Veterans

In addition to our ongoing and special events, for which there is no commitment or specific timeframe, MVP offers our signature 10-session, structured, intensive - but not intense! - mindfulness training. This course addresses specific challenges and opportunities that are unique to U.S. veterans. Through a balanced combination of conceptual and experiential learning, many veterans begin to have hope for the first time and begin to see how they really can thrive in so many aspects of their lives. To find out more about this powerful course please contact us.

Before the pandemic, MVP provided on-going free events throughout the greater Los Angeles area in locations such as Brentwood Presbyterian Church, the East LA Vet Center, Pasadena American Legion Posts, the Sepulveda Vet Center, and Bob Hope Patriotic Hall. We also provided monthly events open only to the veterans residing in transitional housing programs in Inglewood and on Skid Row. (To find out more, contact us). We created safe, confidential places for camaraderie, learning about mindfulness and a connection to a vast network of partner organization resources. The open events also served as an opportunity for family members and the support community to become educated about the challenges and opportunities that the veterans and their families face. We’ve hosted some incredible keynote speakers and screened some important films, followed by panel discussions. Please see the history of our work on our Previous Events page. We sincerely hope to “meet you” at one of these events on Zoom or hopefully again in person soon!

Military-Connected Families

The challenges that veterans face reach far beyond themselves. Military-connected family members very often carry the burdens of these challenges and don’t find the support they specifically need and deserve. Left unchecked, the effects of trauma and stress become generational. The Mindful Veteran Project is committed to connecting all family members with the community of care that is there for them and addressing the challenges they are facing. Mindfulness is the foundation on which we build the concepts and experience of taking care of oneself first, establishing boundaries, and learning to observe and respond with openness, wisdom, and care.

Together we can begin the healing process and break the chain of generational trauma. By becoming empowered to participate in our own healing and cultivate our own well-being, using tools of mindfulness, we can continue these processes throughout the remainder of our lives. Some events are for spouses only, others for the entire family, and our “April: Month of the Military Child” and “Back to School Resiliency Training” events focus on the kids. Come explore with us.

Why we feel it is so important to serve the family members as well as the service members themselves: Watch here.*

(*Note: Please be patient; video takes a long time to load but is well worth the wait)

Service / Care Providers

The Mindful Veteran Project brings mindfulness to organizations and individuals who serve the military-connected population. We offer workshops for the veteran clients of these programs as well as for staff and management.

We recognize that not all people who serve veterans are associated with an organization and customize workshops for a wide variety of needs. Please see our Events page for upcoming workshops or contact us for more information.

Expanded Services

It was always our pleasure to provide generous refreshments at all events as well as books, toiletry items, clothing, etc. specific to the nature of special events. Preserving everyone’s dignity, these were not handouts to the needy but genuinely part of the environment of care and abundance so central to the work of the Mindful Veteran Project.

When the pandemic hit, we pivoted not only to all virtual events but to extremely safe, direct delivery of whatever items met needs that were communicated to us. We delivered food, PPE, computers, arts & crafts materials, pet food/supplies, clothing, books, and household items to those working with us in the Greater Los Angeles Area who know that there is no shame or judgement in reaching out to us.

To serve those without technology and to support connection in spite of the isolation of lock-downs, we developed our Phone Pals program. Regularly scheduled phone conversations maintained the feeling of camaraderie and community. Phone Pals, as well as well as provision of other practical items, continues even as the pandemic eases up and we transition to more live-and-in-person events.

We are known for our creativity and encourage you to stay in touch to see the new programs and opportunities that are always being created. And if you don’t find what you’re looking for, please ask. Perhaps you’ll be the spark for our next new program!