Aguayo, a veteran, volunteered at Heroes Resource Center for 10 years before joining the team as a director. But, prior to his tenure as a volunteer, he came in seeking a quiet place to nap that was separate from work or home.
“[I] wanted to be around people, but didn't want to talk to people,” Aguayo said. “Re-integration is harder when you get out [because] you're redeveloping, you're understanding yourself again.”
At the center Aguayo met other veterans who went through the same transition into civilian life; he found people to relate to, a community that supported him, and a newfound sense of purpose in volunteering.
“Building camaraderie helped me with my relationship, not just with family, but [with] myself,” Aguayo said.
The Context
The Heroes Resource Center was established in Cedar Park in 2009 under the name Heroes Night Out, where founders Wes and Judy Pierce distributed wallets and gift cards to wounded soldiers to enjoy a meal or family outing for free. The organization was rooted in peer support and veteran appreciation, according to executive director Brandon Crook.
Crook and program director Carmen Valenzuela took over for Wes and Judy Pierce in 2020. Valenzuela was inspired by the initial welcome she received from volunteers at the center 11 years ago when seeking resources.
“The wife gave me a big hug and her husband wore a Vietnam veteran hat,” Valenzuela said. “But the words that came out of his mouth to me really changed my life from that point. He told me ‘welcome home sister.’”
According to Valenzuela, what keeps her motivated is the belief that every service member and their family deserves a second chance.
Giving back
Now, Heroes Resource Center has expanded to be a broader community-based nonprofit organization providing a range of support to veterans, service members and their families for free. The nonprofit provides services face-to-face at their brick and mortar location, with no membership or appointment needed.
“If you raised your right hand at some point, you've served in our opinion,” Crook said. “And so even if you have a dishonorable discharge, we're still going to do our best to help you.”
Services provided by the center include peer support forums, legal services, mental health assistance, home loan services, employment, healthcare and financial assistance.
“We've got a really good finger on the pulse when it comes to different types of resources,” Crook said. “So if we don't offer it here in-house, we can make sure to point people in the right direction.”
Zooming in
One of the programs provided by the Heroes Resource Center is Heroes Assistance, a financial assistance program managed by Aguayo, funded by a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance.
The program is open for veterans and their dependents who demonstrate a need for additional financial support. The application is available online and Aguayo encourages applicants to reach out through email or phone with additional questions.
“We do have a limit every month,” Aguayo said. “So, once we reach that limit, assistance is done for that month and then we restart next month.”
Project funding
Along with services like financial assistance, a key focus for Heroes Resource Center is on family-centered events, fundraising efforts and peer support, managed by development director Amy Hamand.
Community-based events include monthly family nights, coffee and donuts for veterans every Tuesday and Thursday, events for women veterans to connect and more. Heroes Resource Center also hosts annual events like Trunk or Treat, Thank-A-Vet meal basket, Christmas workshop and Heroes Appreciation BBQ.
The center also has an upcoming fundraising event: the fifth annual Heroes Choice Car Show on Nov. 8. The car show is free and open to the public; the nonprofit expects to host approximately 300-350 cars, along with food trucks and a bouncy house. On Nov. 15, Heroes Resource Center will also host its Inaugural Gala, which will serve as a fundraiser and appreciation event for veterans and community members with live entertainment, food and drinks.
Get involved
For community members looking to get involved in the nonprofit, volunteer applications are open online and everyone is invited to attend the various fundraising events throughout the year.
There are additional sponsorship opportunities for local businesses and individuals to get involved. Heroes Resource Center is currently accepting sponsors for events including the Silver Shells Shoot Out in January.
- 1150 S. Bell Blvd., Building 5, Cedar Park
- www.heroesresourcecenter.org
