A Van Nuys-based nonprofit is gaining attention for its innovative approach to supporting veterans’ mental health — an approach built around video games, online connection, and community.
Founded in 2015 by Captain Stephen Machuga, US Army (ret), Stack Up connects veterans through gaming and community-building programs, including its “Stack Up Overwatch Program,” which offers peer-to-peer mental health support. The organization uses gaming and social media to reach veterans where they are, offering connection and support in spaces that feel comfortable and familiar.
“Not everyone is going to reach out the way we expect,” said Captain Stephen Machuga. “Sometimes support looks different, and that’s okay. What matters is that it’s there when someone needs it – Stack Up is proud to be a place where fellow veterans can find that support.”
One of the key platforms Stack Up uses is Discord, a virtual space where the nonprofit hosts rotating weekly game nights and a weekly town-hall style meeting, and allows for an accessible way for those looking for support to reach out and connect with fellow veterans. On platforms like Instagram and Facebook, Stack Up shares mental health reminders, highlights from gaming events, and messages from within its community. Stack Up also runs programs that bring veterans to major gaming conventions and events — opportunities that can be both fun and deeply meaningful.
The organization’s growth has been driven by the understanding that community can form in many ways including through online games and shared virtual spaces. “We’re building a place where veterans can feel like they belong,” said Machuga. “Whether it’s through a message, a match, or a meetup, that sense of connection makes a difference.”
What started as a small effort to connect veterans through shared interests has grown into a robust network of support, offering community, friendship, and a reminder that no one has to go it alone.
More information about the organization’s mission and programs can be found at www.stackup.org.