ARCADIA (January 25, 2026) — The Women Veterans’ Social Afternoon launched on January 25 as a community-based extension of the ongoing Monday Women Veterans’ Social at the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs (VA) campus. Designed to increase access for women who are unable to attend weekday evening gatherings, the Social Afternoon brings connection and support directly into the community.
The Social was conceived through a partnership between Krystal Rains, an Air Force veteran and certified peer support specialist, and Aspyn Adams of the American Red Cross, with a shared focus on creating accessible spaces for connection.
The January gathering also included outreach support from Marisol Gonzalez, a Marine veteran and Peer Support Specialist with Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN) Supervisorial District 4 (VPAN SD4) and Jobs. Vision. Success. of Southern California.
At the first Women Veterans’ Social Afternoon, participants got to know one another through resiliency-focused and art-based activities.
“This was created as a time and space where women veterans can come together in shared experience,” said Rains. “Extending the Monday West LA VA Social into the community allows more women to participate in a way that fits their schedules.”
The Arcadia Social Afternoon received additional support from community partners, including Disabled American Veterans and Southern California Grantmakers.
Building on the positive response, the next Women Veterans’ Social Afternoon will take place on Sunday, February 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the American Red Cross building in Arcadia. Light refreshments will be provided, and space is limited.
Women veterans interested in additional opportunities to connect are also encouraged to explore the Veterans Stand Together – VPAN SD4 Galentines event and ongoing programs through Women Vets on Point, which offers employment, housing, and mental health resources, as well as regular virtual connection opportunities for women veterans and their families.
Story and photo by Ashley Cohen, Public Information Associate, Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
