ATTENTION, TEAM VETERAN!!!

We are excited to share that we are preparing to relaunch the Veteran Education & Training for Success (VETS) Mentoring Program through The Veteran Mentor Project, Inc., in partnership with Ventura County Behavioral Health.

Over the past several years, we have witnessed the power of mentorship, connection, and community in helping veterans, first responders, and their families navigate life's challenges. As we prepare for our next training cohorts, we invite you to be part of something meaningful and impactful.

Whether you are interested in serving as a MENTOR, becoming a MENTEE, partnering with our mission as a STRATEGIC PARTNER, or simply staying connected with our growing COMMUNITY, we encourage you to reaffirm your interest by completing a new contact form. This will help us build our updated network and ensure you receive information about upcoming training opportunities, events, and program updates.

Every mentor has the opportunity to change a life. Every conversation matters. Every connection strengthens our community. Together, we can continue our mission of ensuring that no warrior fights their hardest battles alone.

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Mission

The mission of the Veteran Mentor Project, Inc. is to enhance military veterans & first responder veterans’ transition from service to civilian life in order to reduce stress, provide resources & education to improve their quality of life through mentoring and WARRIOR wellness advocacy.

Founded in Memory of LTC Pedro “Ponce” Espinoza II (Ret.)

The Veteran Mentor Project, Inc. was founded in honor and memory of U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Pedro “Ponce” Espinoza II (Ret.) — a beloved brother, leader, mentor, and warrior whose life was tragically lost to suicide in 2018.

Ponce served our nation with honor and distinction throughout his military career, including deployments supporting operations in Bosnia, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and NATO missions abroad. He dedicated his life to service, leadership, and the wellbeing of others.

His loss left a profound impact on our family and the countless lives he touched. From that grief came purpose.

We remember him.

We honor him.

And we continue the mission.

We dedicate our work to all those we have lost to suicide, illness, combat, and to those who returned home carrying invisible wounds that were never fully healed.

To those who have made it home — welcome home. You are not alone.

IN SERVICE,

James Espinoza
President & Co-Founder

 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 

CONTACT US

Mission Statement

The mission of the Veteran Mentor Project, Inc. is to enhance military veterans & first responder veterans’ transition from service to civilian life in order to reduce stress, provide resources & education to improve their quality of life through mentoring and WARRIOR wellness advocacy.

Five Pillars of Wellness

1. Mental Wellness

2. Physical Wellness

3. Financial Wellness

4. Relationship Wellness

5. Career Wellness

What Mentees Can Expect

· Weekly or monthly check-ins depending on individual needs and transition stage.

· Guidance with career transition, goal setting, leadership development, and life planning.

· Referrals to trusted third-party resources and wellness services.

· Access to the VMPI Mentoring & Wellness Center.

· Support through the Five Pillars of Wellness framework.

· Program participation ranging from 90 days to one year.

· Opportunity to graduate into a lifelong VMPI community member and future mentor.

What Mentors Can Expect

· Completion of V.E.T.S. Mentoring Program training.

· The fulfillment of supporting a fellow WARRIOR.

· Access to the wellness center and trusted resources.

· Ongoing mentorship and support for mentors.

· Connection to a wellness-focused leadership community.

Contact:

James Espinoza, Program Director
james@thevmpi.org

(805) 387-4492

 

Join our mailing list and registration list today. 

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

Life after service brings new challenges, new decisions, and new opportunities. We connect veterans and first responders with a world-class peer support team that understands the road ahead and helps you stay mission-focused through every stage of transition.

This program provides peer mentoring and is not clinical counseling or emergency services. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call 911 or contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1.

The Veteran Mentor Project is funded by a Mental Health Services Act grant provided by Ventura County Behavioral Health.