WHY do I support VYP??? Let me tell ya a little story...

I first began working with VYP in 2015 as part of my fieldwork for Grad School. I had tried yoga a few times, but other than that, I wasn’t really that into it. I chose to work with VYP because I wanted to explore different programs that worked with Veteran and First responder Trauma through the body, and well, to be honest, Dan (VYP’s Executive Director) was the only program head that said yes to my request (forever grateful to Dan!).

At the beginning of my work with VYP I attended one of their flagship programs, Mindful Resilience Training (now being held online), which trains yoga teachers and other professionals how to teach yoga to veterans. The program goes into the science behind traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) so that teachers actually understand why changes to the way they teach really matter, and actually create a great accessibility for veterans.

The second component of the program that I attended was a veteran retreat at Feathered Pipe Ranch, in Helena, Montana. I went into this retreat expecting to be an observer, however I ended up participating along with the other veterans and found myself experiencing a healing of my own, one I didn’t know was needed. Being surrounded by other veterans, in such a beautiful environment, practicing the most awesome and relaxed yoga I had ever been part of, completely changed my life.

In addition to the healing I encountered, I had more than one veteran who was there share with me that by the end of the weekend they had decided not to end their lives… THAT is what really blew my mind. Yoga had saved their lives. The breathing, the movement, the peace they found on the mat had created shifts powerful enough that they had decided life was worth living…YOGA DID THAT.

Don’t get me wrong, I know that being surrounded by other veterans and in such a beautiful place helped, but this is exactly what makes VYP so different. It isn’t just about the practice of yoga, but its about stirring up that felt sense of camaraderie once again. It’s about practicing alongside your veteran brothers and sisters; once again breathing together, moving together, being together.

Since these initial experiences in 2015 I have continued to work with VYP in a multitude of ways, experiencing growth and healing on many levels. From the summits and classes I‘ve attended, the projects we have built together, and honestly just being able to work with such amazing, warm hearted, and compassionate people, I have learned not only how to care for myself and my nervous system better, but also those of others. I am forever grateful to this organization and all the people who work so damn hard to make things work.

Just this past summer I graduated from their 200hr yoga teacher training and am now out in the world teaching yoga to veterans and first responders, sharing this amazing and simple method of healing with some of those who need it most, those who dedicate their lives to the service of others.

Every single penny that gets donated is put to good use. This organization is one of the most frugal, grass rooted, volunteer run teams I have ever worked for in my life. Know with certainty that anything you choose to donate will be honored and treated with respect.

It is because of all of this that every single year I participate in their Veterans Gratitude Week. Every single year I ask my friends, families, and lots of strangers too (haha) to help support them through donation. Every dollar counts, and anything you give will make a difference.

From the bottom of my heart I could not have a more sincere request... please consider donating to this amazing organization so they can continue to do the lifesaving work that they do ❤️🙌😊

Support Veterans Through the Power of Yoga and Gratitude

Join Us for Veterans Gratitude Week | November 7–16, 2025

Veterans Gratitude Week (VGW) is more than just a fundraising event—it’s a national movement to honor, heal, and empower those who have served. Hosted by Veterans Yoga Project, this inspiring week brings together individuals, communities, and organizations to raise awareness and funds through donation-based yoga and mindfulness classes in support of our nation’s veterans, active duty service members, and their families.

Why It Matters

Behind every class we offer is a veteran who is learning to breathe through anxiety, reconnect with loved ones, or sleep through the night without flashbacks. Our trauma-sensitive, evidence-based yoga programs are a lifeline for thousands—and your support makes them possible.

Your donation directly helps us:

• Provide nearly 5,000 free yoga and mindfulness classes annually

• Train and certify teachers in our Mindful Resilience for Trauma Recovery method

• Maintain and grow our Online Studio, accessible to veterans across the country

• Fund programs specifically designed for military families and caregivers

This Week is About Gratitude in Motion

Whether you're a veteran, family member, yoga enthusiast, or someone who simply believes in giving back, this is your chance to make a real difference.

💙 Every dollar counts. Your donation—no matter the amount—helps us reach more veterans in need of healing support.
📅 Every day of VGW is a chance to participate—attend a class, host a fundraiser, or simply spread the word.
📣 Every voice matters. Share why you support Veterans Yoga Project and encourage others to give.

Take Action. Show Thanks. Heal Lives.

Make your donation today in honor of someone who served. Help us bring gratitude into motion and continue offering the healing practices veterans need and deserve.

Together, we can turn gratitude into impact.