COLORADO SPRINGS — A series of free workshops is helping veterans connect with a mentor, and heal through the power of writing.
Thanks to funding from Colorado Humanities, these workshops will be taking place every Thursday evening from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. through the month of March.
All veterans are welcome attend, even if they don't have a lot of writing experience.
Veterans don't even have to bring writing supplies, since those will be provided.
By allowing veterans to express their thoughts on paper, the workshop aims to help them address their stressors and overcome them to lead healthier lives.
The workshop's instructor, an Air Force veteran herself, says says writing can be a powerful cathartic experience.
"It's sort of like, if you're doing a toxic cleanse and you get rid of that," explained Cindy Skaggs.
"So you're getting rid of that emotional toxins, and there's sort of relief and it feels good that the information is out there and we don't have to hold it in anymore."
The workshop will start with a prompt and basically gives writers free range to see where that topic takes them.
It all happens within a private setting, where those who attend don't have to speak with others and or share what they've written.
You can sign up for the workshops my sending an email to: kbelaire@mtcarmelcenter.org.
However, walk-ins are also welcome.
There will also be workshops starting in Pueblo soon.
Those will differ in that they'll feature veterans who are professional writers and aim to publish their writings to share them with their community.
