Providing veterans with a safe and quiet place to socialize with other veterans!

Due to their health challenges partnered by everyday life challenges, many of our veterans do not socialize, avoid crowds and self-isolate, sometimes to the point where they don’t leave their house.  The Veterans program at the Southern California Soaring Academy allows the veterans who participate a sense of freedom, along with some peace and quiet that many have not experienced since before their injuries.  Along with an increase in mood, socially this program is beneficial as it provides a safe place where they can talk about their gliding experience with other veterans and socialize with the volunteers who are also active duty, reservists or veterans themselves. As a recreation therapist I often see the link between recreation and leisure activities and the direct positive effect it has on social life and mental health.  The veterans program at the Southern California Soaring Academy is a quality program that makes a positive difference in the lives of the veterans who participate.

Louisa Mendelsohn, MS, CTRS
West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center