Revamped Computer Lab Helps Domiciliary Residents Find Jobs and Homes
A new computer lab and personal development center at West LA VA is helping Veterans battling addiction, unemployment, homelessness and mental illness access technology to enhance their job-seeking efforts, learn computer skills, find places to live and stay in touch with friends and family.
The lab, located in the Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MH-RRTP) Domiciliary (DOM), Building 217, Room 19, features nine desktop computers, a 55-inch television monitor and a multifunction wireless printer, provided by Brentwood School. It’s accessible for residents Monday—Saturday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
The DOM serves as an active clinical rehabilitation and treatment program for male and female Veterans who are dealing with mental illness or addiction. The DOM is VA’s oldest health care program, and was originally established to care for disabled volunteer soldiers in the Civil War.
The computer lab’s project leader is C. “Reggie” Miller, a social worker and U.S. Navy Veteran who is assigned to the DOM’s Housing and Employment Track.
“I think that it’s very helpful,” Miller said of the refurbished lab. “It’s a lot more accessible than going to the public library.”
The new computers allow users to access the internet and work with Microsoft Office products to build resumes, review lease agreements, search for housing and employment, check their email and more.
Veterans can also sign up for different classes. Veteran employment services will be offered by a volunteer from Salvation Army, who will teach job-seeking skills including targeted resume writing, job search coaching, job-related training and post-employment coaching. These classes take place Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
A computers 101 class, led by Brentwood School, will teach how to get started with a computer, undo mistakes, use Microsoft Office and create a resume, among other skills. It will run Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., through March 22. DOM residents can sign up by contacting their team leader; nine spots are available, and participants will receive a certificate of completion.
Renovations on the lab began in October of 2021. The room got a paint job, bright new lighting and an assortment of new desks thanks to VA’s electrical, carpentry, lock shop, painting, and interior design departments. In addition to providing the technological equipment, Brentwood School offers technical support for the new center.
In today’s digital age, internet access is a vital tool for seeking employment. A 2015 Pew Research Center survey found that 79% of U.S. residents who’ve looked for a job in the past two years have utilized the internet to do so, and 34% said online resources were their most important tool.
Miller’s team has an array of initiatives in place to help DOM residents achieve their employment and housing goals. It’s all about implementing positive programs to help Veterans in the 60, 90 or however many days they stay at the DOM. “That’s what we’re about, trying to motivate them, lift them up and send them on their next journey,” Miller said.
The new center will serve as a hub where the Veterans on site can actively build the skills to reach these goals – as well as interact with each other. “It’s kind of a way for them to collaborate together, see what’s working and get those same opportunities as well,” Miller said.
Miller’s distaste for bullying is what led him to public service, and in turn fuels his passion for projects like the personal development center. “I wanted to work at VA to help Veterans and give back.”