Our story
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In November of 2011, the Ventura County Military Collaborative had its first meeting with over 20 hand picked agencies that met at Channel Islands Air National Guard Station in Point Mugu, CA. This gathering brought together the best agencies that Ventura County had to offer for Military and Veteran benefits and services. Kim Evans, the Director of Psychological Health, worked with Col. Marilyn Rios (Vice Wing Commander of the 146th Air National Guard), Julie Morency (Director of Family Programs at the 146th), and a team of 146th Airmen to establish this first meeting.
Agency criteria was determined by Ms. Evans, and became the guideline for the future of VCMilC. Only vetted agencies who did “good work” with service members were asked to join VCMilC. As VCMilC progressed, additional requirements were added such that to become a VCMilC member the agency must be either a government, civic, non-profit, or VA contracted agency. In addition, agencies must be sponsored by an existing VCMilC agency and receive VCMilC Board approval. Individuals can join the Collaborative, and a Corporate/Business membership is currently under review |
The Military and Veteran Expo, launched in August of 2012, is sponsored by VCMilC. This free annual event continues to get bigger and better each year. In 2015, over 100 agencies were showcased at the MilVet Expo.
In 2013, the VCMilC meetings changed from being held quarterly to being held monthly and were moved to the National University in Oxnard. Membership quickly expanded and by the end of 2015 membership in VCMilC rose to over 195 agencies. In 2018, due to tremendous growth, the Collaborative Meeting and the Military and Veterans Expo were transferred to the County of Ventura. The Ventura County Military Collaborative remains a community resource providing donations, events and volunteering to assist the Veteran and Active Duty, Guard and Reserve when called upon. |
