Over 100 residents at the North Dakota Veterans Home in Lisbon, N.D., now have a new art therapy program where veterans can express themselves through drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpting, and other visual arts media.
Recently, an entire wing at the veterans home was built to accommodate the art therapy program, which includes woodworking and arts and crafts. “Art therapy can provide veterans an opportunity for nonverbal expression and communication to people of all ages,” said Marlene Boyer, ALA Department of North Dakota member.
The American Legion Auxiliary Foundation helped support the program by awarding the ALA Department of North Dakota with a $4,243 grant through the ALA Foundation’s Veteran Projects Fund. The funds were used to purchase adjustable tables and chairs.
With an art therapy program now in place, the goal is the program will lead to the creation of a creative arts program to celebrate the veterans.
“We are so proud of our new facility,” said a resident of the veterans home. “North Dakota has state-of-the-art facilities here.” The ALA Department of North Dakota hopes with the creation of the new facilities, the veterans will be able to share their art at the second annual Veterans Art Expo at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in Fargo in February.
To learn more about the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation’s Veteran Projects Fund grants and how you can apply, visit www.ALAFoundation.org/grants.