About the Program:

Warrior’s Return, developed by Dr. Dennis Stevens, veteran, educator, and author of "The Sacred Descent of the Warrior", is a digital storytelling platform. It enables veterans to use art-making and narrative to process their lived experiences, discover new meaning, and reconnect with trusted cohorts.

The Sempergeist Institute (operating as Conway Cultural Development Corporation, EIN: 47-5065116) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.

Pilot Partnership:

We are launching a pilot research project in collaboration with a well-respected Veteran Service Organization (VSO), a national leader in helping veterans rediscover their purpose, build resilience, and reconnect with their communities. Together, we aim to demonstrate outcomes, conduct formative evaluation with experienced cohort guides/veteran organization leadership, and, eventually, through this collaboration, we hope to expand access to veterans nationwide.

Why Your Support Matters:

Every donation helps cover program facilitation, technology access, and evaluation, ensuring that Warrior’s Return remains evidence-based and fundable at scale.

About The Project Leader

Dr. Dennis Stevens is a veteran, educator, and author of The Sacred Descent of the Warrior. An alum of nationally recognized Veteran Service Organization programs for growth beyond service-connected events, he brings both personal insight and professional expertise to his work with veterans and first responders.

As Founder of the Conway Cultural Development Corporation (The Sempergeist Institute), Dennis develops initiatives that use art, storytelling, and ritual to process lived experience, foster resilience, and rebuild community. With a Doctor of Education in Art & Art Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, he integrates scholarship, creativity, and lived experience to design innovative approaches that support meaning-making and connection during and after service.

Warrior’s Return

Empowering Veterans Through Art and Storytelling

Team Members