Our Story
Founded by veterans who found healing — and refused to keep it to themselves.
Founded by veterans who found healing — and refused to keep it to themselves.
The Aya Mission was born from lived experience. Our co-founder, decorated U.S. Army combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient Ulises Lopez, walked the same road too many veterans know — post-service struggles with addiction and mental health that conventional paths alone couldn't resolve. Plant medicine changed the trajectory of his life. He co-founded The Aya Mission so that no veteran would have to find that path alone.
We envision a world where every veteran struggling with PTSD, depression, anxiety, or addiction has access to deep, holistic healing — rooted in community, compassion, and connection to nature. By bridging the sacred healing traditions of medicinal plants with the spiritual support of church communities, safe ceremonial spaces open where veterans can begin the journey toward wholeness.
Today, The Aya Mission gathers veterans twice a year — on Memorial Day and Veterans Day weekends — for transformative ceremony weekends supported by preparation coaching, peer community, and structured integration. Over 110 veterans have completed the program so far.
At the heart of our future is a dedicated healing campus in Arizona: a sanctuary designed by and for veterans. This land will serve as our headquarters and spiritual home — ceremonial spaces, lodging, a communal kitchen, and a gathering hall, built with intention and reverence. Beyond ceremony, it will be a year-round wellness hub offering nutrition, fitness, yoga, breathwork, and sound healing.
We see a future where our nation's warriors return not only to peace — but to purpose.
Help Us Build It