988 SUICIde & CRISIS line
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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!
become an event sponsor Today!
ANNOUNCING 2025 event GOLD SPONSOR: SECURE MEASURES!
CEO Dave Weiner has generously donated to our Resource Fair as a Gold Sponsor! We appreciate you Dave and please visit his website and show Secure Measures support!
Secure Measures, LLC, a certified Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) in Los Angeles, CA, delivers expert safety training and education. We help organizations minimize risks, create safer work environments, and strengthen their ability to handle crises and manage incidents.
ANNOUNCING 2025 EVENT SPONSOR: SIMI VALLEY AMERICAN LEGION POST 484!
The American Legion Simi Valley Post 484 has generously voted to be a sponsor. Sponsorship information coming soon!
The American Legion is a veterans organization that advocates for veterans and their families, and supports communities. Congress chartered the American Legion in 1919. Mission: Promote patriotism and honor, Support veterans and their families, Mentor youth, Strengthen communities, and Promote national security.
ANNOUNCING 2025 EVENT SPONSOR: MISSION F.I.S.H. USA
VETERANS
ACTIVE DUTY
FIRST RESPONDERS
GOLD STAR FAMILIES
Mission Statement
MISSION F.I.S.H. (Fishing, Interacting, Sharing, and Healing) is reconized as the pioneer in providing professional therapy through the power of fishing for Americas Brave and Courageous by creating a safe environment for healing and developing new coping mechanisms ultimately improving the quality of their Daily lives.
Studies have shown that Fishing has mental health benefits. Being in nature can improve your mood and also has positive long term effects on depression and memory. We bring together participants who could be in need of interacting with others while sharing a day together, building friendships and self-esteem.
ANNOUNCING 2025 EVENT SPONSOR: American freedom consultIng llc!
American Freedom Consulting LLC has generously donate project management and event coordination services!
American Freedom Consulting LLC was founded in 2024 and proudly became an Authorized Training Partner (ATP) with the Exam Prep for RBLP® Leadership Certifications.
Our team consists of highly skilled professionals with diverse backgrounds in leadership, military, law enforcement, education, and first responder industries. Each of our instructors is a certified RBLP® Trainer, ensuring the highest standard of leadership education and professional development.
As an RBLP® Leadership Certifications Authorized Training Partner, we adhere to RBLP’s rigorous standards. All ATP instructors are RBLP Trainer certified and must complete an approved leader training course before qualifying for certification.
Service Disabled Veteran Owned
Announcing 2025 event sponsor: Ricochet Hunnay, by Ricochet ranch Properties llc!
Our Commitment to Sustainability & Quality 🐝🌿
At Ricochet Hunnay, we are passionate about promoting sustainable beekeeping practices in California and beyond.
Our Mission
We are committed to:
✔ Sourcing & selling only the healthiest, highest-quality honeys from trusted apiaries worldwide.
✔ Supporting sustainable beekeeping to protect both global and local bee populations.
✔ Championing MADE IN THE USA products, ensuring every jar of honey reflects our dedication to purity, sustainability, and ethical sourcing.
Proudly Veteran Owned
Ricochet Ranch Properties LLC is a 100% Veteran-Owned and 100% Minority-Owned Business, built on the values of hard work, integrity, and commitment to excellence.
🐝 Thank you for supporting our mission and choosing Ricochet Hunnay! 🍯
ANNOUNCING 2025 EVENT SPONSOR: your logo here
NAMI VENTURA COUNTY JOINS THE VETERAN MENTOR PROJECT!
NAMI VENTURA COUNTY
🌟 Exciting News! This year, NAMI Ventura County is joining us to host their Annual Walk for Mental Health at the event!
👟💙Don’t miss this highly anticipated East County event! Register today and join us for a day of support, community, and wellness.
NAMI WALKS VENTURA COUNTY REGISTRATION LINK COMING SOON!
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
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OUR VETTED PARTNERS & Trusted resources
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
Mailing Address:
1230 Madera Rd.
Suite 5-320
Simi Valley, CA 93065
The Veteran Mentor Project, Inc.
