Joe Mantegna, award-winning stage, movie and television actor, will serve as New Directions' spokesperson. "In a year where I've been appointed chairman of the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans, it's only fitting that I would want to lend my supoort to an organization such as New Directions. It is a model for like organizations everywhere," shared Mantegna.

Mantegna, who currently stars in the CBS Emmy-nominated hit series Joan of Arcadia, has five uncles, each one a World War II veteran. "I know first-hand of the emotional toll that military service can exact on a veteran and his or her family. This organization exemplifies the good work a dedicated group of individuals can accomplish, even within the constraints of little government funding, and the need to be self-sufficient."

National

Coalition

Says Practice Makes

NDI Best!

New Directions' vocational program has been designated as a "Best Practices" by the National Coalition of Homeless Veterans for its Department of Labor Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program. This distinction was given because of the program's job training at the Veterans Village Diner, its catering and handiworkers businesses, and because of the overall program which encompasses remedial education, vocational assessment, computer classes, and job training and placement.

Under the direction of Executive Chef Sahina Dizon and Certified Culinary instructors from Los Angeles Trade Technical College, qualified residents receive 720 hours of certified culinary training. These classes teach the resident a new trade and gives them an opportunity to pursue a career in the food service industry. Recent grads have been placed at The Aquarium of the Pacific, Patina Group, Loyola Marymount University and Amtrak.