JAVC Monthly Newsletter – February 2025

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As we move into February, our focus continues to shift from preparation to purpose. The JAVC Veterans Center at 315 E. Oak Street is now fully operational and serving as a central hub for multiple veteran-focused programs designed to meet veterans where they are.

One of those programs is Operation 6, our transitional housing program, which provides structured, supportive housing for veterans working toward long-term stability. Since reopening in December, Operation 6 has welcomed veterans back into the building and continues to operate with full staffing, including 24/7 security, ensuring a safe and dignified environment.

The Veterans Center itself represents more than one program. It is the physical and operational heart of JAVC’s broader mission—connecting housing, outreach, peer support, transportation, and community-based services under one roof.

February is also a time of gratitude and reflection. What was once a building slated for demolition is now a place of healing, connection, and hope. This transformation was made possible through strong partnerships with the City of Kingman, the dedication of staff and volunteers, and the continued support of this community.

We are excited to be preparing for the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the JAVC Veterans Center, which will take place later this month. This celebration will honor the journey, recognize our partners, and highlight the many programs now operating to serve veterans across Mohave County.

Thank you for standing with us as we continue to grow—not just as a facility, but as an organization committed to dignity, stability, and hope for every veteran we serve.

Semper Fidelis — United We Serve,

The JAVC Team

As JAVC moves into a new chapter, we want to take a moment to honor where we’ve been and share where we’re going.

For more than a decade, our original logo has stood as a recognizable symbol of the Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council. It represented the early days of the organization—when the mission was just taking shape, resources were limited, and a small but determined community committed itself to ensuring veterans in Mohave County were not forgotten. That logo has been present through countless milestones, challenges, and victories, and it will always represent the foundation on which JAVC was built.

After more than 15 years of service, and with the completion of the newly renovated JAVC Veterans Center, we felt it was the right time to respectfully retire that logo and introduce a new look and feel that reflects who we are today—and where we are headed.

This update is not about leaving the past behind. It’s about recognizing growth.

The transformation of the building at 315 E. Oak Street mirrors the journey of JAVC itself. What began as a building slated for demolition became a long-term commitment—one that required years of perseverance, partnership, and community support. From purchasing the property, to navigating funding and construction phases, to overcoming unexpected setbacks, the completion of the Veterans Center represents more than a facility. It represents a decade of shared effort and belief.

Along the way, there have been countless journeys—veterans finding stability, families restored, volunteers stepping in when help was needed, and community members standing together to make something lasting. These stories are the true identity of JAVC.

Our updated branding reflects this evolution: a more unified, modern expression of an organization that has grown in scope, impact, and responsibility. While the look may be new, the mission remains unchanged—to serve veterans with dignity, compassion, and respect.

We dedicate this new chapter to everyone who helped carry JAVC to this point. The old logo will always be a part of our history, and the new one will carry that legacy forward as we continue serving the veterans of Mohave County and beyond.

Thank you for being part of this journey—past, present, and future.

After more than a decade of vision, perseverance, and community support, we are honored to officially open the doors of the JAVC Veterans Center at 315 E. Oak Street.

On Friday, February 27th from 4:30–6:30 PM, we will gather for an evening of celebration, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the veterans of Mohave County and beyond.

This facility represents far more than brick and mortar. It represents:

• A promise kept to our veterans
• A community that stepped up
• A partnership between city leadership, volunteers, donors, and service organizations
• A place of healing, stability, and opportunity

The JAVC Veterans Center is home to Operation 6, our Low Demand Safe Haven transitional housing program, along with other veteran support services designed to restore dignity and provide a pathway forward.

The evening will include:

⭐ Tours of the newly renovated facility

⭐ A formal Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

⭐ Catered reception and fellowship

⭐ Recognition of the many partners who made this possible

When we purchased this building years ago, it was in rough shape and facing demolition. Today, it stands as a symbol of what happens when a community refuses to give up on its veterans.

We invite you to join us as we launch this next phase of impact.

Community support continues to fuel our mission and our $250,000 impact goal in 2026 for veterans. If you cannot attend but would like to support the work happening here, please consider a gift through our website. www.javc.org

Together, we are not just opening a building —

we are opening doors for veterans.

Support local veterans at no additional cost.

JAVC is a certified Arizona Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO), which means your donation may qualify for a dollar-for-dollar Arizona state tax credit.

2025 max credit:

$495 (single/HOH/MFS) • $987 (MFJ)

Timing: Donations made in 2025 (and up to April 15, 2026) may be applied to your 2025 AZ return.

We’ll send you a tax credit receipt for your records.

👉 Donate & claim your AZ tax credit

Last month, we shared the vision behind the Veteran Tiny Home Village—an affordable, dignified housing solution designed to help veterans transition into stability, safety, and community here in Mohave County. This month, we’re excited to share real progress.

