Vets 4 Vets hosts monthly meetings on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 6pm. Location varies; contact us for meeting details.

Journey for Change

Journey for Change

Raising Awareness of the Veteran Suicide Rate

Group holding flags for 2024 veterans day walk

Veterans Day Walk 2024.

September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month, and Journey For Change (J4C), a Vets 4 Vets program, honors this time with remembrance, action, and hope.

In 2013, five veterans came together in Santa Cruz. For a full year, they met weekly to write a proposal to end veteran suicide. In 2014, they walked that proposal from Santa Cruz to Sacramento, where it was hand-delivered to government officials at the State Capitol.

Since then, J4C has organized annual walks to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and bring veterans together—especially those who may be experiencing isolation or loneliness. These walks remind every veteran: you are not alone.

Our mottos continue to guide us:

“Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.”

“You are not alone.”

We invite you to join us for our next walk on Veteran’s Day, November 11th. Check the event page for the details. Together, we walk in solidarity—for healing, connection, and hope.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available:

Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1.

Text: 838255

Chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net

Group walking and carrying Journey for Change banners for day 1 of veterans for change walk from Santa Cruz to Sacramento.

Day 1 of the Veterans for Change walk from Santa Cruz to Sacramento.

Group walking for the 2016 veterans day ghost chairs walk in downtown Santa Cruz. People are seen carrying an instrument, a sign, and flags.

Veterans Day Ghost Chairs walk downtown Santa Cruz, 2016.

Group posed on the steps of the Veterans Memorial Building for the veterans day walk from Watsonville to Santa Cruz, some carrying flags.

Veteran’s Day Walk from the Veterans Memorial Building in Watsonville to Santa Cruz.

Group posed in front of an ocean view for the 2023 veterans day walk, with some people carrying flags.

Veterans Day Walk 2023.