Veterans Resources Newsletter
Mar 10, 2026
📬 From the Editor
💚 Honoring the luck of the Irish and the legacy of women all month long. 💚
In Honor of Women’s History Month, we look back at the profound impact of the 11th Annual Central Valley Veterans Women’s Stand Up while looking forward to new opportunities for connection. The Stand Up was a coordinated activation of services where women Veterans left with appointments and momentum rather than just pamphlets. We recognized leaders like Helen James, aged 99, and saw the power of psychological safety as women shared their experiences and built peer networks.
March is Women’s History Month, and we are keeping that energy alive by focusing on healthcare engagement and digital inclusion. Our coordination efforts continue to reduce cognitive load by bringing resources directly to the community through programs like Access to Technology and Together for Veterans. Thank you for being part of a community that stands together.
Jessica M. Hanna, Editor
Highlights
The 11th Annual Women’s Stand Up was a resounding success thanks to the dedicated efforts of Central Valley Veterans. This vital event provided a supportive environment for women who have served, offering them direct access to essential resources and community connections. A sincere thank you goes out to every supporting organization and volunteer whose contributions ensured that participants felt honored and supported throughout the day. These partnerships are the backbone of the local veteran support network and demonstrate the power of collective action in serving those who served.
Significant legislative progress is being made to protect the integrity of the benefits process through the advancement of Senate Bill 694. This measure specifically targets “claim sharks”, which are unaccredited entities that charge prohibited fees to veterans seeking their earned disability compensation. By codifying these protections, the bill aims to ensure that veterans can access free, professional assistance through official channels without the risk of financial exploitation. The bill also addresses digital security by making it a crime for these unauthorized individuals to access secure government systems using a veteran’s personal credentials.
Preparation is now in full swing for the upcoming Veterans Strategic Hiring Event scheduled for late March. This premier career fair is designed specifically to bridge the gap between talented veterans and employers who value their unique skill sets and leadership experience. Attendees can expect on-site interviews and direct networking opportunities with a diverse range of industries looking to hire immediately. It is an essential date for any veteran or transitioning service member looking to take the next strategic step in their professional journey.
Veteran Strategic Hiring Event
📅 Rehearsal, Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | 08:00 AM–TBC
📅 Rehearsal, Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | 08:00 AM–TBC
📍 Clovis Veterans Memorial District 808 4th St, Clovis, CA 93612
➡️ Two-day event, happening NOW. High urgency.
The Veterans Strategic Hiring Event at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District is a two-day commitment. It begins with a mandatory rehearsal on March 10 at 0800. This rehearsal is a vital opportunity for veterans to receive expert help converting their digital resumes into presentation slides. Additionally, the clothing closet will be open during the rehearsal for those who need to select professional attire for their interviews.
The hiring event itself takes place on March 24 at 0800. This session features on-site interviews with veteran-ready employers and includes a complimentary continental breakfast and lunch for all participants. Upon registration, veterans must submit their digital resume to ccvec2023@gmail.com. This email address can also be used to request assistance for those who do not yet have a resume prepared.
ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY
Advancing Connectivity for Aging Veterans
Bridging the Digital Divide for Older Veterans. The Fresno County Veterans Service Office conducts a recurring Access to Technology outreach program designed to help older veterans connect with essential services and reduce social isolation. This initiative represents an important step toward reducing barriers to care and addressing factors such as social isolation that can negatively impact the mental health and well-being of elderly veterans. By combining access to technology with hands-on training and support, the program empowers aging veterans to navigate modern systems while strengthening their connections to healthcare services, benefits, and their communities.
March 2026 Program Dates
The Fresno County Veterans Service Office will host Access to Technology sessions on the following dates from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the FCVSO:
- 📅 Friday, March 13, 2026 | 01:00 PM
- 📅 Friday, March 20, 2026 | 01:00 PM
- 📅 Friday, March 27, 2026 | 01:00 PM
Through this initiative, the County of Fresno provides iPads at no cost to veterans age 60 and older to ensure they have the tools needed to access information and communication. The sessions are hands-on and supportive, featuring a technology support team from the VA Medical Center to guide veterans through setting up and using important VA applications. Veterans receive instruction on managing VA healthcare and benefits, including scheduling virtual medical appointments, accessing records, and refilling prescriptions online.
Fresno County Veterans Service Office — 2026 Registration Attendance at each session is intentionally limited to five or six veterans to ensure adequate one-on-one support. Because of this limited capacity, veterans interested in participating must reserve a spot in advance.