We are now working from an updated site plan developed by Selberg & Associates, who are partnering with JAVC on this initiative. We are incredibly grateful for their support and commitment to helping bring this project to life. Selberg will also be producing a 3D rendering of the completed village, which will help our donors, partners, and the community clearly see what we are building together.

We are also thankful for Ben La Parne and his leadership in guiding this effort forward. Ben is a longtime commercial developer in Mohave County and a JAVC Board Member. His experience and steady leadership are helping us navigate the planning, financing, and execution needed to move this project forward responsibly and successfully.

Phase 1: 24 Homes—With a Goal to Do More

In Phase 1, our plan is to complete approximately 24 homes. Each home costs roughly $40,000 to build. But our goal is bigger: we are seeking support to help us add an additional 20 homes to Phase 1.

That’s a lofty goal—nearly $800,000—but we believe it’s possible. We are working in parallel on grant funding to support this initiative, and we’re inviting our community to join us in making this an incredible place for our at-risk veterans to rebuild their lives.

Thank you for standing with JAVC. Every step forward brings us closer to a village where veterans can find more than housing—they can find hope, stability, and a place to belong..

👉 To learn more about the Tiny Home Village initiative, visit:

Learn More Here!

From the desk of Pat Farrell — here’s a cleaned-up, slightly expanded version that keeps his voice and hits all the key points.

From the Desk of Pat Farrell, President

Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council (JAVC)

The Grand Opening of Arnold Plaza, our transitional housing facility, is scheduled for Friday, February 27th. I want to extend my deep personal thanks to everyone who has contributed time, resources, and hard work to help bring this project to completion. What has been accomplished at 315 E. Oak Street is something our community can be proud of—and more importantly, it represents hope and stability for veterans who need a fresh start.

As we move forward, our focus remains clear: helping homeless and at-risk veterans access the resources they need and the suitable housing they deserve. In addition to transitional housing, we will continue to provide free transportation for local veterans to medical and legal appointments—because access to care should never be blocked by lack of a ride.

While many of the services we provide are offered at no cost to veterans, there is still a cost to operate these programs. We continue to need support—whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about the work being done at JAVC.

There are several ways to support financially, and one option can provide a significant impact without costing you a cent—the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit (up to $987 for qualifying filers). You can learn more and donate anytime at www.javc.org/donations.

The U.S. Navy has a saying: “We take care of our own.” There are 24,000+ veterans in Mohave County, and I’m asking for a simple commitment: if just one out of ten veterans gave a small monthly donation, it would sustain and grow the services that are saving lives. Any amount helps, but $20 a month is a practical number that adds up quickly and truly makes a difference. If you need help setting up a recurring donation, call me directly at 928-716-3001.

We also have community events coming up, including a Bowling Tournament and a Golf Tournament, and we are currently looking for sponsors and participants. If you or your business would like to get involved, please email me at president@javc.org.

You’re Invited — February 17th Meeting + Facility Tour

You are invited to attend our regular JAVC meeting on February 17th at 4:00 PM. If you would like a tour of the facility, please attend in person—the tour will begin at 3:30 PM.

Location: 315 E. Oak St., Kingman, AZ 86401

Please enter through the door under the “Welcome Home” sign.

Zoom Option:

Zoom.us/join

Meeting ID: 840 3785 7263

Passcode: JAVC2025

Conference Room Availability

We also invite community partners to take advantage of our conference room, which can hold over 100 people. There is no charge at this time, but donations are always welcome. We are currently seeking donations to purchase additional chairs, and more information can be found at www.javc.org/donations.

Thank you again for standing with JAVC and for supporting the veterans who have served our nation.

Stay safe,

– Dorn Patrick Farrell

President, Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council

For more than a decade, our original logo represented the heart and early mission of the Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council. It stood through the hard work, growth, and community support that helped build what JAVC is today. As we move forward, we honor that legacy and the people who made it possible.

"Once a symbol of our beginning — always a part of our story." Lonnie Wills, Executive Director

We’re excited to share an important milestone for the Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council (JAVC): the VA has executed the next contract option period for our Low Demand Safe Haven (Operation 6) transitional housing program — and we are now fully operational with the program running at full speed.

A long wait… and a huge answer to prayer

After we completed the building, it took roughly four months to work through the full VA process. That timeframe included required reviews, documentation, and coordination to ensure everything met the standards expected for veteran housing. While the process was demanding, we’re grateful to have it completed and finalized.

What this means for veterans in Mohave County

Operation 6 exists for one reason: to help homeless veterans stabilize, rebuild, and move forward. We provide safe housing and wraparound support in a county where the need is significant and resources are spread across long distances.

