Tierney Center

At the Tierney Center for Veteran Services, a fellow veteran will navigate you through quality veteran resources and services in Orange County at no cost. With a host of community partners and local organizations working together, veteran services include but are not limited to:

• Basic Needs - Clothing, Food, Childcare, etc.
• Employment Assistance
• Faith-Based Resources
• Housing Resources
• VA Benefits
• Education Resources
• Behavioral Health Services
• Legal Assistance
• Transportation
• Financial Counseling and Assistance
• Peer Support Services
• Emergency Financial Aid

The Tierney Center's dedicated team of fellow veterans will help you navigate resources and streamline your access to services. With a one-on-one navigator, we focus on you, your family and your specific needs. We will be with you every step of the way. Reach out to us today and talk with a fellow veteran about how the Tierney Center can help you receive the services and benefits you have earned and deserve.

The Tierney Team

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Michael wears multiple hats as Operations Manager ensuring the operational success of both the Outreach and Employment teams, while maintaining the collaboration and continuity of our in-house partners and 100+ veteran-supporting organizations. His keen ability to manage the breadth and depth of several programs, with attention to detail and well-honed communication skills, stems from multiple roles in Community and Homeless Outreach Teams, including his alum experience in Leadership Tomorrow. Michael is a US Marine Corps and Law Enforcement veteran and holds a BA and MA in Business Administration.

Michael Carter Operations Manager
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran



Cristian, Marine Corps veteran, leads a multifaceted team focused on job placement as Employment and Training Supervisor. He is highly experienced in navigating veterans through the intricate claims and appeals process for service disability benefits (VSO) and is a Disabilities Specialist. As a Certified Peer Navigator, he is skilled in transitioning military veterans to civilian life and has extensive experience with the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, assisting with job training, resumes, and job search. Cristian holds a BA in Human Services and continues his MA in Rehabilitation Counseling.

Cristian Cabrera Employment and Training Supervisor
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran



David is a highly motivated and experienced team asset as Employment Specialist, where he applies his education and experience in maximizing educational benefits for veterans and ensuring their suitable and sustainable employment. His dual-hat approach, balancing educational needs with employment opportunities, remains a long-term-success factor for all veterans. David is a US Marine Corps veteran, Professional Expert in Veteran Education Benefits, and skilled in the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program. He holds a BA in Human Services and continues his MA in Rehabilitation Counseling.

David Negreros Employment Specialist
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran



Manny brings a variety of communication talents to veterans as Employment Specialist. Veterans benefit from his expertise and training in mock interviews and writing effective resumes, which benefit veterans immensely as they transition from the military to civilian workforce. His program experience in WIOA and VEAP are equally valued as a pathway to job security delivering reduced cost and stress to the veteran. Manny is a US Marine Corps veteran with a BA in Communications and Public Relations and continuing his MA in Rehabilitation Counseling.

Manny De Anda Employment Specialist
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran



Jade serves as Outreach Supervisor, where she leads her team specializing in the critical first contact with veterans. Her holistic approach addresses multiple needs simultaneously, whether employment, housing, mental health, re-entry, and more. She also co-chairs the OCVMFC Housing Working Group, addressing veteran housing challenges, including homelessness and unstable housing environments. She holds an AA in Human Services, and Certifications as a Peer Support Specialist and in Drug and Alcohol counseling. Her passion for veterans lives as the granddaughter of a decorated WWII Marine Corps veteran.

Jade Smith Veterans Outreach Supervisor
U.S. Marine Corps Family Connected



Bryant brings specialty expertise in mental and behavioral health and wellness and serves as an Outreach Specialist. He is a Marine Corps veteran, Marriage and Family therapist, and Certified Peer Support Specialist. You may also see him engaging students at a college outreach event. He also supports children with autism and assists families with couples counseling, affordable housing and shelter, and addresses food scarcity issues and food pantry operations. Bryant has a BA and MA in Psychology and always pursuing enhanced education.

Bryant Powell Outreach Specialist
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran



Andrew serves as Outreach Specialist and the glue that’s unseen, but mission essential. As the team engages veterans, he ensures that their needs and progress are trackable and accessible by the right people at the right time. His software expertise ensures veterans are not lost in the ‘system’ and have timely follow-ups and reassurances. Equally proficient as graphic designer, Andrew supports the marketing campaigns that share the Tierney story through multiple channels. Andrew is a US Marine Corps veteran with a BA in Studio Art and Graphic Design.

Andrew Blanco Outreach Specialist
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran



Patrick serves as Outreach Specialist unique to pre-9/11 veterans. As a USAF Vietnam veteran, Patrick understands the challenges of our more senior veterans, who need a generational advocate for their service-connected claims, how they can apply their veteran benefits to their spouse and children, and simply have a face-to-face discussion. His relationship-building style and motivational talks inspire others, while he listens, researches and finds creative paths moving forward. Patrick holds a BA in Speech Communication and is a Certified Peer Support Specialist.

Patrick Thomson Outreach Specialist
U.S. Air Force Vietnam Veteran

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