Thank you for your service!
Our Founders: James & Luv
Our Founders: James & Luv
Our Founders: James & Luv
James lost his brother, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, to death by suicide. In his memory, The Veteran Mentor Project, Inc. was founded in 2021.
James and Luv saw a need for transition assistance for Military Veterans and veteran First Responders back to civilian life, James & Luv co-founded VMPI with the goal of mentoring America’s Heroes through the process. They know transition from service can be challenging. They believe good mental health and wellness are critical to a successful transition from service.
James & Luv are both U.S. Army Veterans and are lead Mentors in our Veteran Education and Training for Success (V.E.T.S.) Program.
Please see our Board of Directors page for more information!
Our Mission
Our Founders: James & Luv
Our Founders: James & Luv
The mission of the Veteran Mentor Project, Inc. is to enhance military veterans* & first responder veterans’ transition from service to civilian life. We provide resources for education, reducing stress, and improving overall quality of life.
Our values of The Veteran Mentor Project Inc. are to Leave no veteran behind. We strive to inclusively offer coaching, guidance, and mentorship of the highest caliber to contribute to the overall success of those we serve.
Our Vision is to focus on prevention of veteran & first responder death by suicide and mental health issues by providing guidance and leadership through the transition process from service to civilian life.
Our Team
Our Founders: James & Luv
Our Team
Our amazing team of Veteran and First Responder volunteers are committed to helping others. Our Mentors were enlisted, officers, and first responders of all ranks who separated from service for many different reasons. Each have met the challenge and are ready, willing and able to Mentor. We take our convictions and turn them into action. Think you would be a good fit? Get in touch for more information!
The VMPI also advocates for veterans, first responders, and their family members. Advocacy is an important part of outreach. Together we can make a difference.
Whether is recommending a trusted resources, recommending a HERO for an award, or simply having a one on one conversation, these connections make a difference!
TESTIMONIALS
USMC VETERAN
ACTIVE US ARMY OFFICER
USMC VETERAN
“Thanks for everything. You and your resources are seriously saving lives. You have done more in 2 days than the VA, state of Wisconsin, and all veteran organizations. Honest to God."
- G.R. USMC COMBAT VETERAN (RETIRED)
USAF VETERAN
ACTIVE US ARMY OFFICER
USMC VETERAN
"When I was getting out of the military, I did not want to be another veteran who didn’t have their ducks
in a row before transitioning. I served 10 years of active duty and had a great career; I did not want to
back track. In the midst of transitioning, I was introduced to VMPI to help me with some of my
transitioning questions. You hear ab
"When I was getting out of the military, I did not want to be another veteran who didn’t have their ducks
in a row before transitioning. I served 10 years of active duty and had a great career; I did not want to
back track. In the midst of transitioning, I was introduced to VMPI to help me with some of my
transitioning questions. You hear about a lot of these so called “Veteran” programs that are in place to
help the transitioning process, but most fall short. I can tell you that VMPI did not fall short, nor did
they meet my needs, they exceeded my needs. They weren’t only there for me when I transitioned, I
still talk to my mentor and we don’t just talk, they actually check on my well-being.
"This program is
more than an aid for a time in your life, it’s an aid to push you forward in life while supporting you and
your personal goals. With all the help I received I wanted to pay it forward learning so much, I have
been able to assist 112 military members with answers to their questions about what is best for them
and their families. I wouldn’t have been able to help so many without the dedicated staff at VMPI. My
main mentor was James Espinoza and I will never be able to thank him enough for the compassion and
just real life experience he shared with me. I also sent James a couple military members who needed
guidance with career sets outside of my wheelhouse and through his connections he was able to
connect them with the right people. I have to say I would not have been as ready as I was if it was not
for VMPI."
- J.S. US AIR FORCE VETERAN, NOW ACTIVE LEO
ACTIVE US ARMY OFFICER
ACTIVE US ARMY OFFICER
ACTIVE US ARMY OFFICER
"When I first met VMPI President, James Espinoza, MS, it was to ask if he could give me some quick advice about applying to be a police officer. I only expected a quick phone (call) where I would receive some cliff notes about the application process. To my surprise, he offered for me the opportunity to meet (in person) and devote time ou
"When I first met VMPI President, James Espinoza, MS, it was to ask if he could give me some quick advice about applying to be a police officer. I only expected a quick phone (call) where I would receive some cliff notes about the application process. To my surprise, he offered for me the opportunity to meet (in person) and devote time out of his day to give me his advice on the application process.
