LOS ANGELES (January 22, 2026) — What was once a quiet space on the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs (VA) campus has become a vibrant, welcoming hub where veterans gather, connect, and build community, shaped by veterans, for veterans.
Located in Building 306 at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, the Peer Center is celebrating its first year of service, marking a meaningful milestone in the creation of a veteran-led space rooted in trust, shared experience, and peer support. The center reflects a strong collaboration between the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS), the Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (MVA), and a network of Veteran-serving organizations working together to ensure peer-led support remains accessible and welcoming.
“All veterans deserve a place where they feel welcome and respected,” said MVA Director Jim Zenner. “The Peer Center removes barriers and creates connection, regardless of service era or discharge status, and establishes a strong foundation for continued partnership.”
Operated by Veteran Peer Specialists, the Peer Center offers a welcoming environment where veterans can gather, participate in activities, access technology, and receive one-on-one support navigating VA services and community resources.
“When you see veterans coming back week after week, talking, laughing, and connecting, that’s the community we set out to build,” said U.S. Army veteran John Follmer, Veterans Advisory Commissioner for Supervisorial District 3 and Peer Support Specialist with the Veteran Peer Access Network in Supervisorial District 3 (VPAN SD3).
Through his work with MVA and VPAN SD3, Follmer was closely involved in the planning and launch of the Peer Center and continues to support peer-led engagement on the West Los Angeles VA campus. His role focuses on ensuring veterans have consistent, trusted access to guidance, connection, and peer support.
“The Peer Center is a safe, barrier-free space built and staffed by veterans, for veterans,” Follmer said. “That’s why we host Bunker Social at the Peer Center every Monday. That consistency is crucial for building confidence and trust, alongside other Veteran-led programs shaped by participant feedback.”
In its first year, the Peer Center served more than 1,000 veterans and their family members, welcoming an average of 25 veteran visitors each day and hosting more than 30 special events and recurring programs developed in response to veteran input.
Guided by a veteran-led steering committee and supported by partners including VAGLAHS, MVA, VPAN, The Veterans Collective, Disabled American Veterans, and Village for Vets, the Peer Center continues to serve as a trusted space for connection and support for veterans living on campus and those visiting from across the region.
All veterans, their families, and supportive members of the community are welcome to attend Bunker Social at the Peer Center every Monday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Peer Center is located at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, 11301 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90073, in Building 306 on the North Campus next to the canteen. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Questions or inquiries about hosting events can be directed to VHAWLAPeerCenter@va.gov.
Story and photo by Ashley Cohen, Public Information Associate, Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
