Working long hard hours, the volunteers of San Joaquin Valley Veterans (SJVV) are fighting against the clock to prepare services for veterans who are rapidly falling through the cracks in the “system”. This unique new veteran service organization, San Joaquin Valley Veterans (affectionately referred to as “Valley Vets”) serves Fresno County, California and surrounding areas. The sole purpose is to honor any United States veteran with support and guidance to improve their quality of life.
“What makes Valley Vets so special is that there is a combining of veteran services organizations and governmental agencies working together for the benefit of the veteran in need. No veteran should be left behind to struggle through a system that looks like spaghetti.” Says Seanna Herring-Jensen. SJVV Board President. “There are certain things that government can do but there are gaps, sometimes huge, in the system. We are working as a non-profit to bridge those gaps where government can’t or won’t”.

SJVV’s services are exceptional in that they resemble no other system in the area. “We want to empower the veteran, no lock him/her into some program to which there is no end.” SJVV’s services are never referred to as “Programs” rather they are “Projects”. Each project is a tool that is the means to reach the veteran’s personal goal.

“We have found a building that would allow for us to create a comfortable drop-in center. SJVV is about comradery. We plan on having a large living-room and kitchen area for coffee and lunch. We also will be having gatherings we call “coffees” to educate veterans on a variety of personal issues such as relationships, communication, etc.”

People often know what has to be done to better their lives. But sometimes there are obstacles in the way. These obstacles may be small for some, but for others they can be the single factor that will block success. With community support we are able to advocate for the veteran in need, with projects cost free.

“Comrades in Arms” is an original peer mentoring project created by veterans of past wars to assist newly returning veterans with their readjustment into society. They don’t want to see any other veterans go through what they did when they returned. It is healing for both veterans to be involved with the project.

“Operation Secure Base” is a project to temporarily assist with lower rent, mortgage assistance and emergency housing. SJVV also offer the homeless veteran an address and contact phone number to use while applying for housing, benefits and employment.

“Transportation Assistance” offers temporary bus passes and gas vouchers so the veteran can attend appointments needed to reach his/her goals.

“Pedals for Vets” is a project that was created by veterans who one lived on the streets. They know how important transportation was to their successful transition back into society. Grateful citizens have donated bicycles to help their veterans gain access to the services they need. From one veteran to another these bikes are refurbished and given without cost to veterans to help them reach their goals.

“Employment Advantage” is personal assistance in seeking employment education. On-the-job training or apprenticeships.

SJVV is currently in “Start-up” mode and working to gather funding to successfully reach all veterans in need. “We are hustling to get the funding to get all the programs moving. The more funding we have the more veterans we can serve. It can be frustrating to clearly see what needs to be done to assist the veteran and then not to have the funding to make it happen. It’s like another slap-in-the-face.” Seanna Herring-Jensen explains. “We are striving to stay ahead of the government that is still not offering the resources needed to honor the veteran for all their sacrifice.”

Courtesy of Veterans Magazine, Spring 2006 www.veteransmagazine.com