THE VETERANS FUND NEWSLETTER Issue IV, July 2021

This issue of The Veterans Fund newsletter features sneak peek photos of the Wadsworth Chapel, conceptual program design for the West Los Angeles VA North Campus community plan, media spotlights, and a special introduction!

West LA VA Veteran Housing Highlights Along with 1887 Fund, the Collective (Century Housing, Thomas Safran & Associates, and U.S.VETS) has officially begun pre-development work on the heart of the West LA VA campus: the notable Wadsworth Chapel. This historic landmark will be home to a cutting-edge Moral Injury Program, led by Volunteers of America, to address the invisible wounds of war. The Chapel will also be reestablished as a non-denominational space for veterans to gather, meditate, and heal. Planning for this sacred space is actively underway to return the Chapel to its former glory as a place of wellness, spiritualty, and community.

Community and Landscaping The concept for the West LA VA North Campus’ community plan is filled with programing for relaxation, healing, nourishment, enrichment, socialization, and movement. Veterans and their families will be able to engage in a range of activities from leisure to recreation.

Safe meeting spaces for support groups and one-on-one gatherings Meditation and reflection Relax in the shade Have a picnic with friends or visitors Visit a memorial space

Community service groups Gathering for workshops, meet-ups Outdoor classrooms Farmers markets Spaces for chess, bocce, shuffleboard Community gardening

Family-friendly open spaces and walking paths  Outdoor physical therapy, occupational therapy Paths to walk pets Nature trails Par course or exercise circuit

Meet Tess Banko! The Collective recently welcomed Tess Banko to the West LA VA team as Program Director. Ms. Banko will oversee the West LA VA North Campus Housing Development Project including supervising all clinical, program, workforce service, and operating staff. She will also work to garner community support for the project, and monitor performance and impact measurements.   A Marine Corps veteran, Ms. Banko joins the team after serving as the Executive Director of the UCLA/VA Veteran Family Wellness Center. For over fifteen years, she held leadership roles in the military, veteran, and wider civilian communities. Tess has a background in social work and public administration, including mental health and wellness, community development, organizational leadership and management.  You can reach Tess Banko at TBanko@usvets.org.

In the News

Recently, President Joe Biden signed into law the West Los Angeles VA Campus Improvement Act, a key resource championed by Senator Dianne Feinstein and Congressman Ted Lieu (both D-Calif.) to reduce veteran homelessness in Los Angeles. This bill will allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure funds generated at the West LA VA campus support the development of supportive housing and services for homeless veterans. It will also provide updated leasing terms to speed up construction and reduce financing costs.  To read more about the West LA VA Campus Improvement Act, visit here.

U.S.VETS and our partners are honored to be an integral part of this historic project. With your support, we will change the lives of thousands of veterans and their families in Los Angeles. Thank you for your help in fulfilling our promise to those who bravely served our country.

Stephen J. Peck, M.S.W. President and CEO, U.S.VETS USMC 1968 - 1971

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