"You never leave a soldier behind"

For over 45 years Help Heal Veterans (HHV) has aided traumatized veterans of all branches of service in improving their motor skills, while also developing better feelings of self-esteem and self-worth. The craft kits help veterans take their minds out of the past and off their pain, letting them live more in the present. One army veteran, in particular, Dalia Cox, is a loyal patron at our St. Petersburg location who has been a volunteer for over eight years and had a decorated career in the United States Army. She currently suffers symptoms as a result of her active duty which includes: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and forceful impact injuries to her knee.

Dalia Cox said that the painting craft kits have, "opened up her mind" to be able to do more than she believed possible. Tapping into her creative energy the craft kits has enabled her to be more driven, focusing on the accomplishments of completing a kit gives her immense satisfaction. The kits provide an outlet for the mind to escape the traumas of yesterday and focus on self-worth and improved self-confidence. What is so special about HHV as an organization for Dalia is the reassurance of support, "HHV has our backs" as they say in the military, "you never leave a soldier behind, and HHV is always there for us."

A former Air Force pilot that has been with Help Heal Veterans for about two years, Warren Shane, values Help Heal Veterans for allowing him to pursue the "artsy" side of life. While in combat he suffered a blow to the head which resulted in chronic headaches. Aside from the artistic benefits that the craft kits provide, Warren believes that "all vets should be allowed access to Help Heal Veterans" for the opportunity for connections and an outlet for a conversation with anyone who has had trouble in the past or during their service.

Help Heal Veterans work closely with veterans and clinicians to provide the right kit to meet the veteran's specific need. Whether it's restoring coordination and impaired motor skills, improving concentration, or relieving symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, our goal is to give our veterans what they need to heal. Our kits are diversions and recreational therapy for patients.

"Help Heal Veterans reflects today's level of care," said U.S. Navy Captain (Ret.) Joe McClain, CEO of Help Heal Veterans. "Our identity has everything to do with the future work of our mission - helping all veterans, and not just those in hospitals. The name 'Help Heal Veterans' reflects the modern reality