USC CIR – Veterans

New text-messaging project helps veterans connect to resources

In partnership with the Center for Innovation and Research on Veterans & Military Families (CIR) at the USC School of Social Work, 211 LA County and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, the Los Angeles Veterans Collaborative has launched a new text-messaging platform to help veterans as they transition back to their local communities.

Available 24 hours a day, Text2Vet connects veterans to veteran peer navigators who can link them to information and needed resources in Los Angeles. Staffed by 211 LA County, the official referral agency for the county’s 10 million residents, this new system provides an easy and convenient way […]

Veteran finds purpose in military social work

by Miranda Mazariegos

Joshua Pena’s dream had always been to pursue higher education.

Although it was briefly put on hold when he joined the military, he is now close to achieving his goal of earning a master’s degree at the USC School of Social Work, focusing on children, youth and families, and military social work.

The Gary Sinise Scholarship recipient wants to translate his passion for serving others into a career closing the gap between veterans and civilians—especially among military families.

But the road here was not always smooth for Pena.

After high school, Pena enrolled at Fullerton College in California. Mounting family issues a […]

New text-messaging project helps veterans connect to resources

Collaborative, Community

New text-messaging project helps veterans connect to resources

Veteran finds purpose in military social work

Students