On Friday July 22, 2022, Goodness Village hosted its first annual Veteran’s Luncheon to honor the Tri-Valley’s former and current unsheltered veterans. The event was hosted by Kim Curtis, Executive Director of Goodness Village, in collaboration with Margaretann Fortner, Senior Program Manager of CityServe of the Tri-Valley, and Ronnie Forbes, founder of One Nation Dream Makers. A delicious BBQ was served, followed by a presentation from AMVETS National Chief of Claims Sgt Kevin Jones. Sgt Jones shared his knowledge about the Veterans’s Disability application process and other AMVETS services. Local AMVET Service Officer David Jackson attended the event and offered his assistance to the Tri-Valley’s current and formerly unsheltered veterans.
AMVETS is our country’s Congressionally-chartered veterans service organization, representing the interests of 20 million veterans. AMVETS welcomes and supports all who honorably served in the United States military. With more than 250,000 members nationwide, they are veterans serving veterans. Visitwww.AMVETS.org for more information.
Lunch was provided by VFW Commander Ronnie Forbes, Founder and Executive Director of One Nation Dream Makers. Forbes shared his passionate story of recovery from past homelessness and addiction. He now serves our community by providing groceries to those who are food insecure. Learn more at www.OneNationDreamMaker.org.
Curtis and Fortner coordinated this event with Alameda County District 1 Supervisor David Haubert and City of Dublin Mayor Melissa Hernandez. In the spirit of collaboration, they extended invitations to Lt. Colonel Marisol Chalas, Camp Parks Garrison Commander, who then extended an invitation to Colonel Lisa Lamb, Fort Hunter Liggett’s Garrison Commander. These community leaders created a welcoming environment for the veterans in attendance, providing connections and resources that are often difficult to gain access to.
In reflection of the luncheon, Curtis says, “This was the first of many community events we will be hosting at the Village.” Goodness Village is a permanent and affordable housing community for the formerly unsheltered in the Tri-Valley. Visitwww.GVLivermore.org to learn more.
