Throughout the pandemic and with mask and social distance protocols, West Orange County Republican Women Federated has continued holding its scheduled monthly meetings. During a recent program, members brought items to donate to the Veterans Affairs PIER (Partnership In Effective Recovery) Center. Located on the Long Beach Veterans Administration Hospital grounds, the center is a peer-managed and peer-run mental health recovery drop-in center that helps veterans with their mental health issues. PIER sees 20-25 veterans a day and has about 500 service contacts a month – two-thirds of the veterans who come to PIER are homeless.
Caring for America Co-Chair Laurie Fulton delivered the items on a brisk March day. “The volunteers were grateful for the supplies and appreciated knowing that their challenges are important to West Orange County Republican Women Federated members. It’s a travesty that there are so many homeless veterans living on the streets throughout the United States.”
Fulton along with Co-Chairs Marjean Clements and Patrica Eskenazi plan other activities throughout 2021 that will benefit active and retired military.