Veterans and first responders encounter situations otherwise disregarded or remiss by society. Safety is often taken for granted and is usually paid for by another. Due to service-related events, these ambassadors for freedom and security develop trauma that cannot be or are ineffectively addressed through conventional modes of treatment. In recent years, however, there has been a surge in art therapy that veterans have found valuable in their mental processes.

In a study performed in 2017, 547 veterans rated the usefulness of art therapy with a mean score of 4.43, on a scale with the maximum score of 5. Using the same scale model, those surveyed rated the likeliness of applying knowledge gained with a mean score of 4.15. These veterans suffered from a range of different mental health issues yet over 50% of them positively endorsed the use of art therapy, confirming their willingness and acceptance of this form of treatment.  “In studies of adults who experienced trauma, art therapy was found to significantly reduce trauma symptoms and decrease levels of depression.”

We invite you to invest in our mission to help support our fellow veterans and first responders. Whether it be one-time, monthly, or yearly, your donation will directly benefit a service member by sponsoring a session of blacksmith therapy. By our calculations, to keep the lights on, the equipment up-to-date, the supply stocked, and everyone safe, one session = $85. We would love to offer these services to our veterans and first responders free of cost, and your contribution can help us do so!

Your contribution, no matter how big or small, is greatly appreciated by everyone here at Big Bear’s Forge & Homestead. If you would like to contribute to our mission in another way, please like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, or consider donating a different amount other than what is listed below. As always, consider joining our team, and remember to sign up for the newsletter!