Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Matthew Skipper. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Matthew, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.
Combat to Creative (CTC) serves Minnesota Veterans. CTC addresses the unique challenges faced by Veterans, focusing on their mental and physical well-being through creativity-based support services. Our programs, which include outdoor photography workshops, artistic workshops, and special creative events, provide Veterans with free artistic supplies and other resources to support their overall health and well-being.
Our mission is to fill a critical gap in holistic support services by using creativity to foster resilience, connection, and a renewed sense of camaraderie among Veterans. Our vision is to ensure that every Veteran in Minnesota has access to the therapeutic benefits of creativity, promoting recovery and flourishing in post-military life.
Our support programs are provided at no cost, ensuring accessibility for all Veterans, and are designed to meet the diverse needs of the Veteran community. By bringing programs to individual communities and fostering partnerships with local organizations, Combat To Creative creates supportive environments that encourage connection and personal growth. These efforts are particularly important given the high suicide rates among Minnesota Veterans, highlighting the need for effective support systems.
Matthew, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
As a Veteran, I have experience PTSD and the limited availability of support programs first hand. Recognizing the limited availability of creativity-based Veteran support services in Minnesota, Combat To Creative was formed to offer creative support programs to Minnesota Veterans.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
By intertwining artistic expression with mental and physical well-being support, we envision a space where every Veteran in Minnesota has access to the therapeutic benefits of creativity, promoting not just recovery but flourishing in post-military life. Creativity workshops have been shown to lessen the effects of PTSD and improve resilience.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
All of our initial funding has come from Board members, private community members and businesses as well as other organizations that share our mission and vision. We continue to work to raise funds to be able to provide ongoing support programs for Minnesota Veterans. We have been lucky to find amazing community partners that have helped to support Combat To Creative financially.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.combattocreative.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/combattocreative
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/combat-to-creative
Image Credits
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