New Directions’ Operation Welcome Home program offers comprehensive services to returning veterans, including temporary housing, counseling and case management, substance abuse treatment and vocational assistance. The program emphasizes compassion and support for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental health issues. Operation Welcome Home also offers outpatient services and referrals.
Since October, 2001, approximately 1.64 million U.S. troops have been deployed to Afghanistan and/or Iraq. Evidence suggests that the psychological toll of these deployments – many involving prolonged exposure to combat-related stress over multiple rotations – may be disproportionately high compared with the physical injuries of combat.
On March 31, Town Hall Los Angeles presented “21st Century Veterans” a panel discussion that addressed mounting public concern over post-deployment health care issues confronting returning veterans. New Directions’ Executive Director Toni Reinis and Vocational Development Advisor Jeremiah Michaels took part in the panel. On Sunday, May 16 at 9:00 p.m., 89.3 KPCC will revisit “21st Century Veterans” during its Town Hall Journal segment.
Founded in 1992, New Directions is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that operates five residential facilities and serves hundreds of veterans each year. An estimated 20,000 homeless veterans live on the streets of Los Angeles.
Returning veterans who need assistance should call Eduardo Gonzalez at (310) 397-5185.
Town Hall Journal segments can be streamed on KPCC’s website at www.scpr.org/programs/town-hall-journal/.
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