To celebrate Independence Day 2025, our team had the privilege of honoring veterans and celebrating in a special way with the local veterans at the Placentia Veterans Village Independence Day Luncheon.

First and foremost, we deeply thank our dear veterans for your service to our country!

Our team hosted and sponsored food for the veterans at the Placentia Veterans Village and it was a wonderful opportunity to gather with those who’ve served our country, enjoy some classic holiday fare, and show our appreciation and gratitude in person.

Veterans have risked their lives and spent time away from their families to protect their country.  Providing a meal is a tangible, heartfelt way to say “thank you” for those sacrifices.

Many veterans, especially older or homeless ones, may feel isolated.  Sharing food fosters a sense of community and reminds them they are valued and remembered.

Across many cultures, offering food is a universal sign of care and hospitality.  Serving a meal to veterans continues that tradition of honoring guests with dignity.

Veterans can face physical or emotional challenges from their time in service.  Acts of kindness like serving food contribute to emotional healing and help rebuild a sense of normalcy and belonging.  Not everyone finds it easy to express gratitude with words.

Serving food is a quiet but powerful gesture that says: “We see you, we appreciate you, and we care.”

 

The lunch featured all the 4th of July favorites: juicy burgers, hotdogs, crispy nachos, and plenty of cold soda.

It was casual, relaxed, and filled with familiar comfort food.

Veterans and their families kicked back, shared stories, and enjoyed one another’s company.

As plates filled and conversations flowed, we heard memories of service, laughter, and even a few friendly jabs between branches of the military.

It reminded us how powerful simple moments of connection can be.

Our Independence Day Luncheon Was More Than Just a Meal for Veterans

The food was a highlight, but the real purpose of the event was connection.

We wanted to be present with the people who’ve given so much.

Veterans deserve to know that they are seen, heard, and appreciated.

We also took the opportunity to share information about the in-home care services we offer—services designed to support veterans who want to maintain their independence while receiving compassionate care.

Independence Day, celebrated on July 4th in the United States, holds deep significance because it marks the birth of the nation and the values it was founded upon.

Independence Day symbolizes the core American values of freedom, liberty, and self-governance. It’s a celebration of the right of people to determine their own destiny.

The day also honors the courage and sacrifice of those who fought in the Revolutionary War and every person since who has defended those freedoms.

Why This Independence Day Luncheon Matters to Us

At Assisting Hands, caring for veterans is deeply personal.

Many of our team members and clients have military backgrounds or family connections to service, so honoring veterans is more than a duty – it’s a privilege.

Our beloved Care Associate, Ms. Maggie Sotelo’s, own father was a veteran, a former US Marine.

Sponsoring and hosting this Independence Day luncheon was our way of saying thank you in a real and meaningful way.

A Special Thanks to Our Supporters and Sponsors for Our Independence Day Luncheon

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the local businesses who generously supported our event:

• Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant in Fullerton – for donating delicious Mexican food and standing behind our community.  Pepe’s is a comfort-meets-value spot—giant burritos, flavorful sauces, no-fuss service, and longtime community presence. It’s not haute cuisine, but it’s reliably delicious and satisfying—especially when you’re out for a hearty, budget-friendly meal.  If you’re nearby and hungry, try their bacon breakfast burrito with green chile pork sauce—a fan favorite—or their California burrito for a classic local flavor.

• Northgate Market in Placentia – for helping us make the lunch possible with their generous contributions.  Northgate González Market in Placentia is more than just a grocery store—it’s a cultural hub and neighborhood favorite, celebrated for its blend of authentic Mexican products, fresh produce, and warm community feeling. Known for top-notch produce—avocados, fruits, veggies—often priced lower than mainstream supermarkets.  Northgate Placentia shines by delivering an immersive, authentic Mexican marketplace experience—fresh bakery items, affordable produce, standout deli meals, and a warm, community-first atmosphere. Whether it’s grabbing tortillas, picking up marinated carne asada, or enjoying guac made fresh, it offers a taste of home and comfort with every visit.

• And Penny Lopez at Placentia Veterans Village, whose support and hospitality allowed us to sponsor and host this event in such a meaningful way. Penny, thank you for making us feel so welcome!

About the Placentia Veterans Village

The Placentia Veterans Village isn’t just housing—it’s a purpose-built, supportive community designed to help formerly homeless or disabled veterans rebuild their lives.

• Developed by the City of Placentia, County of Orange, Mercy Housing California, and New Directions, it offers 50 furnished apartments (49 for veterans, plus a manager’s unit) on a 3.65-acre site.

• Part of a mission to end veteran homelessness in Orange County by providing stable housing and tailored support.

• Residents receive individualized case management, including help with education, employment, healthcare, VA benefits, legal issues, and family reunification.

• Craftsman-style, 3‑story design with LEED Gold certification, energy-efficient features, solar hot water panels, and eco-friendly materials.

• Outdoor gathering spaces include a courtyard, community garden, BBQ/firepit, fruit trees, pathways, recreation room, and computer room

• Built on formerly vacant city/county land, transforming an underutilized site into a vibrant community.

• Funded via a combination of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, HUD‑VASH veteran subsidies, Section 8, and Proposition 41, alongside county and city support.

• Rather than temporary shelter, it’s a long-term home where veterans pay about 30% of their income, fostering independence and dignity.

• Recognized as one of Orange County’s first all-veteran permanent supportive housing projects.

The Placentia Veterans Village is a pioneering model—a thoughtfully engineered, sustainable community that goes beyond housing to offer veterans a holistic pathway back to stability, dignity, and opportunity. It’s a tangible way the region is honoring and supporting those who served.

Thanks for the Independence Day Luncheon Opportunity!

We are grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the day special. Celebrations like this remind us why community matters so much and strengthen our commitment to supporting veterans every day.

If you or a loved one is interested in learning more about how Assisting Hands can provide compassionate, personalized in-home care, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We’re here to help whenever you need us!

Our caregivers are licensed by the California Department of Social Services (HCA license), CPR certified, TB test cleared, insured, bonded, and fully trained. We take these steps to give you peace of mind before a caregiver ever steps into your home.

Give us a call today at 657-373-2500 to learn more.

We provide care 24/7, built around your schedule and your needs!