OAR - Expressive Writing for Veterans, Family Members & Care Givers

Our OAR (Operation Art of Recovery) Expressive Writing program is a poet and veteran-led writing lab for transformative healing The goal of OAR is to increase internal peace and resiliency through therapeutic art and community connections. The focus is more on having an enjoyable/meaningful time and building internal "recovery capital", but beautiful works of writing will emerge! 🤩 The Lab Sessions are facilitated by award-winning spoken word artist Richard "Shake the Poet" White and Killeen Creators' founder and Executive Director, Kristin Wright, who have both utilized writing and performance extensively in their own Recovery journies. 🎙️ Richard "Shake the Poet" White is a veteran, martial arts instructor, poet, published author, and award-winning slam poet in recovery from trauma and substance misuse. Writing, poetry and performance have helped him unpack both childhood and service-related traumas. Performing and teaching have helped him reach others in their journeys of transformation. 🎙️ Kristin "Momma Kay" Wright is a child-abuse & domestic abuse survivor in Mental Health and Addiction Recovery who has written poetry and plays since middle school, with several of her plays being produced at colleges and universities across the country. Words have served as wings to escape situations beyond her control when younger, and she's transformed her narrative about herself and her experience as she's matured. Both teachers bring years of healing, writing, and teaching to the program and are excited to help others find their words and voice to share their story! ✍️ Each Lab Session Will Follow a Similar Flow: • Review of our Safe Space Guidelines • Icebreaker Reading or Exercise • Review of Day's Writing Prompt • Writing Time • Optional SHARE time followed by Optional Feedback • Open Mic • Wrap-Up 🎥 Participation in person is highly encouraged, but participation via Zoom IS possible. 🥘 Light Snacks & Water provided (as donated), when available ⏰ Lab starts promptly at 4:00pm - if you arrive late, please enter quietly to not disturb Flow All writers and poets of the community are encouraged to attend, even if you are not military-affiliated. Creating and healing is for everyone.