The Santa Clarita Veteran Services Collaborative’s “Visit With a Vet” event in Valencia offers veterans, active service members and their families the opportunity to learn more about the benefits available to them.

The event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the  Starbucks shopping center at 27748 W. McBean Parkway.

“A lot of veterans don’t know all the benefits that are available to them,” said Jeff Stabile, Executive Director of Santa Clarita Veteran Services Collaborative. “A lot of them think it’s difficult to work with the VA and start getting benefits.”

Attendance is expected to range from 75 to 100 people, according to event officials.

The itinerary for the evening includes a remembrance of all those affected by the September 11th attacks and the honoring of the U.S. military and first responders, according to event officials.

Additionally, Santa Clarita vocalist Lindsay Hough is expected to provide a musical performance, while the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station and Los Angeles County Fire Department provide static displays.

“There’s a lot of questions that veterans have, what we want to do is number one, provide them with some better knowledge about veterans’ benefits, how to apply for them and all these other organizations that provide services,” Stabile said. “The collaborative provides referral services for all types of issues such as financial help, legal help, housing, medical, education, employment and job opportunities, training and more.”

Several organizations are scheduled to be in attendance to staff tables and provide information about the services and support they offer to veterans, active military and their families.

A Los Angeles County veteran service officer (VSO) will also be in attendance to make a short presentation on veteran benefits and to answer questions during and after the program.

Along with the collaborative, the event is co-hosted by Wolf Creek Restaurant and Starbucks, who are each expected to make their own contribution to the event. 

Starbucks is providing each attendee with a free cup of coffee, and is expected to be staffed by veterans or military family members for the evening.

Wolf Creek Restaurant will provide a special coupon to attendees upon registration, which allows a portion of revenue from their Wolf Creek meals purchased between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. to be donated to the collaborative.

“We just want to let the veterans know we’re here and you can utilize those services,” Stabile said. “Any issue that you or your family needs, come and talk to us, we’ll be able to refer you to somebody.”

This is the first “Visit With a Vet” event hosted by the Santa Clarita Veteran Services Collaborative, but event officials hope to repeat the event in the future.

To RSVP for the event, email [email protected]; however, it is not required, as same day registration is available as well.

For more information about the Santa Clarita Veteran Services Collaborative, visit their official website here.

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