LOS ANGELES (CNS) - In honor of Veterans Day, the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles and the Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs announced a partnership Wednesday that will bring county veteran services directly into YMCA Community Well-Being Centers across the region.
Through the partnership, MVA's Veteran Peer Access Network will hold regular outreach days at YMCA centers. VPAN navigators and Veterans Service Organization representatives will provide benefits screenings, referrals and follow-up on site.
The YMCA will add food assistance, wellness and peer groups, membership access, family programs and volunteer opportunities. Officials said that in a single visit, veterans either housed or unhoused can get help with benefits, groceries, a path to YMCA membership, a peer group and a way to serve their community.
"The YMCA has a long history of supporting our service members, veterans, and their families, and this partnership is a meaningful extension of that commitment," YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles President and CEO Victor Dominguez said. "... Our veterans have given so much in service to others, and the Y is a place where they can find support, belonging, and new opportunities to serve and lead in their communities."
The partnership will launch at the following 11 YMCA centers: North Valley Family YMCA, Mid Valley YMCA, West Valley Family YMCA, Hollywood YMCA, Santa Clarita Valley Family YMCA, Crowell Family YMCA, Pasadena-Sierra Madre YMCA, Ann & Steven Hinchliffe San Pedro & Peninsula YMCA, Wilmington Family YMCA, Burbank YMCA and Antelope Valley Family YMCA.