Afterwards, he held a mock interview for me and has since been a person I could turn to for advice on the subject matter. I never felt rushed and could see that he was willing to take the time to help me achieve my goal. I have come away feeling more knowledgeable and confidEnt in my own abilities due to James' efforts.
"James has also made sure to keep my spirits up when things were not going my way. Although I have known James only for a short period of time, I can say whole heartily that he has made a positive impact on my life and will be a huge reason why I have not given up on my goal to become a police officer." - G.G. US ARMY OFFICER, ACTIVE
988 SUICIde & CRISIS line
emergency?
If you are having a medical emergency or psychiatric emergency call 9-1-1.
If you need or want to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here.
At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone. Click on the 988 image or below.
click below to get support at 988 lifeline!
inaugural mission f.i.s.h. appreciation bbq and resource fair
This year, on 09/14/24, the VMPI partnered with Mission F.I.S.H. USA to co-host the Inaugural Appreciation BBQ and Resource Fair. This event honored veterans, first responders, gold star, white star, and blue star families!
We hope to make the event bigger each year!
First Responders Recovery Malibu was our "Title Sponsor". Our Co-sponsors were The Sabot Foundation and American Legacy Solutions.
Thank you to State Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin, USMC SGT Scott Montoya Navy Cross recipient, Inspirational speaker Ernesto Mariscal for making the special drive to participate with us! A HUGE thank you to all who showed up, volunteered, and participated.
Thank you to the Maritime Museum for opening your doors for us, too!
See event photos below.
first responders recovery malibu - Title sponsor
FRR Mission
The First Responders Recovery Malibu Detox and Substance Abuse Treatment Program offers compassionate, culturally-competent and specialized care. We are designed to address the unique needs of First Responders, empowering them to overcome substance use challenges and fostering their physical and mental well-being for a healthier and more resilient community.
the sabot foundation - gold sponsor
Founded by Hammond Meredith and Jon Krashna, Sabot Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Charitable Trust created with one goal in mind: to support Veterans and combat veterans and their transition to civilian life. Sabot works with local organizations, cities, foundations, attorneys, health professionals, and others to create a collaborative and cohesive structure of engagement and support for veterans and their families. The Foundation is dedicated to suicide prevention and suicide awareness as well as supporting veterans through comprehensive health and wellness programs to combat the effects of PTS, MST, and MTBI while educating the public about the impact of these conditions by improving veteran quality of life thus ending veteran suicide (which is the main objective of Sabot Foundation).
American legacy solutions - gold sponsor
Plan, Prepare and Prosper in Retirement
We believe in leading through serving others.
We start by listening. We educate on the different phases and concerns of your life.
Then we invest time into finding the right solution for your unique concerns.
American Legacy Solutions is a client-first brokerage helping you plan, prepare, and prosper in retirement.
Are you ready to learn what’s ahead?
channel islands maritime museum
SUPPORTING THE MISSION OF CIMM
The Mission of the Channel Islands Maritime Museum is to preserve and share the wonders of our maritime heritage, highlight our complex interrelationships with the ecology of The Ocean, and showcase people’s creative expressions of everything related to the sea.
CIMM is a renowned institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting maritime arts and culture. We offer a wide variety of exhibitions, programs, and educational opportunities for visitors of all ages.
be the one to save a life
suicide prevention with the american legion
Be The One : 90 minutes to save a veteran's life
The American Legion is partnering with Columbia University on suicide prevention training.
Contact Us
Let’s chat and see if a Mentor is right for you!
We love our Veterans and First Responders.
Contact us by email, phone, or via text! We would love to connect!
Phone:
805.387.4492
Email:
VeteranMentorProject@gmail.com
Address:
1230 Madera Rd.
Suite 5-320
Simi Valley, CA 93065
The Veteran Mentor Project, Inc.
