Retired Marine runs safe space for veterans

Veterans make up a significant part of our community and it’s important to have resources readily available to meet their needs.

Yet, many times, veterans only find out about resources and services by word of mouth.

But, one former Marine felt like that wasn’t good enough.

When veterans see the commemorative flags outside of the Yuma Veterans Center, they know its a safe space for them to walk-in.

That’s exactly what outreach specialist, Delphine Hamilton, wanted.

After retiring from the Marine Corps in 2005, Hamilton said she had no idea how to transition from the military to normal society.

“When I retired, I had no idea where to go, what to do. I didn’t even know what a vet center was,” Hamiton said.

Hamilton revealed how she struggled for years to find a stable job.

She used her insight as a veteran to partner with a local psychologist and create a center to guide veterans with readjustment services.

“So I thought to myself, I’m a veteran…if I come to the vet center, I’m going to ask every question and get assistance with whatever I need,” said Hamilton.

The primary mission of the Yuma Vet Center is to seek out veterans suffering life readjustment problems related to their combat experiences or as a result of sexual assault/harassment occurring while on active duty.

The center also provides free counseling, employment assistance, and referral services to facilitate a successful readjustment to civilian life.

Nearly 10 years later, the Yuma Vet Center is now known for more than just its services. Hamilton takes pride in their reputation as veterans’ second home away from home.

Sheryl Derby, Director of the Yuma Vet Center, added, “[Veterans] feel safe. They come in, grab a cup of coffee, and hang out. Sometimes it’s not about anybody needing something.”

Both Hamilton and Derby want veterans and active duty service members to know that they can just walk in and be seen.

As the outreach specialist, Hamilton is on the road four days a week between the Imperial Valley and Yuma, reaching out to veterans to let them know about the Yuma Vet Center. She also checks in with their vets on a weekly basis.

The Yuma Vet Center holds over 100 events a year with their mobile vet center in hopes of reaching remote areas that don’t have access to a local vet center.

For more information about their programs and services, please visit www.vetcenter.va.gov.