VMPI awarded MHSA Innovation Grant funding

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2026

Simi Valley, CA -  The Veteran Mentor Project, Inc. (VMPI), a Ventura County–based nonprofit founded in January 2021, has been awarded a $2.365 million, three-year Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Innovation Grant. The award was approved by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on March 24, 2026, and the contract was fully executed by VMPI and the County of Ventura on April 16, 2026.
 

The original proposal was developed and submitted in January 2021 by VMPI President James Espinoza, a U.S. Army veteran and retired law enforcement supervisor. Following a competitive review process, final selection occurred in December 2025.
 

VMPI was founded in response to the loss of Simi Valley native Lieutenant Colonel Pedro “Ponce” Ramos Espinoza, II (Ret.), who died by suicide on April 3, 2018. His passing became the catalyst for building a program focused on prevention, early intervention, and meaningful connection.
 

“This milestone represents years of dedication, lived experience, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring no veteran or first responder is left behind,” said James Espinoza. “This is more than funding—it is a movement to build community and save lives.”
 

The funding is reimbursement-based and will support the expansion of VMPI’s Veteran Education and Training for Success (V.E.T.S.) Mentoring Program. The program delivers structured mentorship, peer mentor training, and resource navigation services for veterans, first responders, and their families.
 

VMPI operates using its Five Pillars of Wellness: Mental, Physical, Relationship, Financial, and Career Wellness. This model aligns with Ventura County Behavioral Health’s mission to fund innovative, community-based mental health solutions.
 

VMPI extends its sincere gratitude to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and Ventura County Behavioral Health for their leadership, trust, and partnership in making this program possible.
 

Board of Directors:
James Espinoza, President, CEO & Co-Founder, US Army/Retired LEO
Luv Espinoza, Executive Director & Co-Founder, US Army
Pastor Ed Lopez, Treasurer & VMPI Pastor
Stella Moreno, Secretary, US Navy Momn
Casey Sutherland, Director (Pacific Region), USMC/LEO
Perry Steed, Director (East Coast Region), US Army
Johnny Krashna, Board Member, US Navy
Brian Barber, Board Member, USMC
 

Senior Advisor:
Dr. Shauna “Doc” Springer, Ph.D.
 

Past Board Members:
Jennifer Cragg, US Navy
Scott Walker, VCSO Professional Staff
Carlos Garcia, US Army
Jarrod Wilfert, former LEO
 

VMPI also recognizes and thanks its first donor, Theresa Espinoza, Ponce’s mother, for her foundational support and ALL donors.

James Espinoza, MS

President & Co-Founder

VMPI
 

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 26, 2026 

Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves new program to support veterans and first responders 

VENTURA, Calif. – The Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved the establishment of a new program during its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 24, with The Veteran Mentor Project, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides peer support and transition services for veterans and first responders. Ventura County Behavioral Health, in collaboration with The Veteran Mentor Project, will lead the program, with services scheduled to begin April 1, 2026, and continue through March 31, 2029. The partnership will support local veterans and first responders as they transition to civilian life through the Veterans Mentorship Program. 

Designed to close gaps between crisis response, the program will provide access to behavioral health services and long-term community support. It focuses on early intervention with veterans and first responders to help prevent behavioral health crises, reduce suicide risk, and improve engagement in care. The program also supports long-term stability by helping to reduce stigma around mental health care and provide participants access to services such as employment support, housing, and health care. 

“As a third-generation veteran, this work is deeply personal to me,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Jeff Gorell. “We have a responsibility to stand by those who have served – not just in words, but in action. The Veterans Mentorship Program is about meeting veterans and first responders where they are, with peer support, guidance, and real pathways forward. This investment honors their service by helping ensure they have the tools, connection, and support needed to thrive in civilian life, and reflects our broader commitment to building a healthier, safer, and more resilient Ventura County.” 

Ventura County Behavioral Health will oversee the program and partner with The Veteran Mentor Project to deliver services using a structured, peer-driven model. Participants will be matched with trained mentors who share similar life experiences, helping to build trust and encourage engagement in services. The program will provide wellness planning and help participants find housing and employment. It will also offer guidance navigating health care and community resources to support overall well-being. 

“Veterans and first responders have given so much to our community, and this program will provide much needed support,” said County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson. “By investing in peer-driven services, we are helping connect individuals to care and strengthen the overall health of our community.” 

The program is expected to create lasting benefits for veterans and first responders across Ventura County. By strengthening connections to local services and support networks, it will help participants stay engaged in care and build long-term stability. It will also contribute to a stronger, more connected community for those who have served.

“Ventura County is home to more than 35,000 veterans, and we have a responsibility to ensure they receive the support they need as they transition to civilian life,” said Dr. Loretta Denering, Ventura County Behavioral Health Director. “The Veteran Mentorship Program reflects a Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funded Innovation project that focuses on how veterans and first responders deserve to be served – pairing them with trained peer mentors and addressing wellness holistically, from mental health to financial stability.” 

