A wooden plaque on the door is engraved with two simple words: SAWDUST THERAPY.
The concept might seem, at its surface, a little silly. The impact is anything but.
Established in 2018, Invisible Wounds Project seeks to improve the lives and mental health of veterans, first responders and their families. Founder & Executive Director Russ Hanes believes deeply in the power of creativity, art and working with one's hands to support mental health.
According to a 2019 study by the World Health Organization, art therapy and engagement with the arts have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, ease pain and help heal people from trauma, among other benefits.
Individuals visiting the center in Forest Lake, Minnesota, can enter the woodshop at their leisure and create complete art pieces ranging from pens and engraved signs to cribbage boards and even benches.
An adjacent room offers a variety of additional crafts, including sewing and painting.
Hanes has created a warm and welcoming space in the 4,000-square-foot facility that also features sensory deprivation rooms, spaces to meet with licensed therapists on a walk-in or scheduled basis and a common area with couches and a pool table. Currently under construction are a workout room and coffee bar.
Hanes last month hosted Vikings outside linebacker Bo Richter, to whom he emphasized the importance of consistency and trust-building when working with first responders who are struggling.
Vikings players Bo Richter, Walter Rouse and Zavier Scott helped surprise Minnesota nonprofits with generous financial gifts from the Vikings organization, which donated $500,000 toward impacting the Twin Cities and surrounding community. The Vikings player-led Social Justice Committee worked to identify 18 nonprofits that align with the committee's mission of ensuring that communities of color have equitable access to resources.
Bo Richter - Invisible Wounds Project
Bo Richter - Invisible Wounds Project
Bo Richter - Invisible Wounds Project
Bo Richter - Invisible Wounds Project
Bo Richter - Invisible Wounds Project
Bo Richter - Invisible Wounds Project
Bo Richter - Invisible Wounds Project
Bo Richter - Invisible Wounds Project
Bo Richter - Invisible Wounds Project
Bo Richter - Invisible Wounds Project
Bo Richter - Invisible Wounds Project
Zavier Scott - Loaves & Fishes
Zavier Scott - Loaves & Fishes
Zavier Scott - Loaves & Fishes
Zavier Scott - Loaves & Fishes
Zavier Scott - Loaves & Fishes
Zavier Scott - Loaves & Fishes
Zavier Scott - Loaves & Fishes
Zavier Scott - Loaves & Fishes
Walter Rouse - GiGi's Playhouse Twin Cities
Walter Rouse - GiGi's Playhouse Twin Cities
Walter Rouse - GiGi's Playhouse Twin Cities
Walter Rouse - GiGi's Playhouse Twin Cities
Walter Rouse - GiGi's Playhouse Twin Cities
"Mental health has a stigma in and of itself. And then when you tie in the other factor — that our people work in careers where sometimes and in some departments, agencies and units it's not accepted well — and they really need a safe space to go," Hanes explained. "It's not a one-and-done: 'Here's a couple bucks; here's a gift card. Thanks for your service. See you later.' It really becomes a family, and the family continues to grow and continues to support each other.
"We really focus on providing that safe, healthy, positive atmosphere where people can be themselves, learn from each other, help each other and just foster that growth in a way you can't without a physical space or presence," Hanes added.
Invisible Wounds Project's message is "You are not alone," reminding those who see and face crises daily that support is available and healing is possible.
In 2025, Hanes and his staff and volunteers served 2,000 people and conducted 125 suicide interventions.
Beyond directly supporting individuals who come to Invisible Wounds Project struggling with their mental health at any level, the nonprofit additionally hosts suicide intervention training sessions.
"It's absolutely amazing to have these people here fulfilling the need," said Richter, who played college football at the U.S. Air Force Academy and has a heart for U.S. military servicemembers and veterans. "They explained to us how they provide this sense of community along with the necessary resources … and that community piece [is really unique]."
Richter enjoyed touring the facility, as well as meeting and thanking therapists and volunteers, such as Paul, a retired deputy of 32 years, and Dan, a retired Navy vet of 26 years, who volunteer numerous hours each week in the woodshop.
After his tour, Richter surprised Hanes and his staff with a larger-than-life-sized check.
"On behalf of the Vikings Social Justice Committee, we would like to present Invisible Wounds Project with this gift of $30,000," Richter told an initially speechless Hanes.
The Minnesota Vikings again in 2025 donated $500,000 to be used in impacting the Twin Cities and surrounding community. The committee consists of 18 players who are given autonomy by the Wilfs to identify nonprofits that align with the committee's mission of ensuring that communities of color have equitable access to resources.
Since 2018, the Wilfs have donated $9.5 million to social justice initiatives.
"They're the best owners in the league. They do a great job and let us determine what the players think needs the most help and where we can make the most impact," Richter said. "In the NFL, you have people from an infinitesimal number of backgrounds. Everybody comes for a different walk of life, but everybody can come together and determine what they think will make the biggest difference."
This year's selected causes beneath the social justice umbrella are mental health, inclusion, food insecurity and equal access to education, among others. (The full list is below.)
"I love the fact we can help out," Vikings running back Zavier Scott said. "It's not easy what a lot of people are going through, and we want to lighten the load any way we can."
Scott also had the opportunity to visit a local nonprofit when he joined volunteers at a Loaves & Fishes Minneapolis location to serve dinner and connect with community members experiencing food insecurity.
Scott welcomed individuals of all ages who stopped by for a warm meal and space. And while he enjoyed helping dish up a hearty egg bake and various sides, he was most grateful for the chance to converse at length with a few of the guests.
"It's special anytime you can sit down and just talk to someone. I think there's something special about those slower moments," Scott said. "Every person matters. Every individual matters, no matter what their background is, no matter where they're at in life. Everybody is valued, and I feel that's a way of showing that and honoring that.
"I like to connect, hear their story and give them some love," he added.
Scott surprised Loaves & Fishes Director of Advancement Michael Tankenoff with a supersized check for $25,000 that will go toward the nonprofit's mission of serving free, healthy meals to Minnesotans where the need is greatest.
"Food tends to be the common denominator for all, and we want everyone to have a seat at the table," Tankenoff said. "If there's one small thing we can do for the community — providing warm, nourishing meals, with no questions asked, to anybody who needs it, we want to do that.
"It was incredible to watch Zavier tonight," Tankenoff added. "He just wants to be part of the community and be helpful where he can. I think that's where we need right now, an organization like the Vikings that has always been super community-oriented … supporting a mission like this and helping us feed and be present with our neighbors. I mean, that's what it's all about."
Richter and Scott were not the only members of the Vikings Social Justice Committee who had the honor of surprising nonprofits with donations.
Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and Jonathan Greenard sent video messages to Black Men Teach and Elevate Youth Elite Sports, respectively, to notify them of the financial gifts they'll be receiving.
Vikings tackle Walter Rouse, who has a personal connection to GiGi’s Playhouse and serves on its Board of Directors, delivered some extra excitement to a monthly board meeting with a giant check presentation.
GiGi's Playhouse Executive Director Katherine Rebstock said the staff was "completely surprised and deeply moved" by the generous donation.
"This support will directly strengthen GiGi's Playhouse Twin Cities and the free, life-changing programs we offer for individuals with Down syndrome," Rebstock said. "We are incredibly grateful for Walter's leadership and the Vikings commitment to inclusion, opportunity and meaningful community impact."
Below is a complete list of nonprofits that will receive funding from the Vikings Social Justice Committee this year:
