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Richard Sokas

The mind behind Art Vitality

Richard Sokas, the Founder and Executive Director of Art Vitality Inc, is a professional musician with a Master's Degree in Music. â€‹

 

He enjoys providing musical performances and instruction to people of all ages. 

 

Playing Saxophone

Art Vitality is a far-reaching organization that can consistently enrich the lives of any American Veteran by immersing them in musical experiences that will be scheduled on a regular and reoccurring basis as long as the need persists.

 

Specifically, we explain how incorporating the arts (especially music) in treatment options for veterans will provide the following benefits for veterans:

Playing Piano

Alternative treatment option in stress-free environments

Feeling of freedom among other veterans with similar experiences.

Decrease in PTSD symptoms, and a more enjoyable life. 

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     Art Vitality intends to involve veterans in an immersive musical experience in Chicago and the metropolitan area, with plans to branch out on a national scale.

 

     Art Vitality hopes to use music as a means for enhancing the lives of veterans by applying music therapy - a scientifically proven method of rehabilitation. "Music engages multiple neural networks and possibly can help rebuild damaged neural connections in patients with neurological impairment from a traumatic injury." Music therapy has shown significant progress in the treatment of veterans, not only in terms of their psychological health but their social integration and engagement as well.

 

     Although music therapy's benefits have been widely understood since the 1950s "in large part because volunteer musicians witnessed the impact music had on the morale and rehabilitation of WWII veterans" many veterans are unable to enjoy the profound impact musical immersion has on their health for various different reasons.

 

     Art Vitality seeks to bridge the gap between veterans and the music community by offering them individual lessons and group sessions in locations that are accessible and safe for veterans. Locations such as park districts, libraries, and potentially veterans centers would house these proposed musical activities. Such activities would be facilitated on a scheduled, reoccurring basis.

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     It is Art Vitality's intention to seek out professional relationships with initiatives such as the Wounded Warrior Project, and various other organizations that seek to enrich the lives of veterans.

A Letter from the Founder

"As we go on living our lives, we come to realize that making decisions for ourselves is a daily and

fairly simple task. These simple daily decisions are only truly meant to leave an effect on that single day.

 

   On the other hand, there are other types of decisions that hold a much deeper meaning and importance and have a much farther reach. A reach that spreads over the years and a multitude of people, as opposed to just you and that single day.

 

   Most of the time, we find ourselves performing acts that are meant to benefit us and those we

hold closest to our hearts. It is, of course, only natural to want to do good for the people we care for most.

 

   At a certain point in our lives, each one of us should ponder and ask ourselves, “What have I

done for others?” For those that help was not provided at the time they needed it most, for those who were too physically and mentally exhausted to ever even ask for help. And what about those who

received help, but it came to them too late?

 

   When I set myself on this journey to create and continue to develop the Art Vitality Nonprofit

organization, I had a goal in mind. I wish AV to reach people who need genuine sincerity and care. I want

to help them discover new beauty in life through the experience of art so that they know someone

cares about their life, well-being, and happiness... and to remind them that they have not been forgotten."

 

Richard Sokas,

Founder and Executive Director of Art Vitality Inc

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