Business Details
12 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Veteran & Music Industry Mental Health Support
Founded in 2014, The VA Way was established to address critical mental health needs within veteran and music industry communities. Our founder, John Way, transitioned from military service to business leadership, witnessing firsthand the challenges veterans face during civilian reintegration. Through strategic partnerships and evidence-based training programs like Mental Health First Aid and naloxone administration, we've developed a unique model combining community engagement with crisis intervention. Our work with organizations such as the Delfest Foundation and Opioid Collaborative Community Council demonstrates our commitment to reducing mental health stigma.With over 85% veteran staff in our initial Jiffy Lube locations and 60% trained in MHFA, we've proven our approach improves both individual well-being and organizational outcomes. Our innovative GRAVY framework provides daily mental health practices, while events like the Annapolis Bluegrass Music Festival demonstrate our creative outreach methods. We maintain active roles in local behavioral health advisory boards, ensuring our programs remain aligned with community needs.
Services
Mental Health Trainings
Community Resources
Support Groups
Naloxone Training
Music Industry Outreach
Veteran Employment Programs
Crisis Intervention
Mental Health Events
Peer Support Networks
Awareness Campaigns
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We offer Mental Health First Aid training certified by national standards
- Our team includes veteran employment specialists with 24 years of military service experience
- We implement the proven GRAVY framework for daily mental health practices
- Our crisis intervention model reduced veteran staff turnover by 60%
- We partner with music industry organizations for targeted mental health outreach
Associations and certifications
- Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
- Naloxone Certification
What people say
Life-saving training
Veteran support
Music community connection
Effective outreach
Crisis intervention
Services
Mental Health First Aid Training
Our Mental Health First Aid certification courses teach participants to recognize and respond to mental health crises. The program covers de-escalation techniques, crisis communication, and referral resources. Participants gain skills to support veterans and music industry professionals facing mental health challenges.
Naloxone Administration Training
This life-saving program trains community members in naloxone administration to reverse opioid overdoses. We provide hands-on instruction and distribute naloxone kits during events. The training includes recognizing overdose symptoms and proper medication administration techniques.
Veteran Support Groups
Our peer-led groups connect veterans facing similar mental health challenges. Participants share experiences and develop coping strategies in structured sessions. The program emphasizes mutual support and community building through shared military experiences.
Music Industry Outreach
Targeted mental health programs for music industry professionals address unique stressors in this field. We partner with festivals and venues to provide on-site support and training. The initiative focuses on reducing stigma and improving access to care.
Community Mental Health Events
We organize music-based events that combine entertainment with mental health education. These gatherings feature training sessions, resource booths, and peer support opportunities. Events create safe spaces for open discussions about mental wellness.
People
John Way
Founder & President
Army veteran with 7 years service, former Jiffy Lube franchise owner who hired 80+ veterans, Mental Health First Aid instructor since 2018, and creator of the GRAVY mental health framework.
Gary Canteen
Co-Founder
24-year military veteran with three combat tours, Bronze Star recipient, former Jiffy Lube partner in veteran employment initiatives, and current Veteran Employment Specialist at Easter Seals supporting homeless veteran reintegration.
Questions
What mental health resources do you offer for veterans?
We provide Mental Health First Aid training, peer support groups, naloxone administration courses, and crisis intervention resources specifically tailored for veterans transitioning to civilian life.
How do you support music industry professionals?
Our programs address mental health challenges in the music industry through targeted outreach, festival-based training, and partnerships with organizations like the Delfest Foundation to reduce stigma and improve care access.
Can non-veterans participate in your programs?
While our focus is on veterans and music industry members, our community events and mental health resources are open to all individuals seeking support or training opportunities.
What training certifications do you provide?
We offer nationally recognized Mental Health First Aid certification and naloxone administration training, both including practical skills for crisis intervention and emergency response.
How can I get involved with your organization?
You can participate in our training programs, attend community events, join support groups, or contact us through our website to learn about volunteer and partnership opportunities.
Do you offer online mental health resources?
While our primary focus is in-person training and events, we provide mental health framework materials like the GRAVY daily practice guide through our website and community outreach programs.
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