Chittenango (WSYR-TV) -- Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a new place to help them recover. The organization “Clear Path for Veterans” says the rates of PTSD and military sexual trauma among U.S. veterans has significantly increased in the last decade.
Emotional wounds are how the co-founders of Clear Path for Veterans describe the pain of post-traumatic disorder.
The outdoors and animals are all “very powerful tools to help heal,” according to Clear Path for Veterans co-founder Melissa Spicer.
The new veteran’s facility in Chittenango will provide programs like Dogs2Vets. With a training room on site, veterans will train and be matched with a dog for support in the civilian world.
Steve Kinne with Clear Path for Veterans said, “There's a conventional medical system out there, but it doesn't have all the answers it can….What we wanted to do was offer an alternative program that would add on to that.”
The facility is highlighted with a serene view.
The facility overlooks miles of Central New York from Onieda Lake to the Adirondacks. Veterans being treated for PTSD can see communities they defended as they go through the healing process at the facility.
Supporters of the organization include the Syracuse University Football coach Doug Marrone and family, Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle and the Faithkeeper of Onondaga and Seneca Nations.
“The courage and spirit to take these damaged veterans here and begin the healing process is superb,” explained Oren Lyons, with Faithkeepers of Onondaga and Seneca Nations.
The goal is to grow with additional programs, such as employment training and a veteran-operated fundraising kitchen – all to help veterans afflicted with psychological trauma.
Clear Path for Veterans is funded solely by individual and corporate donations.
