Resources galore
Over 50 vendors participate in 7th annual Porterville Veterans Stand Down
Vendors and veterans filled the Veterans Memorial building Thursday morning to offer services and resources to local veterans at the 7th annual Porterville Veterans Stand Down and Resource Fair.
With over 50 vendors present, opportunities for the veterans and their families were abundant. From haircuts to flu shots and hepatitis C testing, countless resources and information were offered for over 150 veterans who attended the event.
Crystal Benevidez, a cosmetologist from Velouria Beauty Lounge, and Frankie
Camarena, a student at Bakersfield Barber College, were among a small group giving out haircuts to anyone who came and sat in their chairs. Benevidez and Camarena both stated that they had both given a handful of haircuts each.
Anetta Price, the employment development specialist at Porterville Sheltered Workshop, had a booth set up and was handing out information regarding the services she offers.
“We always give back to the community because our service members do so much for me,” Price stated. “My dad served, my brother served, and I get to serve on the other hand because I am an employment development specialist. I understand the disabilities people have like post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A lot of people come back with disabilities and they come to my office and I don’t judge them. A lot of people have disabilities, but if you take away the ‘dis,’ they have the ability.”
Price wasn’t alone in reaching out to the local veterans. The Porterville Wellness Center was also informing those who stopped by their booth of the support services they offer.
“We provide support services for anxiety, depression, PTSD,” stated the wellness center representative. “Every Friday we have Veterans Support.”
As veterans went from booth to booth, Juan Vasquez Jr., the local veterans employment representative for the Employment Development Department (EDD) for the state of California, called out winning numbers for prize giveaways. Richard Eckoff was among the winners and received a painting created by local artist and Porterville Art Association member Linda Hinojosa.
Hinojosa sat next to Grace Munoz-rios at the entrance of the resource fair, greeting those who walked in with friendly smiles and warm welcomes.
Two large tables located immediately to the right after walking in were filled with stacks of books donated by a local veteran. All of the books that did not get taken home were to be donated to the Veterans Hospital.
Stephen Soto, the president of American Legion Riders Chapter 20, was there giving his support.
“We support the community in any way we can, especially veterans, but the community in general,” stated Soto. “That is what we are here for.”
Ashley Sizemore, an employee of the City of Porterville’s housing division was handing out information about housing programs offered through the city. Sizemore was also sharing her knowledge of the programs Porterville has developed to honor veterans.
“Our parks and leisure department has the military banner program, which honors those who have served up and down Main Street and Veterans Park,” Sizemore said. “There is also the Veterans Run and Walk to honor them as well.”
There were even educational opportunities being provided by Porterville College, West Hills College and more.
Francisco Rosas, an admissions counselor and veterans resource representative with San Joaquin College of Law, was encouraging veterans and their families to look into the college’s programs and attend an upcoming forum.
“We are going to have the Veterans Law School forum. It will be our third one,” informed Rosas. “We bring in alumni that were veterans and they share how their military experience helped them through law school and how they were able to be successful.”
Dorinne Henken, the executive director for Love Inc. of Tulare County, was fitting those who visited her booth for reading glasses, offering small hygiene kits and handing out devotionals.
“Anybody in need, all they have to do is call our number and we do an intake over the phone and assess the different needs,” stated Henken. “We are all about helping out.”
With smiling faces and a room filled with loud conversation and laughter, veterans from all walks of life gathered and enjoyed the company of their fellow service members.
“It’s been good,” said Alfred Alva, one of the local veterans in attendance. “I’ve seen a bunch of guys I haven’t seen in years.”