New veterans center opens in Liberty Station offering free therapeutic arts programs

A nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting military veterans and active-duty service members opened a new Creative Engagement Center at Liberty Station on Veterans Day, according to the Times of San Diego.

The center is operated by Heal Vets, which was founded in the community 55 years ago and provides free therapeutic arts and crafts activities to eligible veterans and their families.

These creative programs aim to promote connection, purpose, and well-being, often serving as part of treatment plans for those recovering from traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and other invisible wounds of war.

Heal Vets has distributed more than 31 million therapeutic craft kits across hundreds of categories to help heal these invisible wounds, continuing its mission through the new center in San Diego.

The grand opening marks a return to the organization's roots and expands local access to its free creative therapy resources for military personnel and veterans.