How a cooking class opened a Veteran’s eyes to VA’s full community

From one class to a life enriched by learning and support

Army Veteran Patti Erwin never thought she needed to enroll in VA healthcare services. She had insurance, felt healthy and rarely visited the doctor’s office. One afternoon, through her local Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapter, she noticed a flyer advertising a cooking class at the Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks (VHSO). Intrigued by the idea of learning healthy, new recipes, she thought this could be the perfect chance to get back into cooking, something she’d drifted away from.

A simple enrollment leads to new opportunities

Eager to sign up, Erwin quickly realized that to join the classes, she had to be enrolled at VHSO. Determined not to miss out, she quickly completed her enrollment right away, opening the door to far more than just free cooking lessons.

Weeks after enrolling in VA healthcare, Erwin found herself in a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen at the Fayetteville Public Library, cooking alongside other Veterans. Over the six-month series, she learned how to prepare simple, healthy and delicious meals, including hearty soups, pasta dishes, fish, cobblers and even homemade bread. All the recipes were quick and easy enough to replicate at home. With each class, she discovered that she was truly enjoying cooking and eating healthy meals, and she looked forward to every session.

A holistic approach to Veteran well-being

Allison Wright, a licensed clinical social worker at VHSO said, “We recognize that health and wellness are about more than routine medical appointments. The cooking classes allow Veterans to increase their confidence in their cooking skills, socialize with other Veterans, learn about the nutritional impact of food and how it affects their lives, and incorporate what they learn in the Healthy Teaching Kitchen to make healthier food choices and feel better overall. We recognize that a multi-faceted approach is needed as part of mental health and physical healthcare, providing Veterans with the tools, resources, knowledge and skills needed to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.”

Joining a community, not just a health system

Through Erwin’s new connections, she learned about other VA programs and soon signed up for the Veterans Whole Health Yoga Class. As she participated in these opportunities, an unexpected realization took hold: VA was so much more than just a hospital. It was a vibrant community offering programs and support for all aspects of well-being.

“I didn’t think I needed healthcare from VA, but I am glad that I enrolled,” Erwin said. “Now I can attend different classes and get involved in activities while knowing I can use VA healthcare when I need it.”

Cooking up a brighter future

Today, Erwin’s kitchen is filled with the aromas of home-cooked meals she’s proud to share with friends and family. Her sense of VA has transformed—she now sees it as a place to learn, connect and thrive, not just a place to seek medical care.