Organic Therapy Program (OTP)

Vietnam Veteran, William Sims, and Veteran Working in the Original Organic Therapy Program (Photo Credit: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Organic Therapy Program (OTP) began at the Center for Veterans Issues (CVI) in 2008 as a Veteran-led initiative focused on healing through gardening. Founded by Vietnam Veteran William Sims, the original program was inspired by his own recovery and designed to support formerly homeless Veterans living with PTSD, depression, and traumatic brain injuries.

With guidance from fellow 101st Airborne Veteran and Peer-to-Peer Mentor Howard Hinterthuer, OTP grew into a hands-on, therapeutic program that built purpose, connection, and hope through gardening and sustainable agriculture.

After a pause during the construction of Vets Place Central (VPC), CVI is now rebuilding the Organic Therapy Program. This TED Talk below reflects on the original OTP at CVI and offers insight into where the program began and the lasting impact it continues to inspire.

We’re grateful to the partners who have helped us begin rebuilding our Organic Therapy Program.

The Home Depot Foundation launched this effort with a generous donation of 28 raised garden beds, assembled and delivered by the team at The Home Depot in Delafield, along with the organic soil needed to bring them to life. The gardens are located beside Vets Place Central, home to 81 male Veterans, and Boudicca House, which serves female Veterans and their children.

Our thanks also go to Bliffert Lumber for providing the materials to build a beautiful new deck at Boudicca House, creating an inviting outdoor space for the female Veterans and their children who call it home.

Organic Therapy is the participation in horticultural activities to achieve the improvement of mental, physical, and emotional well-being. The process itself is considered the therapeutic activity rather than the end product.

Horticultural therapy helps improve memory, cognitive abilities, task initiation, language skills, and socialization. In physical rehabilitation, horticultural therapy can help strengthen muscles and improve coordination, balance, and endurance.

In vocational horticultural therapy settings, people learn to work independently, problem-solve, and follow directions.

Thanks to Charlie Koenen and Bee-evangelists, The Organic Therapy Program had a beehive to provide education for our vets on the importance of pollinators, as well as workshops on beekeeping skills.

The hive and garden work together in a symbiotic relationship, supporting each other and allowing both to flourish.