The Story
After nearly a decade of service in the U.S. Army and a life-altering tour in Iraq, I returned home carrying the invisible weight of war. The transition back to civilian life was not easy. I struggled with trauma, isolation, and the feeling that my voice no longer mattered. Traditional paths to healing—therapy, medication, routine—offered little relief. But unexpectedly, I found solace in art.
Painting became my lifeline. My canvases, once filled with the dark tones of pain and confusion, slowly began to reflect lighter, more hopeful colors. Through creativity, I began to process what I had endured. Art gave me a voice when words failed. It helped me reclaim my identity and reconnect with the world around me.
From this personal journey, Undsrvd was born.
Undsrvd is more than a nonprofit—it’s a movement rooted in healing, compassion, and service. We exist to uplift those who have been silenced: veterans, the unhoused, trauma survivors, and anyone who feels unseen. We are the voice of the voiceless.
Our name reflects a deeper truth: the undeserved blessings so many of us take for granted. Everything outside of the essentials needed to survive—peace of mind, creative freedom, emotional safety—falls into this category. We honor those who live without them and fight to restore what’s been lost.
Undsrvd is not just my story—it’s the story of countless others searching for light in the darkness. Together, we transform pain into purpose, one brushstroke at a time.
The Mission
Our mission at Undsrvd extends far beyond aesthetics. With every donation and purchase, a significant portion of proceeds is dedicated to our Art Therapy-focused foundation, serving veterans, children, and others in need. This foundation provides vital support to those battling the invisible wounds of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), offering a path toward healing through creativity, expression, and community.
For many, the trauma of war doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. It lingers—in silence, in memories, in the struggle to feel whole again. We believe that art can bridge the gap between the pain of the past and the peace of mind our heroes so richly deserve.
Undsrvd creates safe spaces for individuals to explore their creativity and find their own path to restoration. Whether it’s through painting, storytelling, music or shared moments of connection, we’ve seen how creativity can transform lives. It’s not just about making art—it’s about making meaning.
In year one, we also provided food, clothing, and emotional support to over 500 individuals in need across Houston—entirely out of pocket. Since then, we’ve developed relationship with local VFW Post, Cypress Ministries, and CloudBreak Communities to expand our reach and ability to serve those in need. Every brushstroke, every shared meal, every act of service is part of our mission to restore dignity and hope.
Join us as we create a community where Veterans can express themselves, find support, and reclaim their sense of purpose and joy through the transformative power of art.