Trending...
- California: Governor Newsom proclaims Independence Day 2025
- New Release: 'The Invisible Alternative' Unveiled by Atrisk Corporation, Resilient
- Transgender Visual Artist Debuts New Work
VENTURA, Calif. - Californer -- Ventura College has been awarded a $150,000 grant through the Veterans Mental Health Demonstration Project. As one of only ten community colleges across California to receive this critical funding aimed at enhancing mental health and wellness support for veteran students, Ventura College will be able to commit even more resources to fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment for veterans.
Provided through the California Chancellors Office, the grant aims to bolster mental health outreach and peer support for veterans transitioning from military to civilian life. These funds are particularly vital to Ventura College as its Veteran Resource Center (VRC) served more than 370 veteran students in the 2022-2023 school year.
Established in 2014, Ventura College's VRC is an essential support system for student veterans. One of the key deliverables for this grant will be proactive outreach strategies in collaboration with partners such as CalVet (California Department of Veterans Affairs) and CALTAP (California Transition Assistance Program).
More on The Californer
"I am thrilled to spearhead this grant," said Elizabeth Vasquez, who leads the Veterans Resource Center. "I've witnessed the unique mental health needs of our student veterans, and I am excited to contribute to solutions that will create an environment of unconditional belonging on our campus. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served our country."
The grant will also enhance the VRC's existing wellness initiatives through programs like the Veteran Mentor Project, which is led by Professor James Espinoza. The program offers peer-to-peer support to ensure veterans have a safe space to discuss their challenges and share their experiences.
The expanded wellness approach will include comprehensive support such as mental health counseling, physical wellness programs like yoga, and nutrition workshops. Mental Health Supervisor Andrew Nelson, LMFT, and campus therapy dog Bing Bong are "beyond excited for this opportunity to support the VRC's goal of supporting Veteran mental health!"
More on The Californer
"The VRC has taken significant steps in recent years to engage their students with mental health support (embedded therapists, group therapy, increased mental health referrals), and this funding allows them to level up big time and continue to crush mental health (in a good way)," said Nelson.
With the support of this grant, Ventura College is poised to elevate the VRC's outreach and is ready to engage students with even more mental health and wellness resources. This semester, the VRC launched a new text line to provide real-time assistance for veterans facing crises.
"This funding will enhance the veteran-centered mental health programming—helping veterans build resilience, foster community, and thrive both academically and personally," said Laura Hamilton, NP, coordinator of the Ventura College Student Health Center.
Provided through the California Chancellors Office, the grant aims to bolster mental health outreach and peer support for veterans transitioning from military to civilian life. These funds are particularly vital to Ventura College as its Veteran Resource Center (VRC) served more than 370 veteran students in the 2022-2023 school year.
Established in 2014, Ventura College's VRC is an essential support system for student veterans. One of the key deliverables for this grant will be proactive outreach strategies in collaboration with partners such as CalVet (California Department of Veterans Affairs) and CALTAP (California Transition Assistance Program).
More on The Californer
- Easton & Easton, LLP Files Suit Against The Dwelling Place Anaheim & Vineyard USA Over Abuse Allegations
- AI Visibility: The Key to Beating Google's AI Overviews and Regaining Traffic
- First Partner highlights apprenticeship program helping underrepresented youth break into careers in California's iconic entertainment industry
- Stuck Doing Math or Figuring Out Life's Numbers? Calculator.now Makes It Stupidly Simple
- Cal State LA secures funding for two artificial intelligence projects from CSU
"I am thrilled to spearhead this grant," said Elizabeth Vasquez, who leads the Veterans Resource Center. "I've witnessed the unique mental health needs of our student veterans, and I am excited to contribute to solutions that will create an environment of unconditional belonging on our campus. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served our country."
The grant will also enhance the VRC's existing wellness initiatives through programs like the Veteran Mentor Project, which is led by Professor James Espinoza. The program offers peer-to-peer support to ensure veterans have a safe space to discuss their challenges and share their experiences.
The expanded wellness approach will include comprehensive support such as mental health counseling, physical wellness programs like yoga, and nutrition workshops. Mental Health Supervisor Andrew Nelson, LMFT, and campus therapy dog Bing Bong are "beyond excited for this opportunity to support the VRC's goal of supporting Veteran mental health!"
More on The Californer
- Colbert Packaging Announces WBENC Recognition
- New Mobile Car Detailing Platform Connects Drivers with On-Demand Local Pros
- Over the past three months, California seized $476 million worth of unlicensed cannabis products
- California scores more clean energy records: 9 in 10 days this year partially powered by 100% clean energy
- "Mobile Suit Gundam" Takes Over San Diego Comic-Con 2025
"The VRC has taken significant steps in recent years to engage their students with mental health support (embedded therapists, group therapy, increased mental health referrals), and this funding allows them to level up big time and continue to crush mental health (in a good way)," said Nelson.
With the support of this grant, Ventura College is poised to elevate the VRC's outreach and is ready to engage students with even more mental health and wellness resources. This semester, the VRC launched a new text line to provide real-time assistance for veterans facing crises.
"This funding will enhance the veteran-centered mental health programming—helping veterans build resilience, foster community, and thrive both academically and personally," said Laura Hamilton, NP, coordinator of the Ventura College Student Health Center.
Source: Ventura College
Filed Under: Education
0 Comments
Latest on The Californer
- Voices for Humanity Builds a Better Future for Ghana with Richmond Atta-Williams
- Haunted Doll House at The Gregangelo Museum
- Mystical Insights at the Gregangelo Museum
- Ben Pouladian, CEO of BEP Holdings, to Join ISPE Los Angeles Biomanufacturing Panel
- Raksmart: Promoting Security in Global Hosting Service
- $14M Expansion Deal with Famed David Lloyd Highlights Rebrand of Sports, Entertainment and Gaming Innovation by AI Driven, Online Fan Engagement Co
- Local Pub Grows Unique Community Ownership Program
- Heartfelt Dreams Foundation Launches Campaign to Build CHD Hospital
- California: Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis proclaims Disability Pride Month
- CHRIS EDMONDS JOINS CITY NATIONAL BANK AS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, HEAD OF COMMERCIAL AND NATIONAL CORPORATE BANKING
- Radarsign Tackles Intersection Safety with Launch of Grid-Free Solar LED Stop Sign
- California: $35 million to law enforcement partners to keep communities safe from impaired driving
- Curtis Sergeant's Book The Only One Continues to Equip Christians to Live Fully in by and for God
- IFYA Announces New Froyo Heaven Art Contest
- BKM Capital Partners Publishes Case Study on Hughes Airport Center, Showcasing Strategic Value-Add Execution in Las Vegas
- Miami Real Estate Agent Drastically Increases Interest In Homes
- Adostics & Genmega Announce the Introduction of A-POD
- Auto Careers Online Secures Top Dealers' Choice Award for Eighth Consecutive Year
- MANTL Becomes First Fintech to Offer Plaid Layer
- LIB and Nidec Rejoin Forces for Giant TH-0098 Temperature Humidity Test Chamber