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!
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 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!
“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)
"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
"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
Please make a donation today!
We are asking for your support with a tax-deductible donation goal of $100,000
from July 1, 2024 to June 30,2025.
Fund a HERO today!
DaysDays
HrsHours
MinsMinutes
SecsSeconds
Your donation will help us to continue our mission of supporting our community. Every dollar counts and will make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Join our team of volunteers and make a difference in your community. Whether you can give a few hours a week or a few hours a month, your time and skills are appreciated.
We participate in a variety of events throughout the year, including fundraisers, community outreach events, and educational seminars. Check out our calendar to see what's coming up.
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news and happenings at The Veteran Mentor Project, Inc. by following us on social media. We're active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
We're always looking for new partners to collaborate with on projects and events. If your organization shares our values and mission, let's work together to make a positive impact.
Help us raise awareness of our mission and programs by sharing our website, social media pages, and events with your friends, family, and colleagues.
DaysDays
HrsHours
MinsMinutes
SecsSeconds
Sign up to hear from us about specials, sales, and events.
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