A competition among start-ups in Pasco County just wrapped up and the winners have been chosen.

Veterans Alternative Therapy won first place and a $5,000 reward and six months' office space at the SMARTstart Business Incubator in New Port Richey.

The center has come a long way since October. The building was donated by American Legion and now it is only months away from opening. Eventually the center will be open to all veterans who suffer from post-traumatic symptoms and transitional issues.

The center will use alternative therapies like acupuncture, yoga, and physical training to bring veterans together to create the camaraderie they were used to while in the service.

“We have accelerated resolution therapy which is with our counselors, our clinicians, and then we have the eye-rest yoga and we have the physical fitness so you get the full results that you really need transitioning into the civilian world,” said founder Brian Anderson.

The center has been funded through donations. It is still in need of more in order to have everything done by opening day.

Anderson says the center will be the first of its kind in the Tampa Bay area.

Although opening day is on Memorial Day Anderson says they will be taking their first clients within the week.

For more information on how to help fund this new center contact Brian Anderson Bjanderson2@health.usf.edu or 910-364-5960.