V
eterans Legal Institute (VLI) is a non- profit legal center in Orange County, California, that provides pro bono legal ser- vices to homeless, at-risk, disabled and low- income service members, former and current. Through its teams of in-house and volunteer attorneys, VLI works to eradicate barriers to housing, healthcare, education and employ- ment, helping ensure their clients' needs are met and empowering them for the future. Focused on a collaborative approach, while VLI specializes in providing free legal ser- vices, they seek out other organizations to provide more holistic care to their clients to support self-sufficiency. VLI is a critical com- ponent of the Orange County Veterans and Military Families Collaborative. Next Level Fitness & Wellness Center is a full-service gym and wellness facility in Irvine, California, that caters to veterans, working professionals and athletes of all lev- els. With a focus on its clients' minds, hearts and bodies, Next Level offers non-invasive treatments and services - including chiro- practic care, myofascial and physical therapy, massage therapy and nutrition consultations - in addition to personal training and a range of weights and exercise equipment. Over the last several years, Next Level has increased its focus on mental health as a part of wellness and has worked with veterans to improve their mental, emotional and physical health. Veterans comprise a unique community, facing higher rates of homelessness, service- connected mental illness, suicide and poverty than the general population. These issues not only cause direct harm but often prevent vet- erans from accessing the services they need to heal and live a healthy life. With a greater focus on healthier alternatives, Next Level is leading the way to veteran prosperity one hero at a time. Next Level Co-Owner and President Travis Mayfield is a Purple Heart Army veteran who served in the 101st Airborne in Vietnam. Military mementos adorn the massive gym, where veterans and civilians alike can experi- ence personal and physical growth while sur- rounded by the flags of each military branch. Mayfield and co-owner Dr. Vasilis Gatsinaris are dedicated to promoting the intersection between physical and mental health. Next Level employs many veterans and, as part of its employee health and wellness initia- tive, partners with VLI to help those employ- ees access basic benefits and services that serve as the foundation of healthy living. VLI advocates for these veterans' access to hous- ing, healthcare, educational and economic opportunities, and any other benefits and services that they have earned through their service. That access provides a basic level of safety and security that can decrease veterans' anxiety and depression, reduce their risk of infectious or chronic disease, and nurture their hope for the future. Next Level's commit- ment to its veteran employees also serves as a reminder of their community's gratitude for their sacrifices and shows veterans that they have someone in their corner. Focusing on overall holistic wellness, combining physical and mental health, along with offering other tangential services like pro bono legal advo- cacy, allows veterans to have a full healing experience. In a show of solidarity and in finding a com- mon fun activity to bring veterans and civil- ians together, VLI and Next Level have part- nered to provide pro bono physical training events. On specifically scheduled days, physi- cal trainers, physical therapists, chiroprac- tors and legal aid attorneys come to the gym to train with veterans and veteran advocates. This exercise is not only a healthy activity but also creates an inclusive environment and strong network, so those in need of services are more comfortable accessing them. Further, inding common ground with other veterans and training in a spacious gym promotes an overall healthier lifestyle. Asked why VLI would partner with a well- ness center, Executive Director Antoinette Balta states, VLI advocacy is greater than an attorney-client relationship or pen and paper court documents. We acknowledge the impor- tance of the overall health and wellness of our clients by connecting them to other resources and ensuring that while we are handling their legal burdens, they are able to grow and flour- ish through a variety of other mental, physical and emotional based initiatives, like those at Next Level. Given the stresses of military service, and specifically, combat, health initiatives and col- laborations like those between Veterans Legal Institute and Next Level Fitness, represent a movement to join forces in creative leadership to provide greater wellness to those in need.
We acknowledge the importance of the overall health and wellness of our clients by connecting them to other resources and ensuring that while we are handling their legal burdens, they are able to grow and flourish through a variety of other mental, physical and emotional based initiatives, like those at Next Level.
-Antoinette Balta, Executive Director, VLI
Veterans Legal Institute and Next Level Fitness & Wellness Center
Come Together in Support of Wellness Initiative
By Kristin L. Martin
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