The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) at Glendale Community College (GCC) assists veterans with their transition to civilian life and their pursuit of higher education. Under the motto “You are NOT alone,” the VRC provides veterans and their families with the resources, encouragement, and welcoming atmosphere they need to thrive both academically and personally.

“We’re here to offer a relaxing and fun community for veterans and non-veterans alike, said Christian Mandarino, president of the GCC Veterans Club. Giving people a space to relax, socialize, and acquire the resources they require to succeed in both civilian life and education is the goal. According to this objective, veterans past and present will always have a network of support in their academic and personal pursuits. The VCR has been around for 11 years and has established itself as a vital resource for veterans of the GCC. In addition to academic support, the facility helps veterans succeed academically and transition to civilian life.

The VRC at GCC helps veterans adjust to life and school after military service. As a VA-approved school, GCC supports the approval and certification process. The Veterans Certifying Official ensures veterans receive their benefits on time, allowing them to focus on their studies. In a calm and supportive setting, veterans can get tutoring and assistance for both academic success and mental health. The VRC provides a safe space where veterans can find balance and adjust to civilian life.

The VRC’s focus on building community and offering peer support is one of its greatest strengths. Veterans help each other adjust to civilian life by sharing advice and experiences. “We support each other by creating a network, sharing advice, and discussing future plans,” Mandarino said. Programs like Cal-Vet, VSO, and VPAN are available to both veterans and non-veterans, providing important information on jobs, benefits, and community resources.

The VRC also works with groups like the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) to offer additional services such as job placement and mental health support. These partnerships connect veterans with resources beyond campus.

A powerful example of the VRC’s impact is the story of a veteran who struggled with getting his educational benefits on time. With the VRC’s help and guidance, he stayed focused and achieved his goal of joining the fire academy. Mandarino believes the VRC’s emotional support and encouragement helped the veteran succeed.

By offering academic help, peer mentoring, and emotional support, the VRC helps veterans succeed in school and transition to civilian life. Its welcoming environment builds community and helps veterans achieve their goals. For more information here is the VRC website: https://www.glendale.edu/apply/veterans 

Gissel Nolasco can be reached at [email protected].