Veterans Resources Newsletter
SPECIAL EDITION
📬 From the Editor
🎖 Honoring Service with Care and Connection 🎖
This special edition is rooted in gratitude.
The 11th Annual Central Valley Veterans Women’s Stand Up was not simply a gathering. It was a coordinated activation of services for women Veterans across our region. With keynote leadership from Chief Mindy Casto and expert panel contributions from VA Central California Health Care System representatives in Women’s Health, Mental Health, Veterans Benefits, and Caregiver Support, the event created direct lines of access to care and advocacy. The Survivor Medallion Ceremony honored strength and sacrifice, while every resource table offered real-time enrollment guidance, referrals, and personal connection. Women did not leave with pamphlets. They left with appointments, phone numbers, and momentum.
This impact was made possible through the leadership and generosity of the Central California Women’s Conference, VA Central California Health Care System, the Fresno County Veterans Service Office, the California Hawaii Elks Association, and other major community donors, along with many additional sponsors, partners, and volunteers who stood behind the mission. Every resource highlighted in this newsletter was present, represented, or made accessible because of this event. Women’s Stand Up was the catalyst. What follows are the pathways that opened because women showed up and the community stood with them.
Jessica M. Hanna, Editor
Onward!
Senior Saturday
WelbeHealth invites Veterans and community members age 55 and older to a Valentine’s Day Senior Saturday focused on connection, community, and comprehensive healthcare services that support independent living at home.
Saturday, February 21, 2026
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
WelbeHealth Fresno1
649 Van Ness Ave
Fresno, CA 93721
Raffles, games, and information about services
Free drawing with no obligation
Transportation may be provided
RSVP
Nouzong Lynaolu
559 570 0820 | TTY 711
Consuelo Giron
559 728 4338 | Habla Español
Resource Spotlights
The following resources were present, represented, or made directly accessible through the 11th Annual Central Valley Veterans Women’s Stand Up.
🚨 Need Support Now
Veterans Crisis Line
Immediate confidential support for Veterans in crisis.
VA Central California Health Care System
Primary care, specialty clinics, women’s health, urgent care, and coordinated support.
Main 559 225 6100
Primary Care Appointments 559-228-6913 or 888-826-2839.
Fresno Vet Center
Free confidential services for veterans and families.
1320 N Shaw Ave, Suite 125, Fresno, CA 93710
559-487-5660
24 Hour 877-927-8387
River Vista Behavioral Health
Outpatient mental health services offering individual and group therapy with flexible scheduling and in-person or telehealth options.
River Vista Behavioral Health
40886 N Goodwin Way
Madera, CA 93636
559-603-6164
Spot a Stroke BE FAST
Community Health Partners shares this educational message to increase awareness of stroke symptoms and improve community health outcomes.
Know the warning signs of stroke and call 911 immediately if symptoms appear.
FLYTE
FDA-cleared, at-home treatment for stress urinary incontinence requiring provider prescription and clinical support.
866-735-8482
flytetherapy.com
🏠 Stability and Housing
Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program WestCare
Employment assistance, individualized job readiness training, and housing stabilization support for veterans working toward long term stability and self sufficiency.
1850 N Gateway Blvd, Suite 154, Fresno, CA 93727
559-255-8838
🎓 Education & Advancement
Fresno County Veterans Service Office
Assistance with disability compensation, pension, education benefits, dependency benefits, and claims support.
1320 E Shaw Avenue, Suite 105, Fresno, CA 93710
559-600-5436
Veterans Education Program
Fresno State Year-long academic bridge program for returning Veterans at no cost prior to full-time matriculation.
VeteransEdProgram@csufresno.edu
559-278-1901
California, Hawaii, Elks Vocational Grant
Up to $2,000 per academic year for eligible vocational or technical training leading directly to employment. Open to U.S. citizens in California or Hawaii. Renewal available for a second year.
VA Virtual Care Tools and ID.me
Secure online access to appointments, medical records, telehealth, and education benefit tools.
💼 Employment and Reintegration
VA Work Study Program
Part-time employment opportunities for Veterans using VA education benefits.
559-225-6100 Ext 5006
🤝 Community and Connection
Central Valley Blue Star Moms
Support and outreach for service members, Veterans, and military families.
Fresno Chapter
559-481-8276
Compassionate Contact Corps
Telephone-based friendly visitor program for Veterans seeking connection and companionship.
559-225-6100 Ext 4364
🎖 Recognition and Legacy
Walk of Honor
at VA Central California
Memorialize an honorably discharged Veteran with an engraved plaque at the VA Fresno campus.
V21FREWalkofHonor@va.gov
559-228-5364
Upcoming Events
Veteran Strategic Hiring Event
Connects veterans with real career opportunities through strategic hiring events that include interview coaching, resume support, employer interviews, and the potential for a same-day job offer, creating a pathway to meaningful civilian employment.
Vet Fest 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.
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.
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
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.
Donation Highlights
Caption for the $500 check photo
The Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 706, presents a $500 donation to Central Valley Veterans in support of women veteran initiatives.
Caption for the $1,000 check photo
A $1,000 donation was presented to Central Valley Veterans by the Bingo Committee American Legion 509 in support of women veteran programming and community initiatives.
Contributing Organizations
Central Valley Veterans CVV)
Nonprofit coordinating veteran support services and community-based events across the Central Valley.
Healing California
Delivers dental and vision care through volunteer-led clinics and mobile services.
Fresno CBAS
Offers adult day health services, meals, social activities, and transportation support.
Fresno VA / VA Central California Health Care System
Provides comprehensive health care and supportive services to veterans in Central California and across the US.
Central California Legal Services (CCLS)
Provides civil legal assistance to eligible veterans and low-income individuals.
Resiliency Center – Veteran & Family Care Program
Provides counseling, case management, and family support services for veterans.
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