CONWAY CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

The Sempergeist Institute (Conway Cultural Development Corporation, EIN: 47-5065116) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to healing and meaning-making through art, storytelling, and ritual. Founded by U.S. Coast Guard veteran and educator Dennis Stevens, Ed.D., the Institute brings together research, creative practice, and community engagement to address the complex challenges of trauma, grief, and reintegration.

Our flagship initiative, Warrior’s Return, is a digital storytelling platform that helps veterans, first responders, and their families transform lived experiences into narrative artworks. By providing structured, evidence-based tools rooted in art therapy and narrative practice, we support participants in rebuilding identity, strengthening resilience, and reconnecting with trusted cohorts.

We partner with Veteran Service Organizations, educators, and researchers to pilot scalable, cost-effective approaches that address PTSD, cPTSD, and moral injury. Through creative expression and reflection, our programs reduce isolation, foster belonging, and restore meaningful connection to family and community.