On Apr. 18, Long Beach City College and the U.S. The Department of Veterans Affairs joined forces to host a Health and Resource Fair, a testament to their commitment to giving back to those who have served by providing resources to veterans and their dependents, honoring their service.
The goal of the event was to assist veterans and their families in navigating their benefits, which include mental health support, employment and legal services, housing support and family and dependent services, while also providing a sense of community and belonging.
Strong Families Strong Children (SFSC), one of many booths at the fair, is an organization whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of military families, veterans, and their children; and provides free mental health services for military-connected children, spouses, and their families.
“A lot of the time, the veterans get the services but the kids and families and spouses go unseen, so our mission is to highlight that the families also need services and resources,” Karen Ambrosio from SFSC said.
Additionally, LBCC student veterans were present to give any guidance or support to their peers.
Kobe Fair, an LBCC student and Army veteran, discusses his campus experience: “As a veteran student at LBCC, I would say my experience has been very positive. The veterans office on campus is very helpful in anything I need, whether it is educational benefits, other outside help, or just about everything else you can think of,” said Fair.
Support and welcoming energy echoed among the representatives of the many organizations, ranging from free furniture for veterans, mental health services, legal services, and more.
The Veterans Service Office (VSO) is integral to Long Beach City College, “We would love for more students to come by the VSO, everyone in our office are veterans,” said Trevor Jackson from VSO.
Not only does the VSO help veterans better acclimate to civilian life, but they provide many forms of support through challenging transitions as student veterans.
“We have our own personal financial aid, enrollment, vets clubs and we also have our own therapist to help out not only with school life but life in general,” said Jackson.
Veteran students are encouraged to reach out at any moment of need for assistance and are guaranteed a place of community within the VSO.
“It can be really hard knowing where to start, but the best place to go is to us, where we are also actively using the benefits and advice we give,” said Jackson.
If you are a veteran and are in need of mental health resources, do not hesitate to reach out to the VSO in LAC A-1029 for guidance.