SISTERS — A national group focused on aiding veterans and their families in a whole host of ways has relocated its Portland chapter to Sisters this month, with the hope of launching new programs in early September.

Mission 22 is a national nonprofit which was started to combat the veteran suicide rate. But it is so much more, as it helps families of vets as well.

Sara Johnson and her husband, Magnus Johnson, brought the program to Bend from Portland, in part, due to the climate and the opportunity to help veterans here.

“We were bringing veterans to Smith Rock to climb quite a bit. It rains too much in Portland,” Sara Johnson said. “We really needed to be somewhere we can run programs year-round, a place where people could rent paddleboards for their family for the weekend, for example and offer a broader range of recreation.”

Magnus Johnson is a former Green Beret and learned of the staggering veteran suicide rate shortly after a friend that he served with died from suicide, according to his bio on the group’s website, www.mission22.com.

Magnus, an eight-year combat veteran, is the founder, president and program director for Mission 22.

Every day, more than 20 veterans are lost to suicide, hence the name: Mission 22. Mission 22 wants to bring that number to zero. It does this with three main programs: Veteran treatment programs; memorials; and national awareness, Johnson said.

Mission 22 provides treatment to veterans for post traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries and other issues they might be facing. It organizes events and builds memorials to create social impact and awareness for these issues.

Mission 22 also has an ambassador volunteer program for civilians to get involved as well. Ambassadors educate the public on veteran issues, help get veterans into Mission 22 treatment programs and create resources in their communities.

In Sisters, the group is building a horse arena for children of veterans. Karli Henderson, who also worked at Healing Reins Therapeutic Center in Bend, has been recruited to be the horse trainer and riding instructor.

Mike and Logan Scherrer of Scherrer Excavation have been prepping the arena grounds for the horses. Sisters Fencing will soon install fencing around the 85- by 150-foot arena. Then, children of vets will get free riding lessons. The group hopes to have upwards of 30 families served in Central Oregon.

Mike Scherrer of Sisters has been helping the local Habitat for Humanity program for 23 years, preparing the groundwork for the homes for low income folks who also put in sweat equity during their construction. Scherrer and his son, Logan, is currently laying the groundwork for several Habitat homes in Sisters.

“It’s a good feeling that we can help out the veterans and their families,” said Logan Scherrer, before turning to work on the horse arena.

In late August, early September, Mission 22 will launch a new, 12-month treatment program called Recovery + Resiliency. A list of the programs offered can be found at www.mission22.com/programs/veterans.

Mission 22 is planning to build a large-scale public art memorial to soldiers who have fallen to suicide. It has one in the works at Broken Arrow, near Tulsa, Okla., where it is waiting to be installed in 2021. To contribute to the effort go to: www.mission22.com/programs/memorials