Help Heal Veterans is Helping Veterans Through the Holidays

“I love Christmas, it’s not because of the gifts but because of family. I served my country, and I am blessed to be here to tell that story. I also get a chance to make Christmas gifts using the Help Heal Veterans (HHV) craft kits.” Says Richard Mathews, an army veteran from California.

HHV provides therapeutic craft kits to veterans past and present nationwide.
According to the American Public Health Association in recent years health psychologists have started looking at how the arts might be used in a variety of ways to heal emotional injuries. Not just in healing but also to increase understanding of oneself and others, develop a capacity for self-reflection, reduce symptoms, and alter behaviors and thinking patterns.

“I have been working with HHV for over a year and a half. I like working with the craft kits and talking to the volunteers, it helps me. I don’t work anymore, so this helps to clear my mind and give me something to do. It's very helpful for the holidays because it’s a time we look back at life.” Adds Mathews.

“Craft therapy has been around for 100 years and Help Heal Veterans provides the tools to help veterans win the small battles in their lives. Craft therapy has been proven to help with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse and also in bringing many families back together.” Says Joe McClain, CEO of Help Heal Veterans.

Mathews like many veterans saw the atrocities of war at a very young age. Mathews admits that he has never sought a definite diagnosis of his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or depression but it’s with him every day.

“I went into the Military Police and served over in Germany. At the time I had top secret clearance at various military storage sites. I did physical security the years I was in the service. There was a lot of crazy stuff happening especially through the training process. I was in my 20’s so I didn’t think about the effects of serving my country, but I got to travel and meet great people.”

“Working with the craft kits actually helps me out with my eyesight, my eyesight is very bad but it somehow helps and it helps me to focus. Sometimes you get really depressed, working with the craft kits helps me with my depression. HHV has a great program that really helps veterans.”

McClain adds, “For those veterans suffering from TBI using our therapeutic craft kits can help to refine motor skills and improve concentration and cognition. It can be calming and often when the project is complete it can help a veteran with their self-esteem which is important in the healing process.”

"You know you have a place to visit at HHV and everyone is there to help you and not judge you. My favorite crafts are the little wagon and windmills, they are small parts to use and it helps me with my vision. This program helps out a lot of people. I know the older you get you start forgetting things I think working on the kits helps. I think everyone should have access to them. I put some of these crafts in my garden and people stop and ask me where I got these crafts and I did them I make them and that’s great for my self-worth.” Says Mathews.

“We use therapists and advisors to help us design and manufacturer our craft kits that will help with dexterity, mental concentration or even help to bring a family back together. We work with doctors to save the lives and help with the battles that veterans face daily.” Says McClain.

Mathews adds, "I will be making Christmas crafts this month and it’s a fun thing to do."
According to the VA one in five of veterans suffer from PTSD and in recent months it has been cited as a national crisis in America. VA also points out in its most recent comprehensive report on suicide and healthcare, a big part of the problem is that veterans either don’t get—or don’t have access to—the health care services to which they’re entitled.

"I think the Veterans Administration (VA) does a great job but maybe vets need to know more about what is available to help them. I think all vets should be able to use the kits. I am proud to have served my country and it’s not easy when you see what is happening in America. Let’s take that incident with those people not standing for the flag. When you go into the service, you’re giving your time for people that died and those who get to live their lives without sacrifice." Says Mathews.

“I wish people had more awareness for the vets if you’ve never been in the service you wouldn’t understand. My older brother was in Vietnam I know of the horrors he saw, my dad never told me about his time in the army it but I’ve heard people talk about it. You know three years out of your life isn’t much as most people live for about 80 years. I believe in the flag I stand for it when it’s raised I believe in what our country is doing. There are some people that when they go overseas, it's hard for them to forget when they come back. I know some ex-veterans who are out on the streets they just don’t have enough money to afford a place. Yeah! I think veterans, in general, need more help."

"Working with the craft kits at HHV helps me to forget and now HHV is part of my life."
During the Christmas season, there are many ways to help veterans through what many of them will admit are challenging times. Some may not have family around them during the holiday season. You can help a veteran by volunteering your time, simply writing a letter thanking them for their service or donating. You can make a donation to help veterans by clicking here.