OUR PROGRAMS
MEMBERSHIP
The Paralyzed Veterans of America, Bay Area and Western Chapter, INC. (BAWPVA) has 535 members but serves over 1,000 paralyzed veterans at VA Palo Alto Health Care System. Our members are from Northern California, Northern Nevada, and the Pacific Islands.
To qualify for membership an individual must meet the following criteria:
- was regularly enlisted, inducted, or commissioned, and was accepted for or on active duty in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard of the United States or an ally of the United states
- was separated from the service in the Armed Forces under conditions other than dishonorable or is on active duty or must continue to serve after the cessation of hostilities
- has suffered a spinal cord injury or disease (such as MS, ALS), whether or not service connected in origin
If you are interested in membership please download the membership application.
SPORTS & RECREATION
SPORTS
The Paralyzed Veterans of America, Bay Area and Western Chapter, INC. (BAWPVA) sponsors various wheelchair sporting events, teams, and individuals. There are two national wheelchair sporting events annually, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and the Winter Sports Clinic. BAWPVA also sponsors a quad rugby team in the local area. We have also supported members requesting to individually participate in the Paralympics and other sporting events including adaptive surfing, bowling, table tennis, scuba diving, and more. We encourage our veterans to try a new sport or continue to do the sport they love in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Sports Funding Guidelines – BAWPVA sponsors members to national sporting events based on participation and dedication to the sport. Members can request funds by participating in various activities.
RECREATION
The Paralyzed Veterans of America, Bay Area and Western Chapter, INC. (BAWPVA) has an active Recreation Program at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System’s SCI/D Center. Throughout the year we fund awards for weekly bingo, a football guessing contest during the football season, cater meals for holidays, provide a Tuesday morning brunch for inpatients and staff of the SCI/D Center, along with various other activities throughout the year.
If you would like to contact one of our Sports Directors, you can email them at: Chet Miller: miller@bawpva.org
Kevin Hoy: hoy@pva.org
Kyle Hansel: hansel@pva.org
This video that illustrates PVA’s Adaptive Sports and Recreation Programs.
BECOME A PARALYMPIAN
HOW DO I BECOME A PARALYMPIAN?
Two things—train and compete!
It sounds simple, but it is the hardest thing that you will ever do.
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
The Government Relations Program has two segments, Advocacy and Legislation.
ADVOCACY
Through the Advocacy Program, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Bay Area and Western Chapter, INC. (BAWPVA) advocates for the civil rights of our members and all persons with disabilities. This includes ensuring that they have access the services they need and want. The Chapter’s Government Relations Director is responsible for following up on any complaints of violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). This also includes following through on any complaints of members being treated unfairly due to their disability.
LEGISLATION
The Government Relations Director is responsible for participating in local and state governments’ legislation while focusing on the needs of veterans and people with disabilities. The Director also assists our National PVA organization as needed in efforts addressing federal legislative and regulatory actions and keeps the membership of the Chapter informed of current legislation through the chapter’s newsletter.
Government Relations Director:
Kevin Hoy: hoy@bawpva.org
Government Relations Assistant Director:
Demond Wilson: wilson@bawpva.org
Important Links:
COMMUNICATION
Through the Communication Program, The Paralyzed Veterans of America, Bay Area and Western Chapter, INC. (BAWPVA) reports to its membership, other PVA Chapters, National PVA, and its supporters the activities it performs. Please see below for more details.
SCI Peer Mentoring Program – Education & Lunch
SCI Peer Mentoring Program – Education & Lunch
Please join us the LAST FRIDAY of the month in the SCI Dining Room at 11:30 AM for a catered lunch and F-125 Conference Room at 12:00 PM for a peer support activity. This is a monthly program designed for SCI veterans to gather together and connect in a social and relaxed environment, socially distanced of course!
If you cannot attend in person, or if the group is at capacity, you can call into ZOOM from your room or home.
- MEETING ID: 835 1426 6166
- PHONE: +1 669 900 9128
- ONLINE: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83514266166
RESOURCES
Service
There are three offices to assist Paralyzed Veterans of America, Bay Area and Western Chapter, INC. ‘s members with their veterans’ benefits.
Palo Alto SCI Center:
Reese Levasseur, National Service Officer Candidate
VA Palo Alto SCI Center
3801 Miranda Ave.
Bldg. 7 Rm. E-101 Palo Alto, CA 94304
(650) 493-5000 x65046
reesel@pva.org
Sacramento Regional Office:
Kristel Crouse, National Service Officer Candidate
Paralyzed Veterans of America
3046 Prospect Park Rm. 120
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 364-6791
(916) 635-6126 fax
kristelc@pva.org
North Las Vegas VAMC:
Jason McDonald, Senior National Service Officer
Paralyzed Veterans of America
6900 N. Pecos Road
North Las Vegas, NV 89086
(702) 791-9000 x14458
jasonm@pva.org