Meeting You Where You Are, Helping You Move Forward
Why I Started Where We Meet, Inc.
I began my own healing journey in a theatre. To my surprise, the stage became more than performance — it became a place of restoration. I felt born again.
But when I looked around my community on the South Side of Chicago — home to so many veterans and yet with some of the fewest resources — I didn’t see anything like this. There were no creative spaces using theatre, art, and storytelling as tools for healing.
That’s why I created Where We Meet, Inc. to meet people where they are: mentally, physically, and spiritually. Whether in community centers, churches, or collaborative spaces, we bring healing-centered programs directly into the places people already gather.
Through Healing Conversationsgrief & loss circles, theatre cohorts, and art and storytelling workshops, we create spaces where veterans, trauma survivors, and underserved communities can reclaim their stories and find wholeness.
Your support helps us expand these Healing Spaces, making sure no one is left behind.
Nekohl Johnson, Army Veteran,
Founder of Where We Meet Inc.
1,500+
People
Served
Providing support, creativity, and community for those who served.
20+
Volunteers
Making an Impact
300+
Events Planned
Bringing connection, healing, and expression
to life.
I offer glowing recommendations... In these times it can be very hard to find a place that you can be your authentic self, to me Where We Meet is one of those places. I could choose to share if I want, and above all I could have fun and relax...
Kyna Simpson, Navy Veteran
Where We Meet, Inc. DECRUIT Program Participant.
Events
Mental health is at the heart of our mission, and we are committed to breaking stigmas and providing accessible resources. Our Veterans Coffee Chat (Southside Strong Coalition) offers a space for veterans to connect, share, and receive support in a relaxed, informal setting. We also provide mental health and wellness education through workshops and presentations focused on trauma recovery, PTSD, and practical strategies for emotional well-being.
Community Outreach
At Where We Meet, Inc., outreach means showing up where people already live, work, and gather. From weekly Veterans Coffee Chats in community spaces to Healing Conversations, theatre cohorts, events and art and storytelling workshops, we create safe places for connection and healing. Through partnerships with Benjamin O. Davis, VFW Post 311, Blue Door Neighborhood Center, Governor State University, Steppenwolf Theatre, and others, we bring creative, trauma-informed programming across Chicagoland. Since 2022, we’ve hosted more than 125 Coffee Chats and reached over 1,000 individuals—all at little to no cost to participants.
Programs
Where We Meet, Inc. offers trauma-informed programs that blend arts, wellness, and community connection.
From writing prompts and theatre workshops to veterans coffee chats and self-care events, our services are designed to support healing, expression, and wholeness—especially for veterans, trauma survivors, and underserved communities.
Through partnerships with organizations like Piven Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, Blue Door Neighborhood Center, and VFW Post 311, we continue to expand our reach and impact..
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