Services for OEF/OIF Vets

Since the War on Terror began in 2001, more than 1.7 million troops have served in either Afghanistan and Iraq. In both war zones, stress is continuous, and combat fatigue is high. PTSD, traumatic brain injury, anxiety, depression, family and employment problems are just some of the issues facing OEF/OIF veterans as they return from combat and reintegrate into the civilian world.

In 2007, New Directions created Operation Welcome Home as an antidote to the specific problems facing veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Our goal is to ease the transition of veterans from combat to civilian life, and to help these men and women avoid problems such as drug or alcohol abuse, serious mental illness, poverty and homelessness.

Operation Welcome Home offers a broad array of services to OEF/OIF veterans, including case management, legal assistance, job training and referrals, family reunification, individual and group therapy, and assistance with housing. Returning veterans or their family members who would like more information about Operation Welcome Home should call Eduardo Gonzalez at (310) 397-5185. 

Major Components of Operation Welcome Home:

Outreach

Outreach services are offered to veterans and their families, and include informational panels/trainings on a variety of topics, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), Substance Abuse, Family Reintegration, Vocational Development and Veterans (VA) Benefits education. Outreach staff also provides referrals to services outside of New Directions.

Outpatient

Outpatient services include counseling and case management, vocational assistance and benefits education. Outpatient staff members also focus on the prevention or treatment of substance abuse and PTSD symptoms. Services are offered at various locations and often in partnership with other agencies. New Directions' Veteran Support Center in the San Fernando Valley offers walk-in services on Mondays and Wednesdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. or by appointment. Veterans may call (818) 899-9873 for more information.

Inpatient

Inpatient Services provide structured long term treatment in our facilities on the VA grounds for veterans dealing with substance abuse and addiction.

Family Services

Family members of veterans are offered support services in the form of individual and group counseling and occasional family retreats. Services focus on educating family members about a variety of issues facing returning veterans.

Housing

Chris’s Place is a transitional, sober living facility that supports the 12-step recovery model and requires all residents to practice and do the work of the 12 steps. Chris's Place is specifically for veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom The residence is a final step towards independence for veterans who have already experienced a recovery program such as New Directions. Chris's Place provides a safe and positive living environment for men who need support while learning how to transition back from military to civilian life, and to live without the use of alcohol or other drugs.The house is staffed 24 hours a day. All residents are required to meet with their clinician on a regular basis as well as participate in group counseling sessions with other residents.