With the contract option period executed, we can operate with greater stability and momentum — which means:

• More consistent placement and support for veterans who need a safe place to land
• Continuity of services and strengthened partnerships across the region
• A stronger foundation for the next steps in our broader mission (including additional housing solutions)

Thank you for helping make this possible

This milestone didn’t happen in isolation. It happened because people showed up — donors, volunteers, community partners, staff, and advocates who refused to let the mission stall.

To everyone who gave, served, prayed, and encouraged: thank you. Your support is changing lives in real time.

Want to help us keep the momentum going?

Every dollar fuels direct impact — meals, staffing, safety, operations, and the steady work of helping veterans move from crisis to stability.

To learn more or support the mission, visit www.javc.org.

If you’ve been looking for a fun way to support local veterans and spend a Sunday doing something the whole family (or your whole bowling crew) can enjoy—this one’s for you.

The Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council (JAVC) is excited to announce our Inaugural Bowling Fundraiser: Strikes for Vets—a high-energy 9-Pin No-Tap Fun Tournament built for everyone, from serious bowlers to “I’m just here for the fun and the cause” bowlers.

Event Details

• Date: Sunday, April 26
• Location: Cerbat Lanes – Kingman, AZ
• Registration Opens: 12:00 PM
• Tournament Starts: 1:00 PM

Tournament Format

• Teams of 4 (Singles are welcome—we’ll place you on a team)
• 3 games
• 9-Pin No-Tap (9 pins = STRIKE!)
• Prizes, raffles, and 50/50

Entry

• $200 per team (or $50 per person)
• Limited lanes available—register early

Why It Matters

More strikes. More fun. Real impact for local veterans.

Your participation helps JAVC continue providing critical support services for veterans right here in Mohave County—meeting needs that don’t always show up on a spreadsheet: a ride to a medical appointment, a helping hand when life falls apart, and a steady path back toward stability and independence.

How to Register

Register online at: www.javc.org/bowling

Want to Help Even More?

If you’re a business owner or community partner, this is a great opportunity to step in as a sponsor (lane sponsorships, donated raffle items, and other support).

Sponsorships help us amplify the event and expand the impact beyond tournament day.



Let’s pack Cerbat Lanes, build community, and rally around the veterans who’ve served our nation—because when Mohave County shows up, things move. We’ll see you on the lanes.

February 1 — Black History Month begins (all month).

February 2 — Groundhog Day.

February 6 — National Wear Red Day (American Heart Month).

February 14 — Valentine’s Day. (widely recognized)

February 16 — Presidents’ Day / Washington’s Birthday (Federal Holiday).

February 17 — JAVC General Meeting (4:00 PM).

Have a local veteran-focused event to share? Email lonnie.wills@javc.org to get it featured in a future newsletter

February Update: Momentum on Every Front

As a U.S. Marine veteran and Executive Director of the Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council, I can honestly say February is shaping up to be one of the most important months we’ve had in a long time. We have a lot happening at once—but it’s the kind of “busy” that signals progress: programs moving forward, veterans being served, and doors opening wider across Mohave County.

A Major Milestone: VA Service Start Date Confirmed

One of the biggest updates is that we have received our VA service start date of 2/16/26. This is a huge step forward and a strong confirmation that the work being done at the Veteran Center is not only needed—it is being recognized and supported at the federal level. Getting to this point has required persistence, accountability, and a steady commitment to doing things the right way.

Operation Bob: Meeting Needs After Housing

We’ve also continued building Operation Bob, a program born out of a lesson we’ve learned over time: housing alone doesn’t always mean stability. Many veterans who are housed still live with unsafe conditions they can’t physically manage or financially repair—leaks, failing plumbing, dry rot, and long-term damage that quietly gets worse.

We’re proud to share that we have completed our first Operation Bob project, and we’re already working through next steps to assist two more veterans who need help. This is what “a hand up, not a hand out” looks like—practical support that protects a veteran’s health, safety, and dignity.

A Big Month for Outreach: StandDowns + Grand Opening

February also brings a major push for community engagement. While continuing day-to-day services at the center, we’re preparing for our Grand Opening—a moment to celebrate what God and this community have made possible, and to invite our supporters to see the mission in action.

At the same time, we’re coordinating both the Bullhead City StandDown and the Kingman StandDown—two important opportunities to connect veterans to services, resources, and relationships that can change the direction of their lives. These events take an incredible amount of coordination, and we’re grateful for every partner and volunteer stepping in to help.

Thank You for Standing With Us

Everything happening right now—every milestone, every repaired home, every veteran served—has been made possible because a community refused to forget its veterans. Thank you for your prayers, your donations, your volunteer hours, and your belief in this mission.

February is full, but it’s full of purpose. And we’re just getting started.

Semper Fidelis — United We Serve,

Lonnie Wills

Executive Director, Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council of Mohave County