New Creation member Jere Bernardoni is a dedicated volunteer at the Veterans Administration health care campus in Palo Alto. He drives a shuttle cart, helping people get from point A to point B on their enormous property. But he does more than just drive folks around. Jere was recognized by the VA staff for his services and especially for his emotional connections and support to veterans and their loved ones, talking with them beyond a superficial level and sometimes even praying with them if they want. From their social media post: “Jere isn’t just a volunteer, he’s a friendly face behind the wheel of our shuttle carts… helping Veterans navigate the campus with a smile. Jere started volunteering in 2022, and for him, it’s more than just driving. He finds it therapeutic, a chance to connect with Veterans and ensure they have a positive experience, especially during challenging times like medical treatments.” Jere commented that “driving the cart gives me time to interface with Veterans and let them know they are loved and honored and very important to us.”

We at New Creation are often lucky to hear about Jere’s interactions with the Veterans and their families during New Creation’s Sunday Praise Reports at the beginning of church services. This work is so important, and it truly exemplifies the ELCA motto: God’s Work, Our Hands!”

If you’d like help finding volunteer opportunities, check out the City of San Jose website, or for nationwide options, you can look at this federal site Or talk to Pr. Cristina – there are many ways to help within our synod district, at Mt. Cross, and right here at NCLC!

The Veterans Administration (VA) health care campus in Palo Alto, California, is one of the largest and most comprehensive facilities in the VA system, serving a wide range of veterans in the region. It is part of the VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) and is known for its specialized services in areas such as polytrauma care, spinal cord injury treatment, and mental health, including PTSD and substance abuse programs. The campus is also a major hub for rehabilitation, offering cutting-edge therapies for veterans with traumatic injuries, amputations, and other complex conditions. Additionally, it provides extensive outpatient services, long-term care, and women’s health programs.

Closely affiliated with Stanford University, the Palo Alto VA is a leader in medical research and education, especially in fields like geriatrics, mental health, and traumatic brain injuries. It is a teaching hospital where many Stanford medical residents and fellows receive training. The facility is also deeply committed to supporting veterans through mental health services, homeless veteran programs, and rehabilitation efforts. Its size and scope make it one of the key healthcare providers for veterans in Northern California, offering both inpatient and outpatient services, with satellite clinics for easier access across the region.