Wisconsin nonprofit helps heal PTSD with music therapy for veterans
Share this @internewscast.com


APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) As many celebrate this Fourth of July weekend, one Fox Valley group is focusing on those who’ve served.

Music Success Fox Valley set up at the Appleton Farmers Market today to share their mission: using music as a form of therapy for veterans, active-duty military, and first responders living with PTSD.

The nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers, offers free lessons and instruments to those in need. Participants get a practice instrument, ten free lessons, and then a permanent instrument to keep.

“We are Music Success Fox Valley, a nonprofit staffed by volunteers, and our mission is to deliver music to people who can get help from it,” said Jack Swanson, the group’s chapter coordinator.

Organizers say music has helped many of their students reduce stress, sleep better, and even cut down on medications.

“So many vets have told me, ‘I’m taking less medications, I’m sleeping better, I’m a nicer person,’” Swanson said. “My guitar, or whatever instrument it is, has really helped me calm down.”

Retired Army Special Operations veteran Kevin Crawford said the program changed his life—and he encourages others to give it a try.

“Music helped me,” Crawford said. “It helped me take care of the anger. That’s what you come home with. You don’t really come home—your boots are still there; your mind is still there. This is what we do at music therapy.”

Music Success Fox Valley holds lessons at the Veterans Village in Appleton and hopes to expand its reach throughout the summer.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Chuck E. Cheese Launches Adult-Friendly Arcades in 8 States

(NEXSTAR) – Too old to throw your next birthday party at a…

Dementia Friendly Day to be Held at Decatur’s Scovill Zoo

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — The Scovill Zoo is inviting people living with…

San Fermín Festival Kicks Off with Pamplona’s First Bull Run

PAMPLONA – At the kick-off of the San Fermín festival on Monday,…

Beach Safety Tips: What You Need to Know After Three Recent Lowcountry Drownings

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. () — It is the prime season for people…

Immigration Raids Reportedly Carried Out by Federal Agents Near MacArthur Park, Los Angeles

Editor’s note: KTLA reached out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security…

Mayor of Kingsport Designates July 6th as Van Dobbins Jr. Day

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — Help Our Potential Evolve (HOPE) joined forces with…

Over 30 Animals Rescued from Carter County Home; Owners Arrested

In Carter County, Tennessee, law enforcement arrested three individuals on Sunday amid…

Iowa Mother Commemorates Late Daughter by Establishing Non-Profit to Empower Teen Girls

DES MOINES, Iowa — Ema Cardenas was walking home from school when…

Sunny Skies, Heat, and Potential Storms Ahead for Central Florida This Week

ORLANDO, Fla. – Prepare for a warm and muggy beginning to the…

Danville Athlete Hosts Football Camp for Girls

Danville, Ill. (WCIA) — Trent Sherfield, the wide receiver for the Denver…

LA Man Detained by CBP at Airport Over Obama-Biden T-Shirt

A 71-year-old Los Angeles native, a longtime political consultant, wonders if an…

‘Heartbreaking Task: Volunteers Comb Texas Flood Debris for Missing Persons’

CENTER POINT, Texas (KXAN) — While local, state and federal assets have…