Business Details
12 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Mental Health Support for Veterans & Music Industry Professionals
Founded in 2014, The VA Way emerged from the personal and professional experiences of John Way, a veteran who recognized the critical need for mental health support during his transition to civilian life. Our organization specializes in providing mental health trainings, resources, and community events tailored to veterans and members of the music industry. Through initiatives like Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training and Narcan administration certification, we equip individuals with life-saving skills while fostering a culture of empathy and understanding. Our work has directly contributed to reducing stigma around mental health challenges, evidenced by measurable impacts such as transforming a Jiffy Lube location into a $1 million store through veteran employment and MHFA implementation.We maintain active roles in community advisory boards and collaborate with organizations like the Delfest Foundation to expand our reach. Our GRAVY framework (Gratitude, Routine, Awareness, Vulnerability, You) offers daily mental health practices grounded in real-world experience. With a proven track record of crisis intervention and community building through events like the Annapolis Bluegrass Music Festival, we combine military discipline with creative expression to create sustainable mental wellness solutions.
Services
Mental Health Trainings
Community Resources
Support Groups
Narcan Training
Awareness Events
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We pioneered veteran-focused MHFA training at the only Jiffy Lube location nationwide to implement this program
- Our team includes certified MHFA instructors and Opioid Crisis Community Council members
- We've trained 500+ individuals in Narcan administration at music festivals
- Our GRAVY framework provides practical daily mental health practices developed through lived experience
- We maintain active partnerships with the Delfest Foundation and VA healthcare systems
Services
Mental Health First Aid Training
Our certified Mental Health First Aid programs teach crisis intervention techniques and mental health awareness. Participants learn to recognize warning signs, provide initial help, and guide individuals toward appropriate professional resources. This evidence-based training has been proven to reduce workplace turnover and improve community mental health outcomes.
Narcan Administration Training
We deliver comprehensive Narcan training programs that equip participants with life-saving overdose response skills. Training includes opioid crisis education, nasal spray administration techniques, and post-overdose care guidance. Our team has trained over 500 individuals at music festivals and community events.
Veteran Support Groups
Our free peer-led support groups create safe spaces for veterans to share experiences and develop coping strategies. Sessions focus on transitioning to civilian life, managing mental health challenges, and building supportive networks through structured skill-building activities and shared experiences.
Community Awareness Events
We organize music-centered mental health awareness events that combine entertainment with education. These gatherings feature mental health resource booths, live training demonstrations, and panel discussions while using music as a therapeutic engagement tool.
GRAVY Framework Coaching
Our proprietary GRAVY system teaches five essential mental wellness practices: Gratitude, Routine, Awareness, Vulnerability, and self-understanding. Developed through lived experience, this framework provides practical daily tools for maintaining mental health stability in high-stress environments.
People
John Way
Founder & President
Veteran entrepreneur with 7 years military service who transformed Jiffy Lube operations through veteran hiring and MHFA implementation. Certified MHFA instructor and Opioid Collaborative Community Council member with 10+ years mental health advocacy experience.
Gary Canteen
Co-Founder
24-year military veteran with three combat tours and multiple service awards. Former Jiffy Lube partner who helped develop veteran employment programs. Currently serves as Veteran Employment Specialist for Easter Seals while continuing The VA Way advocacy work.
Questions
What mental health services do you offer?
We provide Mental Health First Aid training, Narcan administration certification, peer support groups, and community resource connections.
How do you support veterans specifically?
We offer veteran-focused MHFA training, employment support through corporate partnerships, and crisis intervention programs developed from real-world experience.
Are your trainings certified?
Yes, our Mental Health First Aid programs are certified through official MHFA USA protocols and taught by licensed instructors.
How can musicians access your services?
Through partnerships with music festivals and industry organizations, we provide specialized mental health resources and training events.
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