
Veterans Stand Together (VST) is dedicated to empowering Veterans and their families by combating homelessness, PTSD, substance abuse, and unemployment through workforce development, peer support, housing stabilization resources, VA benefits linkage, and holistic wraparound services. Through community outreach, training programs, Veteran Access Points, and strategic partnerships, we provide pathways to stability, self-sufficiency, and long-term success for those who served our nation.
Veterans Stand Together was founded through the personal experiences and passion of Marine Corps Veteran George Casillas, who recognized the challenges many Veterans face when transitioning from military to civilian life. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and working for years in law enforcement, investigations, and workforce training, George dedicated his career to helping Veterans gain access to employment opportunities, supportive services, and community support. What began as a mission to help fellow Veterans build stability and purpose grew into Veterans Stand Together — an organization focused on empowering Veterans and their families through workforce development, peer support, outreach, resource navigation, and holistic wraparound services. Today, VST continues to create pathways toward stability, self-sufficiency, and long-term success for the Veteran community.
Veterans Stand Together’s Professional Security Officer Training Program is designed to provide Veterans, transitioning service members, and underserved individuals with industry-recognized workforce training that prepares participants for entry-level careers in the security industry. The program combines classroom instruction, hands-on training, employability skills, and career readiness support to help participants obtain certifications, build confidence, and secure sustainable employment opportunities. In addition to training, participants receive wraparound support services, resource navigation, peer support, and job placement assistance through VST’s employer and community partnerships. The program is focused on creating pathways toward long-term stability, self-sufficiency, and career growth.
The Professional Security Officer Training Program includes hands-on training led by experienced security professionals and instructors with real-world field experience. Participants receive practical instruction through scenario-based exercises, workplace simulations, situational awareness training, communication techniques, and industry best practices designed to reflect real-life security environments. This hands-on approach helps participants build confidence, strengthen critical thinking and decision-making skills, and gain practical experience that prepares them for successful entry into the workforce.
Veterans Stand Together hosts monthly VA Benefits Linkage Workshops sponsored by BMO to help Veterans, service members, and military family members better understand and access the benefits and resources available to them. The workshops include a financial literacy component designed to promote financial wellness, budgeting education, and long-term financial stability. Led by a highly experienced master instructor, these workshops are provided at no cost and offer guidance on VA benefits, claims processes, supportive services, and resource navigation. The workshops create an educational and supportive environment where participants can ask questions, receive accurate information, and strengthen their understanding of the benefits they have earned through their service.
Veterans Stand Together proudly participates in annual Toys for Tots holiday outreach efforts to help bring joy, support, and holiday assistance to Veterans, military families, and underserved children within the community. Through toy distributions, community partnerships, and outreach events, VST has helped serve more than 650 children by providing gifts, holiday resources, and a welcoming environment during the holiday season. These efforts are focused on promoting community connection, supporting families facing financial hardship, and ensuring children and Veterans experience hope, care, and encouragement during the holidays.
Veterans Stand Together believes volunteerism plays an important role in strengthening communities and supporting those in need. Our organization actively volunteers throughout the community by participating in outreach events, resource fairs, food distributions, holiday assistance programs, Veteran support activities, and community engagement efforts. We also welcome and encourage volunteers from all backgrounds to become involved in our mission by supporting events, outreach efforts, administrative activities, mentorship, and community service initiatives. Through volunteerism, VST helps build community connection, civic engagement, and meaningful opportunities to give back to those who served.
Veterans Stand Together proudly participates in community Trunk or Treat events to help create safe, welcoming, and family-friendly experiences for Veterans, military families, and local community members during the holiday season. Through decorated booths, candy giveaways, community engagement, and outreach activities, VST helps bring families together while increasing awareness of available Veteran and community resources. These events allow our organization to remain actively involved in the community while supporting positive family experiences, connection, and community involvement.
Veterans Stand Together’s Galentine’s event is dedicated to honoring, empowering, and celebrating women Veterans through a supportive and uplifting experience focused on wellness, appreciation, and connection. The event provides a welcoming environment where women Veterans are pampered with self-care activities, wellness services, community resources, and fellowship opportunities while recognizing their service, sacrifices, and contributions. Through this event, VST promotes mental wellness, peer support, and meaningful community engagement for women who served our natio
Veterans Stand Together actively participates in and hosts community resource fairs to connect Veterans, service members, and families with vital supportive services and opportunities. These events bring together community organizations, employers, service providers, and local partners to provide access to employment resources, housing assistance, VA benefits information, wellness services, education programs, food support, and other essential resources. Through ongoing outreach and community engagement, VST helps strengthen connections, increase awareness of available services, and support the overall well-being and stability of the communities we serve.
Veterans Stand Together values strong community partnerships that help expand access to resources, opportunities, and supportive services for Veterans and their families. By collaborating with local agencies, employers, educational institutions, nonprofits, government organizations, and community leaders, VST is able to provide comprehensive wraparound support including workforce development, housing resources, peer support, wellness services, benefits linkage, and community outreach. These partnerships strengthen our collective impact and help create meaningful pathways toward stability, self-sufficiency, and long-term success for those we serve.
Veterans Stand Together actively engages in fundraising efforts to help sustain and expand programs and supportive services for Veterans and their families. Through community-driven events such as our Annual Veterans Golf Tournament Fundraiser, we bring together supporters, partners, and community members to raise awareness and critical funding for our mission. The event is designed to be inclusive and welcoming, encouraging participation from senior Veterans, disabled Veterans, and the broader Veteran community while promoting connection, wellness, and community engagement in a supportive environment.