Since its 2018 opening, the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) at Crafton Hills College (CHC) has connected veterans with educational services and a place to unwind.
The VRC offers an array of resources for veterans and their dependents to help them transition from military to civilian life in an academic environment. Students using VA educational benefits can drop in to ask about their benefits, study, use the computers, grab a snack from the pantry, or take a break from classwork and watch their favorite movie or television show.
Best of all, the VRC is run by veterans and those with close ties to the veteran community themselves.
Steven Rush, veteran's services coordinator, knows first-hand how difficult it can be to adjust to civilian life post-service. A Crafton alumnus himself, Rush says he too could have utilized the benefits the VRC now offers during his college days had the VRC existed. Now that he is coordinating the center, this Army veteran has helped mold the VRC into what it is today – an operation that meets the different needs of student vets and connects them to other campus services and resources.
"Everything can be done here," said VRC counselor Lisa Mills. "From applying to Crafton, starting VA benefits, support services -- it's a one-stop shop for our student veterans."
The VRC connects students with off-campus resources when necessary, Mills added.
"This provides additional support that we may not provide on campus. We provide reassurance that if you come [to Crafton], we will take care of you. We're not going to let you fail."
On an average morning, VRC staff hustle and bustle by answering calls and emails and catching up with one another. Gabriella Herrera, dependent of a U.S. Army veteran, is a CHC student and a work-study staff member at the VRC. She said the study lounge is one of her favorite spots on campus as she studies for a career in emergency medical services.
"And Steve [Rush] also works around my class schedule for working here as well," Herrera added.
U.S. Army veteran Aaron Schardein is also a work-study student at the center.
"I enjoy the VRC because everyone is friendly and supportive - it is peaceful here," he said.
Although the VRC focuses much of its energy on educational success, it also provides something, not all veterans and their dependents have equal access to – comradery. By veterans building a relationship with other vets on campus – and dependents as well – they can lift up and support one another.
"Our veterans benefit from having a place they can come to and freely express the difficulties they endure during the transition from military to civilian life," said Rush. "For instance, being conditioned into a very disciplined environment to an uncertain environment can cause frustration."
Mills agreed.
"The VRC is where veterans can come to let their guard down," she said. "I also believe that being a non-traditional student, veterans come to Crafton feeling behind in their education. Things are not always going to translate well in the classroom, but they can come here and see other veterans who are having success."
The Veterans Resource Center is open from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Fridays. Access drop-in, virtual sessions and scheduling appointments at craftonhills.edu/veterans.
To learn more about the VRC or start your Crafton journey, email veteransservices@craftonhills.edu or call 909-389-3396.