In addition to supporting veterans and first responders, the program will allow Ventura County Behavioral Health to test new, peer-led approaches to care while gathering information to improve the delivery of future services. Findings from the program will help guide investments in mental health care and strengthen how services are delivered across the county. To support this work, the Board of Supervisors approved use of up to $2.36 million from Mental Health Services Act funding that does not impact the County’s general fund. 

For more information about Ventura County Behavioral Health programs and services, please visit hca.venturacounty.gov/behavioral-health/ 

SEVET JOHNSON, PsyD County Executive Officer 

NATALIE HERNANDEZ Public Information Officer TEL: (805) 654-2635 

Founded in memory in LTC Ponce Espinoza (Ret)

Our nonprofit was founded in memory of U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Pedro “Ponce” Espinoza II (Ret.), a beloved brother, leader, and warrior who we tragically lost in 2018 to one of the 22 veterans who die by suicide each day. 

Ponce served our nation with honor and distinction throughout his Army career, including deployments supporting missions in Bosnia, NATO operations, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. 

His loss left a hole in our family and in the community of warriors he inspired. From that grief came purpose.

The Veteran Mentor Project exists so that no veteran has to fight their hardest battles alone.

Through mentorship, wellness support, and community connection, we work every day to honor Ponce’s legacy by supporting veterans, first responders, and their families in the transition from service to civilian life.

We remember him.
We honor him.
And we continue the mission.

#TheVeteranMentorProject #VeteransHelpingVeterans #22TooMany

James Espinoza

President & Co-Founder

The Veteran Mentor Project, Inc.

EDIT: The VA has rescinded the proposed interim final ruling. I fully support that decision. - James

This "Interim Final Rule" that fundamentally changes and bypasses existing law, is a bad ruling. 

As the President and Co-Founder of a veteran nonprofit that is focused on saving lives through mentoring, I know many veterans rely on their disability income as a means to exist. More importantly, they/we rely on meaningful medical and mental health treatment to sustain a decent life. I am also a US Army Veteran and retired law enforcement officer who has witnessed mental health tragedies up close. I am a suicide loss survivor, I lost my older brother a US Army veteran, a retired Army officer, and I know firsthand how important proper medical care, proper mental health treatment, and secure financial status is. I created a nonprofit as a result of his death and my nearly 30 years experiences serving our nation and local communities. 

This ruling should NOT stand for the following reasons:

1) This law would Punish Veterans for Following Medical Advice

Veterans who take their prescribed medications — even responsibly — could see their disability ratings reduced.
That creates a harmful incentive where veterans may avoid treatment to protect their benefits, which is contrary to sound public health and veteran well-being.

2) This Undermines Trust in the veteran community.

- The rule was made effective immediately with little public input, bypassing the normal notice-and-comment process.
This abrupt change after decades of a veterans-first policy risks eroding trust between veterans and the government

3) Likely to have Unintended negative Consequences that will actively harm veterans.

- May discourage veterans from seeking medical care or adhering to complex treatment regimens.
- Could disproportionately impact veterans with mental health conditions, chronic pain, and neurologic conditions — areas where medication rarely fully resolves symptoms but manages them.

4) This will undermine many Veterans’ Financial Security

- Lower disability ratings mean lower monthly compensation, especially for veterans with multiple conditions or high ratings.
- For many, VA compensation is essential for housing, healthcare access, food security, and quality of life — not a discretionary “Bonus”

According to We Are the Mighty, the new rule runs counter to at least two prior judicial rulings.

In 2012, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims ruled in Jones vs Shinseki that unless the rating criteria specifically mentioned medication, the VA could not reduce a rating only because medication improved symptoms.

The Court’s 2025 decision in Ingram vs Collins extended the Jones decision to musculoskeletal conditions, and required examiners to attempt to determine a “baseline severity” if the veteran didn’t take medication.

To make a public comment, click here.

James Espinoza

President & Co-Founder

The Veteran Mentor Project, Inc.

The Simi Valley DAV Chapter 55 would like to thank our outgoing elected officers for a job well done under the leadership of former Commander Deborah Ehrich, 2023-2026.

Current Board of Directors for FY 2026-2027 were installed by Commander Jose Mendoza, DAV Chapter 12 & Sr. Vice Commander for DAV California on 4/8/26:

Commander: James Espinoza, US Army  Veteran

Sr. Vice Commander: Jamie Sanchez, US Army Veteran

Jr. Vice Commander: Tom Owen, US Air Force Veteran

Adjutant: Luis Moreira, US Army Veteran

Treasurer: Kaleb Henderson, US Army Veteran

Sergeant At Arms: Tom Owen, US Air Force Veteran

Chaplain: Kristy Grayson, US Navy Veteran

Membership Chair: Deborah Ehrich, US Army and Air Force Veteran