For reservations or additional information, contact:
📍 Fresno County Veteran Service Office 1320 E Shaw Ave #105, Fresno, CA 93710
Phone: (559) 600-5436
Together for Veterans
Call to Action: Reaching Our Rural and Aging Veterans
Support the “Together for Veterans” Field Outreach Initiative
Across Fresno County, many of our elderly and rural veterans face a silent challenge: the distance barrier. For those living independently in remote areas or residing in care facilities, navigating complex government systems and driving long distances to agency offices can be nearly impossible.
The Together for Veterans: Aging Veterans’ Coalition is changing that narrative by bringing essential services directly to the places our veterans call home.
Why This Matters
Our aging veteran population often struggles with limited mobility, transportation hurdles, and social isolation. By shifting the focus from office-based appointments to community-based outreach, the coalition ensures that no veteran is overlooked simply because they cannot travel to an office. These face-to-face interactions build trust and provide a lifeline to those who may be unaware of the benefits they have earned.
Onsite Assistance & Impact
During these field visits, coalition partners provide real-time, comprehensive support, including:
- VA Benefits: Assistance with disability compensation, pension, and Aid and Attendance.
- Healthcare: Direct enrollment in VA health care systems.
- Survivor & Family Support: Guidance on survivor benefits and property tax exemptions.
- Quality of Life: Referrals for mental health, in-home supportive services, and safety programs.
By reviewing documentation and assisting with forms on the spot, the coalition eliminates the need for multiple appointments and reduces the burden on the veteran.
Save the Date: March 19 Outreach
We are calling on service organizations to help us spread the word and identify veterans who could benefit from this direct engagement.
📅 Friday, March 19, 2026 | 09:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Where: Field locations rotate monthly to serve different rural hubs, senior centers, and community halls.
How to Connect
To confirm the specific location for the March 19th visit, or to learn how your organization can partner with the coalition to host an outreach event, please contact the Fresno County Veterans Service Office:
- Phone: (559) 600-5436
- Website: fresnocountyca.gov/vso
VetFest 2026
VetFest 2026 is a community-focused event that connects veterans, families, and community partners with VA services and resources through live demonstrations, guided campus tours, resource tables, and family-friendly activities.
📅 Friday, March 21, 2026 | 09:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 VA Central California Health Care System 2615 E Clinton Ave, Fresno, CA 93703
Veteran Women’s Connection Event
Provides a welcoming social and networking opportunity for women veterans to connect, build community, and celebrate shared experiences in a supportive and engaging environment.
📅 Friday, March 19, 2026 | 09:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Fresno State Winery 2360 E Barstow Ave, Fresno, CA 93740
📅 Monday, March 30, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Clovis Veterans Memorial District 808 4th St, Clovis, CA 93612
Ongoing Events
Veterans Fall-In
Veterans Fall-In provides recurring opportunities for veterans to access employment, education, housing, and benefits support at the VA Auditorium throughout the year.
Central California Legal Service
Veterans Job Club
Provides employment-focused support for veterans, including job search assistance, training resources, and workforce readiness guidance through regularly scheduled Job Club sessions.
Bret Thomas
Central California Legal Services
Provides free civil legal assistance for eligible veterans through scheduled legal clinics, including support with benefits, housing, consumer issues, family law matters, and discharge upgrades.
Email: VJSP@centralcallegal.org
Contributing Organizations
Central Valley Veterans CVV)
Nonprofit coordinating veteran support services and community-based events across the Central Valley.
Clovis Veterans Memorial District
A community district dedicated to serving veterans and providing a venue for memorial and community events (celebrating 80 years of service).
Workforce Assistance Center
A regional hub providing employment services, training, and job search resources for job seekers and employers.
Fresno VA / VA Central California Health Care System
Provides comprehensive health care and supportive services to veterans in Central California and across the US.
Kings County Veterans Services
A government agency providing veterans and their families assistance in obtaining state and federal benefits.
Fresno County Veterans Service Office
A county office that assists veterans in navigating the VA system and securing earned benefits.
The Student Support Services Veterans (SSSV) program provides a comprehensive support network for first-generation, low-income, or disabled student veterans transitioning to academic life. Participants receive specialized benefits, including individualized academic counseling, priority registration, and access to exclusive supplemental grant aid. This initiative fosters a strong community through peer mentoring and dedicated resources, such as private computer labs and textbook loans.
About This Newsletter
This newsletter curates publicly available information from veteran-serving organizations across Fresno County to improve coordination, visibility, and access to services. All events and programs are hosted by the organizations listed.
Feedback & Suggestions
Have an event, update, or correction to share? Submissions are welcome to help keep this information accurate and useful.
Editor: JMHANNA
Community coordination, accessibility, and instructional design support
Contact: jmhanna.ca@gmail.com | LinkedIn | Website