Organization returns to its birthplace 55 years after its founding

Help Heal Veterans, the nation’s leader in therapeutic crafts for veterans and active-duty service members, celebrated its homecoming on Veterans Day with the grand opening of its new Creative Engagement Center at Liberty Station in San Diego. The opening marks the organization’s return to the city where it was founded 55 years ago during the Vietnam War and signals a new chapter in its longstanding mission to help America’s veterans heal through creativity.

The new Creative Engagement Center will provide veterans, active-duty service members, and their families with a welcoming space to explore therapeutic crafts, build connections, and experience the healing power of creativity.

“Fifty-five years ago, Help Heal Veterans began right here in San Diego with a simple belief: creativity can help heal the invisible wounds of war,” said Capt. Joe McClain, USN (Ret.), CEO, Help Heal Veterans. “Today, we’re coming home, bringing that same belief to a new generation of veterans and military families.”

The Veterans Day center opening brought together veterans, military families, community leaders, and supporters for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the new facility, and hands-on crafting activities. Executives from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and Southwest Airlines, a longtime supporter of Help Heal Veterans, delivered remarks celebrating the organization’s return to San Diego and its continued commitment to serving the military community.

Members of Blue Star Families also joined the celebration and participated in a craft workshop that showcased how creative engagement can foster connection, community, and well-being.

“As we celebrate 55 years of service, we’re not just honoring our history; we’re building on it,” said Jim Scatena, Chairman, Help Heal Veterans.

Founded in San Diego during the Vietnam War, the organization has distributed more than 31 million free therapeutic craft kits to veterans and active-duty service members nationwide. These kits provide meaningful creative outlets and are often incorporated into treatment plans for those recovering from traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and other service-related conditions.

The new Creative Engagement Center is located at 2825 Dewey Road, Suite 201, in San Diego’s Liberty Station.

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