Dr. Phillips Center Receives $20,000 Grant from VyStar Foundation to Support Veterans’ Arts & Wellness Programs
Orlando, FL – On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts was honored by VyStar Foundation as one of three outstanding nonprofit organizations in Central Florida recognized for their unwavering commitment to supporting military members, veterans and their families.
As part of VyStar Foundation’s overall $217,000 investment to support veteran services in 2025, each organization received funding to expand vital programs that address food and housing insecurity, work force development and mental health.
"Our Arts & Wellness programming for Veterans is about providing veterans a space to heal, connect and thrive through the power of creativity,” said Kathy Ramsberger, president & CEO of Dr. Phillips Center. “We’re grateful to VyStar Foundation for believing in this work and helping us expand programs that honor those who have served our country by supporting their well-being in ways that create lasting, meaningful impact."
Through VyStar Foundation’s generous support, Dr. Phillips Center’s Veterans Arts & Wellness initiative continues to expand by reaching more participants, increasing the frequency of workshops and enhancing therapeutic impact of creative offerings. The program focuses on uplifting veterans and driving systemic change in how arts-based interventions are integrated into mental health care. Serving over 150 veterans annually, the program offers therapeutic experiences such as drum circles, improv theatre, choir, spoken word workshops and complimentary show experiences.
Each class is designed to foster camaraderie, healing and self-expression in a welcoming, stigma-free environment. As one veteran shared, “This was the first time I felt truly seen and heard. It gave me a place that I felt I belonged.”
With expanded support, the program continues to demonstrate the transformative power of the arts in advancing mental health and community reintegration.
VyStar Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in North and Central Florida and Georgia. Since 2023, the Foundation has awarded $1.3 million in grants to local organizations, reinforcing its mission to build strong communities and improve lives through strategic philanthropy.
“At VyStar Foundation, we believe that honoring our military means more than word, it means action,” said Patricia McElroy, President of VyStar Foundation. “These grants reflect our deep gratitude and unwavering commitment to supporting the well-being and success of our service members, veterans and their families. Together with our nonprofit partners, we are building stronger, more resilient communities.”
2025 Central Florida Military Grant Recipients and Program Highlights:
- Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts: Veteran’s Art & Wellness (South Central FL) – Expanding access to arts-based mental health and wellness programs for veterans.
- Grand Avenue Economic Community Development Corporation: Pathlight HOME (South Central FL) - Converting unused penthouse space into five new apartment units for homeless, disabled veterans.
- Remembering HEROES Health and Wellness Serenity Ranch (South Central FL) - Supporting veterans and heroes and bring to fruition the Remembering HEROES Health and Wellness Serenity Ranch in Bunnell, Florida
Additional generous support for the program is made possible by Hatalom, Pabst Steinmetz Foundation and Winifred Johnson Clive.
To learn more about Arts & Wellness programming, please email artsandwellness@drphillipscenter.org.