Veteran’s Corner West Texas Centers has partnered with local agencies and businesses to open the Veteran’s Outpost in Big Spring. The West Texas Centers is Promoting Behavioral and Developmental Health. The Veterans Outpost Grand Opening is scheduled for Friday, April 12th at 1:30 pm, 3205 S. Hwy 87, Big Spring. The Outpost, which functions as the headquarters for all 33 counties serviced by the West Texas VA, is a drop-in center for veterans, service members, and their families to provide resource information and to advocate on their behalf to ensure their needs are met. The center consists of approximately 1,800 square feet and includes a group socializing room, a children’s area with toys and games, a large training room, and a computer center. The setting is non-clinical – no checking in, no doctors, and no waiting rooms. The vision is to provide peer to peer resource services such as housing and employment assistance, benefits navigation, and referrals to mental health and substance abuse providers as needed. In addition, the Outpost provides opportunities for support and training to include, but not limited to, PTSD groups and spousal support groups as well as classes for Military Cultural Competency, Basic Training, and TCOLE Trauma Affected Veterans. “Veterans helping veterans, that’s our creed. We hope to become a hub for veterans in the region. There are many resources out there, and we can help link service members, veterans, and their families to those resources,” says Frank Garza, Veterans Liaison Officer for West Texas Centers. The Outpost will also host an array of social events and recreational activities and provide outreach programs to the outlying counties. West Texas Centers is accepting corporate sponsorships, private donations, and grant funding, in addition to the Veterans Outpost fundraising activities, to support the facility and programs. They are also seeking volunteers to help in a variety of areas. If any individuals or groups would like information or are interested in volunteering opportunities, please contact Frank Garza at 432-268-3003 or Nanette Yanez at 432-466-4034. For more information, contact Sandra at the Veterans Service Office at 602 Strong Ave on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 3pm, or call 365-3612.
Sandra G. Van Zant
Veterans County Service Officer
