At Cohen Veterans Network, we’re committed to expanding access to high-quality, evidence based mental health care for veterans, service members, and military families. Our annual Day of Giving and Reflection extends that commitment to the communities where military families live and is especially meaningful during our 10th anniversary.
The network-wide tradition invites clinic teams and central office staff to step outside the walls of their clinics and offices and into their communities. It’s a chance to volunteer, learn, connect, and reflect on the values that unite us as an organization while embracing the diverse experiences of those around us.
Giving Back Through Community Service
On June 26, teams from across the country participated in more than two dozen community activities. Some spent the day volunteering. For example, the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD in San Diego visited Homefront Horsemanship Ranch, supporting daily ranch operations that benefit veterans and other visitors. The Cohen Clinic at Hope For The Warriors in Jacksonville, North Carolina transformed the windows of a YMCA youth center into a colorful mosaic, helping brighten the space for local children and families.
The Onslow County based YMCA had this to say on Facebook:
“A huge thank you to Cohen Veterans Network for spending your Day of Giving & Reflection volunteering at the New River YMCA Early Learning Center. Your willingness to invest your time and energy into creating a brighter environment for our youngest learners speaks volumes about your commitment to our community. Partnerships like this remind us that when we come together in service, we create lasting impact.”
Learning from Our Communities
Other teams focused on learning and building understanding. The Cohen Clinic at Centerstone in Hinesville, Georgia, visited the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum to deepen their appreciation of military history. Meanwhile, the Cohen Clinic at VVSD in Torrance, California, gathered for a potluck where team members shared dishes that reflected their cultural backgrounds and the personal journeys that led them to careers in mental health.
A New Tradition: Day of Giving and Reflection Bingo
This year also introduced a new tradition. To encourage teams to explore their communities in unexpected ways and step outside their comfort zones, CVN created its first Day of Giving and Reflection Bingo Card. Filled with fun and meaningful prompts, the card inspired participants to seek out new experiences, spark conversations, and engage with their communities in creative ways. You can find the Bingo Card by clicking here.
Looking Ahead
As the network marks its tenth anniversary and Day of Giving and Reflection, our purpose and role in our communities continue to grow. While no two experiences looked the same, each reflected the same purpose: strengthening the connections that make our clinics, and the communities we serve, stronger.