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MVA TODAY
The Monthly Newsletter for
LA County Department of Military & Veterans Affairs
Welcome Jim Zenner, New MVA Director
The LA County Board of Supervisors has sworn in James (Jim) Zenner as the new MVA Director.
Jim transitions from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH), where he was responsible for the implementation and oversight of the Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN) and the Veteran Suicide Review Team (VSRT), and was the lead program manager assigned to collaborate with the Veteran Healthcare Administration, Veteran Benefits Administration, CalVet, and other federal and local agencies regarding veteran programming for DMH. In addition, Jim was responsible for working with the philanthropic sector through a public private partnership with Southern California Grantmakers to bolster collective impact work through the LA Veteran Collaborative to help leverage private funding to expand social service capacity. Jim's past experience also includes: Peer Support Coordinator for the Greater Los Angeles VA Medical Center, Director of Homeless Veteran Programs for Vets Advocacy; Associate Director of Community Programs for the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at the University of Southern California; Consultant for VOA Inc; and Assistant Director of Clinical Veteran Services for VOA (Los Angeles).
Jim served in the United States Army from 4/2004 to 4/2008 with one deployment in support of Iraqi Freedom, and in the U.S. Army Reserve from 4/2008 to 5/2011. He possesses an M.S.W. from U.S.C. and a B.A. in Psychology from St. Martin’s University.
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VSO's Help Vets Win $27 Million in Awards
MVA Veteran Service Officers (VSO's) helped local veterans and their families receive approximately $27,000,000 in awards during fiscal year 2021-2022.
MVA's accredited VSOs provide outreach at many local events throughout LA County.
On July 31st, Alfonso Garcia, Emmanuel Lopez and Chris Cortez (pictured) manned an information table at the Culver City Veteran Center.
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Best Military-Friendly Colleges
A college degree helps active military members and veterans prepare for and transition to civilian life. It’s vital that active-duty military members and veterans find a school that can accommodate their needs and is compatible with their long-term career goals. In an effort to support military members in their pursuit of quality college education, Intelligent.com has created a guide to the best military-friendly colleges. View the 2022 guide.
Joining the Nationwide Movement to Reduce Veteran Suicide
The Veterans Crisis Line's new number—988, then Press 1—makes it easier to remember and share the number to access help in times of need. 988 provides free, confidential, 24/7 support and resources to people experiencing or affected by a suicidal, mental health, and/or substance use crisis. Access this lifesaving service by simply calling or texting 988. In LA County, 988 calls are routed to Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services.
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The Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN) prioritizes hiring veterans as “battle buddies” and systems navigators to connect their brothers and sisters in need with resources that will help. For more info, call 1-800-854-7771 then press 3 or email: veterans@dmh.lacounty.gov
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