Our Core Values

The challenge lies in addressing the mental health needs of veterans, encompassing conditions like PTSD, MST, and other traumas. While the DSM-5 defines PTSD based on traumatic events, our experience through our programs has revealed that trauma and its effects can evolve from the transition period post-service, often lacking adequate support. We've found that traditional talk therapy, while valuable for identifying and assessing issues, can sometimes inadvertently retraumatize individuals. Additionally, cultural norms that encourage suppressing emotions can hinder honest expression during therapy sessions.

We address the mental health needs of veterans through our four Arts4Vets Programs to Combat Veteran Suicide; #Painting4PTS, Mental Health Art Packages, "Unofficial" Angry Letter Therapy, 10 Week In-Patient Detox and Art Instruction. These programs will offer veterans a safe and supportive environment to express themselves creatively, explore their emotions, and develop coping skills. These programs will be held at local veteran centers, community centers, and our art studios, ensuring accessibility for veterans across our community. Additionally, we host special events and art drives to collect donations of art supplies, ensuring that veterans have the materials they need to participate in these programs within small strategic classes or at the comfort of their own home. 

Through collaboration with local organizations and volunteers, we will promote these initiatives through social media, community outreach, and partnerships with veteran service organizations. Overall, our goal is to provide veterans with meaningful opportunities for healing, self-expression, and connection through the transformative power of art therapy. Our efforts are designed to combine traditional psychological assessment methods with art therapy to address the mental health needs of veterans. This includes our unique version of the Rorschach test, which helps veterans explore their thoughts and emotions through art. Our approach incorporates principles of classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning/social learning to promote healing and self-discovery. Through structured art classes, workshops, and events, on base to Vet Centers, we provide veterans with opportunities to engage in therapeutic activities that support their mental well-being and promote positive coping strategies.

 We will gauge the effectiveness of our project by monitoring veterans' participation in art therapy programs, their self-reported enhancements in mental health and coping skills, and their satisfaction with the program. Collaborating with our Art Therapist, we will address feedback during sessions and tailor programs accordingly. Additionally, we will work with a array of Directors to evaluate the program's impact through follow-ups and feedback. Our aim is for veterans to achieve lasting improvements in mental well-being, strengthened social connections, and improved coping abilities through our art therapy initiatives. 

True Top 1% Foundation has a proven track record of success in providing art therapy programs to veterans. TT1P has received heartfelt testimonials from veterans like Mike S. (US Navy), who found solace and purpose in painting during his stay at the VA mental health facility. Bailey R. (US Navy) shares how drawing serves as an escape from the challenges of PTSD, while James C. (US Army), a 100% disabled veteran, expresses the joy and peace he finds in painting, echoing the sentiments of renowned artist Bob Ross. These testimonials underscore the profound impact of art therapy on veterans' mental health and well-being.