Diverse group of veterans standing together in solidarity

Standing With Those Who Served

Connecting veterans and their families with comprehensive support services — from mental health resources and job training to housing aid and community connections.

Veterans Served

Resources Connected

Community Partners

Volunteer Hours

Our Mission

A Bridge to Better Lives

Vete-Friends is dedicated to empowering veterans by connecting them with the resources, community, and support they need to thrive in civilian life.

Honor

We honor the sacrifice and service of every veteran with dignity and respect.

Compassion

Every connection is made with empathy, understanding, and genuine care for veteran wellbeing.

Community

We build bridges between veterans, families, and the organizations that serve them.

Founder Spotlight

Meet Our Founder

Desert Storm Veteran

Kadzo "Vicki" Wilson

Founder & Executive Director

A proud Desert Storm veteran and native of Fresno, California, Kadzo "Vicki" Wilson has dedicated her life to serving those who served our nation.

After returning from military service, Vicki witnessed firsthand the challenges veterans face during their transition to civilian life. Driven by compassion and a deep understanding of these struggles, she founded Vete-Friends to bridge the gap between veterans and the vital resources they need.

Today, Vicki leads Vete-Friends with the same courage and determination that defined her military career — ensuring no veteran walks their path alone.

Our Services

Comprehensive Veteran Support

We connect veterans with a full range of support services to help them thrive.

Mental Health Support

Counseling, trauma-informed care, PTSD support, peer support groups, and crisis resources.

Faith-Based Support

Faith-based counseling, spiritual mentorship, church partnerships, and faith-informed support groups.

Job Search Assistance

Career counseling, resume assistance, interview prep, job readiness training, and veteran-friendly employers.

Housing Aid

Transitional housing, rental assistance, utility support, home ownership resources, and emergency housing.

Educational Resources

Scholarships, GI Bill guidance, vocational training, workshops, and certification programs.

Wellness Programs

Fitness initiatives, nutrition education, wellness coaching, and recreational outings.

Community Connections

Networking opportunities, veteran meetups, resource fairs, and advocacy campaigns.

Testimonials

Stories of Hope & Transformation

"Vete-Friends connected me with a counselor who truly understood what I was going through. After years of struggling alone, I finally found the support I needed to heal. Vicki and her team changed my life."

James Rodriguez

Army Veteran

"The job training resources Vete-Friends connected me with helped me land my dream career. They didn't just hand me a list — they walked with me through every step of the process."

Patricia Williams

Marine Veteran

"When my family was facing housing instability, Vete-Friends stepped in with immediate support and connected us with transitional housing. We are forever grateful."

David Chen

Navy Veteran & Spouse

Upcoming Events

Join Our Community

Jul

Housing Resource Fair

Fresno City Hall

Learn about housing assistance programs, meet with housing counselors, and explore home ownership options.

Jul

Veterans Wellness Walk

Roeding Park, Fresno

Join fellow veterans for a 5K wellness walk followed by a healthy living seminar and community breakfast.

Aug

Fundraising Gala: An Evening of Honor

Grand 1401 Event Center, Fresno

Annual fundraising gala celebrating veteran service with dinner, guest speakers, and live entertainment.

From Our Blog

Wellness

Wellness Beyond the Battlefield

Exploring holistic wellness programs that help veterans thrive.

Housing

Navigating Housing Assistance Programs

A guide to the housing assistance programs available to veterans in the Fresno area.

Faith & Wellness

The Power of Faith in Veteran Recovery

How faith-based support is helping veterans find peace and purpose after service.

Volunteers supporting veterans at community event

Make a Difference Today

Join our community of dedicated volunteers and help connect veterans with the support they deserve.

Stay Connected

Join Our Newsletter

Receive updates on events, resources, and ways to support our veteran community.