First Family Day Connects Veterans with Critical Resources

Veterans and their families gathered Sept. 6 at College Park Fields for the inaugural Veterans Upward Bound Family Day, an event celebrating service and connecting participants with benefits and resources many veterans are unaware of.

The event was organized by Moreno Valley College Veterans Upward Bound in partnership with the Veterans Resource Center, the University of California, Riverside Veterans Resource Center, and the Moreno Valley Business and Employment Resource Center. Families met with more than a dozen organizations, including AMVETS, CalVet, Riverside County Veterans Services, and several college programs, such as financial aid, outreach, and basic needs.

For many veterans, navigating higher education and civilian life is complicated by misconceptions, such as believing GI Bill® benefits disqualify them from financial aid or that military experience cannot count toward college credit. Family Day helped break down these barriers and connect veterans directly with the resources they need.

“Veterans succeed when they know they’re not navigating the system alone,” said Sandra Martinez, dean of Enrollment Services and Engagement. “This inaugural event demonstrated the power of collaboration between the college and community partners. We look forward to building on this success.”

“What an incredible success! Our Veterans Family Day was amazing, with over 100 participants, great music, and helpful resources. One highlight was seeing Ms. McCluskey from AMVETS light up the dance floor and personally thank us for including her. Moments like that truly captured the spirit of the day.”

Veterans Upward Bound, a federally funded TRIO program, prepares veterans for higher education by offering academic instruction, counseling, and transition support. By linking these services with community and campus resources, Family Day created direct pathways for veterans to maximize benefits, preserve resources for future study, and receive tailored support.

“Thank you for inviting me and putting on such a great event,” said Commissioner Rylee J. Peak, chairperson. “It was wonderful to see so many people come together to support our veterans, especially our students. I look forward to continued partnerships that help our community thrive.”

Organizers emphasized that Family Day is just one part of a broader effort to ensure veterans and their families have consistent access to the tools they need to succeed in college, careers, and beyond.