Frequently Asked Questions

 True Top 1% Foundation designs and delivers arts-based programs (visual art, blacksmithing, culinary, etc.), community events, and targeted outreach that promote mental health, resilience, and connection for veterans and military families. Our programs are trauma-informed, frequently free to the military community, and paired with wraparound resources and referrals. 

 Veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, their families, and the broader community when programs are open to all. 

  Programs range from recurring art therapy-style workshops to special events and partnerships with local hospitals, Vet Centers, and community groups. Many programs include team building, leadership elements, and free art-supply kits.  Veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, their families, and the broader community when programs are open to all. 

Our Programs” page, TT1P includes a category called Clinical Assisted Art Programs, under which several program types are listed: True Top 1 Percent Foundation

• Therapist-Assisted Programs — described as “blending creativity and professional support,” offering veterans “a structured, compassionate path toward healing and self-understanding.” True Top 1 Percent Foundation
   
• Open Studio Program — a space where veterans can “freely explore their creativity in a calm, judgment-free environment,” especially for those who may want open-ended creative time rather than structured classes. True Top 1 Percent Foundation
   
• Creative Wellness Programs — focused on emotional balance, mindfulness, and resilience through creative activities. True Top 1 Percent Foundation

Other Related/Arts-Based Offerings (some may or may not be “clinical” depending on use)

TT1P also lists several other arts offerings under their “Arts4Vets” umbrella, which may function as art therapy or supportive creative outlets. True Top 1 Percent Foundation+2True Top 1 Percent Foundation+2 Here are some of them:

• Free Art Classes — e.g., painting (beer-bottle painting, painting in “Bob Ross” style), glass etching, wood burning, sculpting, “Rorschach-style” painting, and other media. These are offered to veterans and their spouses for free (civilians pay a fee). True Top 1 Percent Foundation
   
• Expressive Art ToolKits — art supply kits shipped to veterans so they can create art at home at their own pace; intended to support personal healing, self-expression, and coping. True Top 1 Percent Foundation+1
   
• Special Workshops / Therapeutic Art Projects — including classes that may combine therapy and art for trauma, PTSD, or addiction support (as mentioned in their broader description on the site). True Top 1 Percent Foundation+1
   
• Community-Driven Exhibitions / Events — such as exhibitions of veteran-created art, which can serve as therapeutic sharing of stories and building community. True Top 1 Percent Foundation+1

 Capt. S. Claus visits bases, hospitals, restaurants, and community events—giving away art supplies and toys while promoting mental-health resources. Program Santas are veterans and trained to handle sensitive situations. 

Yes — all of our programs for Veterans are completely free. We ensure that no class, workshop, or program ever carries a direct cost to the Veterans we serve.

The only exception involves our corporate or organizational ERG workshops. These sessions may include travel expenses; however, those costs are covered through a donation from the hosting company, not from the Veterans. These workshops also serve as an important fundraiser to help keep all of our Veteran programs free.

From Day 1 our goal was and is to provide the best to our ability care to our military without taking anything from our military, (to this day we have been successful)

We also welcome donated art supplies and sponsorships, which help us continue offering high-quality, no-cost programs to the military community.

We partner with VA, Vet Centers, medical centers, veteran organizations, employers’ ERGs, community groups, and funders. Contact us to discuss workshop requests, event partnerships, volunteer opportunities, or uniform/equipment donations for programs like Capt. S. Claus. 

 With the help of our Executive Director forfeiting his paycheck, we’ve been fortunate to build a diverse and sustainable funding model. Our support comes from a variety of channels, including grants, corporate donations, event fundraising, individual contributions, in-kind donations, our annual Art-Drive, retail fundraising efforts, and our newest addition — ERG workshops. We also pursue targeted grants to support program growth and expansion. 

 We track program participation, collect participant feedback, monitor partnership outcomes, and report on funded-project deliverables. Qualitative stories of improved well-being are central to our evaluations. 

 We have no borders — we travel wherever we’re needed. You provide the Veterans and the facility, and we will bring everything else. Our motto is, “The more we can reach, the more we can help,” and that commitment drives us to deliver programs beyond our local area.

While our new facility is housed within the walls of JR Gallery, we are not limited by them. We are grateful to have a dedicated space to work with Veterans, but our mission extends far beyond a single location. If you would like to see our location, volunteer or participate, feel free to visit us Mon-Fri 11:00am - 5:00pm

132 W. Mishawaka Ave,

Mishawaka, IN 46545

 Email: info@truetop1percent.com to see what programs fit your needs, all we need is proof of service like a VA Card, “V” of back or front of your ID card as proof of service and we also take “alumni” forms. ( most military understand the term alumni forms DD-214)

or you can visit the Arts4Vets Programs and pick the one you prefer.

   Volunteers help with events, workshops, logistics, and outreach. Email or call us with your availability and interests; we’ll match you with suitable opportunities. 

1. Volunteers like, Artist, Therapist, Outreach coordinators, a outside CPA for quarterly / bi-annual audits
2. Financially, donations for art supplies and therapist
3. Give Supplies (Like Art supplies and tools, or empty beer bottles, we will take anything to help lower our overhead, including office furniture, cleaning supplies for our art, etc.)
4. Just reach out to info@truetop1percent.com for more information with the Subject Line: "I would like to help"

 At any of our, retail fundraisers, (Walmart, Sams Club, Tractor Supply, Lowes or events we attend) You can donate cash in the donation box (ammo box)

o You can donate in-person via card or cash app using our square app

o You can go only to pay.tt1p.org to submit a donation of any value

o For larger donations from organizations that would be more than $500, please direct to Mark Salaiz at m.salaiz@truetop1percent.com our Major Gifts Officer. 

o You can mail a check to:

P.O. Box 1312

Granger, IN 46530

  o 70% is the minimum amount that goes directly to our Veterans programs, i.e. art supplies, shipping, therapist and venues sometimes as needed

o 30% is the maximum we are allowed to spend on our overhead, ie. Marketing materials, rent (currently free), payroll, etc.