COMMUNITY
Free Kirtland Park BBQ supports NM veterans
The New Mexico Veterans Integration Centers hosts a family-friendly event July 2, promoting vital services and aiming to end veteran homelessness
The New Mexico Veterans Integration Centers will host a free community barbecue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at Kirtland Park, 1408-1572 San Jose Ave. SE, to kick off America's 250th anniversary holiday weekend.
The event will feature barbecue, family activities and a patriotic atmosphere celebrating the nation's semiquincentennial.
The barbecue is intended to raise awareness of veteran services that promote long-term stability and help end veteran homelessness in New Mexico.
"This family-fun barbecue is our way of strengthening local roots while helping ensure people understand what the Veterans Integration Centers does, so we can reach more veterans and their families who may need our assistance," Brock Wolffe, CEO of NMVIC, said in a news release.
Founded in 2005, NMVIC is a nonprofit organization that provides housing assistance, employment support, case management, food access, behavioral health resources and other services to veterans and their families throughout New Mexico.
"We have programs in place to help veterans reintegrate, reestablish themselves and regain their independence," said Fiadh Timoney, NMVIC's marketing and communications coordinator.
Donations will be accepted during the barbecue to help fund NMVIC's programs.
"Our impact is huge because it extends beyond just one person. Veterans have told us we saved their lives and that our programs helped turn their lives around," Timoney said.
