The Forgotten Soldier Program

Our mission is to give hope by offering support and alternative, integrative healing resources for Veterans who are at risk of suicide, suffering from PTSD/moral injury, and need help reintegrating into civilian life after serving our country. Our program’s mission is to offer holistic healing modalities that treat the whole person with compassion and respect, not only addressing physical pain but also help Veterans to heal their emotional and spiritual injuries.

Our focus for the upcoming year is an expansion of services to accommodate the increase in demand. We see Veterans through outreach to our local V.A. hospitals and Veterans Centers. This will involve training additional practitioners, expansion of office space, and increasing fundraising events and efforts to cover expenses. The Forgotten Soldier Program will continue to offer a variety of integrated, holistic treatments at no cost to the Veteran through modalities such as counseling, guided meditation, yoga, acupressure, massage, craniosacral therapy, and Empathetic Touch™. We will also offer holistic nutritional counseling, health coaching, and various levels of peer support with reintegrating back into civilian life.

Dr. Donna Arz, founder and director of the Forgotten Soldier Program since 2004, has a PhD in Theology, Philosophy, and Religion and a BA in Holistic Nutrition. In addition to her foundational training, Dr. Arz is certified in the Suicide Prevention Assistance Program, Acupressure and Guided Imagery, Craniosacral Therapy, and the Lay Ministry program. Drawing from her training and experience, she has developed the practice of Empathetic Touch™ which has been recognized by the American Heart Association as an effective therapy for reducing pain, stress, anxiety, and depression. In addition to a staff of volunteers who each bring their own skills and areas of expertise to the program, Dr. Arz also personally trains our team of Empathetic Touch volunteer practitioners. Together they have treated thousands of veterans using Empathetic Touch™ at the Sacramento Vet Center, Mather V.A. Pain Clinic, and David Grant Hospital at Travis AFB.

Our community has supported the Forgotten Soldier Program on many levels, including 100% of the program’s financial needs. Through fundraisers, donations, and local grants we have been able to pay office rent, operational costs, and all other expenses.

Since it’s founding in 2004, the Forgotten Soldier Program has treated over 22,000 Veterans, their caregivers, and their family members. We hope to expand access in the coming years by training additional practitioners, expanding our space, and including group healing sessions. We also plan to see First Responders as our capacity expands in the next year.

In addition to our mental health services, FSP has created and developed the Armed Forces Pavilion & Community Garden. Previously an empty, overgrown lot, the Pavilion is now a beautiful community space that offers garden beds, art, a labyrinth, a meditation and Tai Chi area, and picnic areas. We plan to increase use of this space by offering classes, concerts, and art walks in the coming year.