Indiana University is dedicated to honoring and supporting the health, resilience, and unique experiences of our rural veterans, service members, and military-connected families. By connecting university resources with local expertise, we are working to improve the quality of life for those who served while preparing the next generation of healthcare and community providers to deliver culturally informed care.
The Veteran Trauma and Transparency Program (VT&T) is an interdisciplinary workshop series designed for third- and fourth-year undergraduate and graduate students. Developed in collaboration with the IU Interprofessional Practice and Education Center, the IU Department of Criminal Justice, and the IU School of Social Work, this training increases awareness of military culture and experiences to improve the quality of care veterans receive in rural Indiana and beyond. Future service providers learn to identify the invisible injuries of combat, understand the civilian transition, and utilize evidence-based intervention resources.
The four-part workshop includes:
The workshop is facilitated by:
Creative Arts for Vets (CAV) was created to support veterans, service members, and military‑connected individuals of all ages and abilities through the arts and other creative, wellness‑focused practices.
CAV partnered closely with veterans, military communities, local organizations, and the Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs to design experiences tailored to the needs and interests of specific communities. All activities were offered at no cost, and the program traveled throughout Indiana and beyond to make participation accessible.
In-person activities have concluded, but veterans, service members, and military connected populations are invited to download the CAV Book of portable activities for free.
A Guidebook for Therapeutic Artmaking for Veterans, Those Currently Serving, and Military-Connected Populations
The CAV Book supports veterans and military-connected individuals through arts-based exercises grounded in social work and art therapy practices, veteran narratives, and wellness resources, offering a practical pathway to improved well-being. This resource encourages veterans to explore art as a tool for reflection, stress reduction, and personal growth, supporting the development of skills that can help navigate the unique challenges of military and post-military life.
Download The CAV Book
