CIR received two gifts totaling $125,000 to support local efforts aimed at making Los Angeles the most veteran-friendly place in the country. The gifts from the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation and Newman's Own Foundation will provide necessary support to the Los Angeles Veterans Collaborative, a network of more than 400 stakeholders addressing the most pressing issues facing local military populations. Read more

Joshua Pena always dreamed of pursuing higher education. Though it was briefly put on hold when he joined the military, he is now close to achieving his Master of Social Work from the USC School of Social Work, focusing on children, youth and families, and military social work. The Gary Sinise Scholarship recipient wants to translate his passion for serving others into a career closing the gap between veterans and civilians--especially among military families. Read more

Appearing in American Psychological Association, a new article by CIR researchers examined sexual trauma among female veterans and found a majority of those surveyed met criteria for PTSD. Though only 14 percent of women reported seeking treatment immediately after their assault, more than 75 percent reported receiving mental health counseling years after the assaults. Read more

In The Huffington Post, Ron Avi Astor, Lenore Stein-Wood and William S. Wood Professor of School Behavioral Health at the USC School of Social Work, discussed efforts in Los Angeles public schools to identify students from military and veteran families. This critical work helps focus appropriate resources and supports to this population, which is at higher risk of negative outcomes.  Read more