources to those in need.
Honoring Heroes
Returning to civilian life after serving can be challenging on its own, but to those who return wounded or disabled, the obstacles are even harder to overcome. Understanding these barriers, the Cowtown Warriors was founded in 2013 to serve and honor those Veterans by doing what’s possible for those with disabilities to live a happier and more productive life. By hosting an annual ball, skeet shooting fundraiser, multiple charity golf tournaments, and other fun events, the Cowtown Warriors have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for disabled and wounded Veterans around DFW and give back 100% of the profit.
Because of the Cowtown Warriors, Patrick Myer built a fully wheel-chair accessible motorcycle shop in his back yard, Jason Lilley received $13,000 to pay off medical bills, Dario Heritage got a new air conditioning system, Bill Hudson’s house gained a walk-in shower to accommodate his needs, Luke Doty was able to purchase a brand new truck after his was totaled, and various other Veterans received support in other ways thanks to the fundraising gathered by the organization. No matter the circumstance, the Cowtown Warriors will find a way to enrich the lives of those who need it most after service.
Each session is guided by an artist, mental health professional, and Military Veteran Peer to support the creative process.
The MVPN sets up small social outings for families to attend and bond with those with shared experiences.
The organization’s mission and vision are to honor Veterans by upholding the nation’s commitment to supporting them after service by networking and partnering with others.