Tag: Honoring our Veterans

New Program Rolled out in Broward County VA Hospital – Warrior Wellness Project

Created By: Billie Smith, MPH, MS INTM, RDN
Healthy Teaching Kitchen Coordinator
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

A program that can help address hunger, food insecurity, suicide prevention, and many other clinical issues affecting our Nation’s treasure. The Warrior Wellness Project (https://www.va.gov/west-palm-beach-health-care/programs/the-warrior-wellness-projecttm/) combines multiple areas:

1. Mental Health and Social Work Services focus on the mind and spirit.

2. HUD/VASH supports veteran housing security.

3. If a veteran needs a mobile device, VA Connected Services provides a smart device so they can connect to VA Warrior Wellness Services.

4. USDA and UF teach nutrition and financial education through their respective IFAS/EFNEP program.

5. The veteran (and their family) will receive medically prescribed whole foods—fruits, vegetables, dairy, proteins, and pantry items—every two weeks through a refrigerated food locker, along with learning how to cook them.

6. The VA’s Healthy Teaching Kitchen turns whole foods into healthy, tasty meals by using all four senses.

7. Our Compensated Work Therapy helps veterans develop skills and find jobs in the community.

I believe creating an integrated team across these services will promote a healthy mind and body. The food locker helps reduce stigma by allowing veterans to receive food without speaking with anyone or being seen leaving with bags of food. The Healthy Teaching Kitchen not only teaches food prep and nutrition, but also helps reduce and possibly eliminate social isolation—one of the major factors behind veteran suicides.

Warrior Wellness Project Flyer 2Download

Miami-Dade County Victor Program – Fishing

Locations may Change

  • Friday, April 17, 2026 · 10:00am – 2:00pm (Homestead Bayfront Marina 9698 SW 328 St, Homestead, FL 3303)
  • Crandon Park Marina Friday, May 15, 2026 · 10:00am – 2:00pm (4000 Crandon Blvd Key Biscayne, FL 33149)

Please join the VICTOR Program for a fishing excursion aboard the MDPROS fishing fleet. Our experienced captains and mates will guide you on fishing regulations, basics, and conservation efforts on both bay and ocean fishing. All FWC rules apply on board.

Poles and gear provided. Please arrive at the marina by 9:45am. Vessel leaves promptly at 10am.

You may bring your own gear and bait if desired. Strongly recommended bringing squid or similar bait as well as water and a snack.

Please reserve your spot by signing up through TeamUp. For more information, contact Jorge Batista at 786-479-1256 or Jorge.Batista@miamidade.gov

Miami Dade Victor Program Fishing

Locations may Change

  • Friday, April 17, 2026 · 10:00am – 2:00pm (Homestead Bayfront Marina 9698 SW 328 St, Homestead, FL 3303)
  • Friday, May 15, 2026 · 10:00am – 2:00pm (Crandon Park Marina 4000 Crandon Blvd Key Biscayne, FL 33149)

Please join the VICTOR Program for a fishing excursion aboard the MDPROS fishing fleet. Our experienced captains and mates will guide you on fishing regulations, basics, and conservation efforts on both bay and ocean fishing. All FWC rules apply on board.

Poles and gear provided. Please arrive at the marina by 9:45am. Vessel leaves promptly at 10am.

You may bring your own gear and bait if desired. Strongly recommended bringing squid or similar bait as well as water and a snack.

Please reserve your spot by signing up through TeamUp. For more information, contact Jorge Batista at 786-479-1256 or Jorge.Batista@miamidade.gov

Miami-Dade Victor Program Swimming

Swimming (Disabled Veterans – All new participants must contact Belinda Phillips in advance)

Participants must call or email Belinda Phillips, CTRS (786-635-9657 or Belinda.Phillips@miamidade.gov) prior to attending.

Link to sign up and view calendar – https://teamup.com/ksvfiym4wm3c3vpxri

Note that times and locations may change from time to time so you have to stay informed.

This adapted sports program is an outdoor, multi-sport, program that provides
disabled veterans with the opportunity to engage in various activities.
Activities include archery, boccia, cycling, fishing, golf, paddle sports, swimming,
trap shooting, and wheelchair basketball.
This program seeks to serve disabled veterans who have become disabled because
of spinal cord injury, amputation, head injury, multiple sclerosis, visual impairments,
other diseases which may impact endurance or mobility, and those individuals
who have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Participants must call in advance to pre-register and get signed up for the schedule of activities.

FREE to all disabled veterans and disabled members of the armed forces.

This program is funded by a grant from the United States Department
of Veterans Affairs. The opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein
are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of
the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

Miami-Dade Victor Program BOCCIA

Link to sign up and view calendar – https://teamup.com/ksvfiym4wm3c3vpxri

Note that times and locations may change from time to time so you have to stay informed.

This adapted sports program is an outdoor, multi-sport, program that provides
disabled veterans with the opportunity to engage in various activities.
Activities include archery, boccia, cycling, fishing, golf, paddle sports, swimming,
trap shooting, and wheelchair basketball.
This program seeks to serve disabled veterans who have become disabled because
of spinal cord injury, amputation, head injury, multiple sclerosis, visual impairments,
other diseases which may impact endurance or mobility, and those individuals
who have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Participants must call in advance to pre-register and get signed up for the schedule of activities.

FREE to all disabled veterans and disabled members of the armed forces.

This program is funded by a grant from the United States Department
of Veterans Affairs. The opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein
are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of
the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

Tampa Florida – Fight for Air Climb

Tampa’s Only Stair-Climbing Event Supporting Clean Air & Lung Health

**SEE WEBSITE FOR COST**

  • Where we climb: Bank of America Plaza.
    This iconic Tampa landmark features 914 steps from the ground floor to the top floor.
  • How we climb:
    Take it fast or take it slow. It’s up to you. Climb with friends and family, running clubs, social groups, coworkers…anyone who is up for a fun morning of healthy activity in an atmosphere of hope and positivity.
  • Firefighters:
    Unhealthy air is an occupational hazard for these everyday heroes – come climb with us & show your appreciation.
  • Military Service Members:
    Are you currently serving or have you proudly served in the military? Join your fellow service members in taking powerful steps toward healthier lungs and helping save lives, raise awareness, and support critical lung health research.

Broward County Special Population – Senior Prom

SEE FLYER FOR ALL DETAILS – All Ages and you can be either a resident or non-resident.  This is a community event that also presents Older Veterans with something to get out of the house.

To reserve your spot, call 954-327-3941.

Regards,

Parks and Recreation Division, Special Populations Section

Address: 950 N.W. 38th Street Oakland Park, FL 33309

Phone: 954-357-8170

TTY: 954-537-2844

Fax: 954-357-5983

Website: www.Broward.org/Parks

Cooking With a Vet

Please take time to review the flyer for More information.  Thanks to the Miami Gardens Veteran Committee for putting on these types of events.