All events take place at 1901 Mirabeau Avenue unless stated otherwise. The following Bastion events are open to the public – we would especially like to encourage New Orleans area veterans, military connected families, and our Gentilly neighbors to attend. Enjoy access to free wellness resources and events while learning more about the Bastion community! See details below for eligibility around veteran-specific programming like our Wellness Intensive.
See our Events Calendar for a monthly view of all weekly programs and upcoming events that are open to the public.
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Upcoming Programs for Veterans
Wellness Intensive
Bastion will be hosting our next Wellness Intensive program from January 19 to March 23.
Registration is now open, and we hope you will tell your friends and fellow Veterans about this amazing opportunity!
Register or submit your interest form here today!
This free, 10-week Wellness Intensive Program is offered to veterans and active duty service members in the greater New Orleans area. You do not have to be a Bastion community resident to participate. Weekly psychoeducation groups, highlighting the powerful role of the body in healing, will guide participants in managing symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety. This on-site program will utilize body-based and science-backed techniques centered on resilience. Participants will be given opportunities to practice new tools and techniques, connect with other veterans in a validating environment, and nurture their own wellness and post-traumatic growth.
Each week of the program, we share a meal together and participate in a holistic, educational group session, followed by a mind-body intervention. Various mind-body modalities will be available throughout the week with the expectation that each participant attends at least one per week. Options include but are not limited to yoga, walk/run/ride group, acupuncture, cupping, meditation, tai chi, art sessions, TRE (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises) and more. Participants will also be offered 1-2 individual appointments with a member of Bastion’s social work team.
Our first session will be an Orientation giving folks an opportunity to meet former participants over brunch and time to get to know your group members. Lunch and sessions will be held every Monday from 11am to 1:30pm. This January-March cohort will be a mixed group of men and women. We plan to offer a women-specific veterans wellness program later in 2026.
Please fill out the interest/registration form by January 9, even if the schedule doesn’t work for you at this time. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Our Team:
This wellness program is led by Bastion’s social work team, Lovella Calica, LCSW and EJ Bond, LCSW. Lovella has worked with veterans for more than 20 years. With a focus on mind-body interventions, she is trained in TRE and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) and certified with the Center for Mind-Body Medicine. EJ has worked with Active Duty military since 2008 and has experience treating PTSD and other mental health-related issues with Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), EMDR, Prolonged Exposure (PE), and other effective treatments. EJ is a drummer and percussionist who recognizes the value of whole-body focus in wellness and healing.
Details:
* Veterans or Active duty service members, 18 years or older
* Groups will begin on Monday, January 19th and end with a graduation program on March 23rd
* One 2-hour group session + 1 mind/body intervention or activity per week
* In-person at 1901 Mirabeau Ave., New Orleans, LA 70122
Group Psychoeducation session topics include, but are not limited to:
* The Science of Stress & Trauma
* Managing Stress/Coping Skills
* Communication & Boundaries
* Alternative Treatments for Mental Health
Contact us with any questions!
EJ Bond (504-233-3343, ej@joinbastion.org) or Lovella Calica (989-621-1934, lovella@joinbastion.org)
Future Cohorts
We plan to offer 3 Wellness Intensives in 2026. Some will accommodate those with daytime working hours, and one offering will be provided as a separate group for family members and caregivers.
Monthly Wellness Events
Adaptive Yoga Class • Monthly on Thursdays • 11am to 12pm
Led by Julie Holman, owner of Bona Fide Yoga & Wellness. This class is designed for all levels, all ages, and can adapt for chair bound participants. Julie hosts adaptive yoga for our Headway Program and opens up the class to residents and the public once per month. She also hosts a women’s yoga group on a semi-regular basis. Check out our website calendar, weekly email, or social media for updates.
Warrior Writers Workshop • Every second Thursday of the month • 5pm to 7pm
Warrior Writers is a national nonprofit that helps veterans and active duty service members connect, heal, explore creative avenues, and transform their lives through art. Warrior Writers works to create an open and accepting atmosphere to build a community of support – all veterans and active duty military are welcome, even if this is your first time visiting Bastion! Workshops are for any service member or veteran regardless of experiences with writing, combat, art, deployment, etc. This nonprofit was founded by Bastion social worker Lovella Calica. You can reach her at lovella@joinbastion.org if you have any questions or concerns regarding upcoming Warrior Writers workshops.
Weekly Resources
Coffee Cart: Monday through Friday • 9:30am to 10:45am
Coffee Cart is a time for neighbors and community members to socialize over coffee in Bastion’s Purple Heart Room. This casual gathering has historically provided vocational training opportunities for Bastion Ambassadors and creates a space for new community members to connect and learn more about what’s new at Bastion.
Tuesdays & Thursdays: Coffee served by a Bastion resident
Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays: Self-serve coffee and tea options
Tension/Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE): Wednesdays • 1:30pm to 2:30pm
Group wellness class led by staff social worker Lovella Calica, who is certified in TRE. To learn more about TRE, visit the TRE for All website.
Walking Group: Fridays • 8:30am
Community members will meet in Bastion’s Purple Heart Room before heading off for a morning walk around our beautiful Gentilly neighborhood. This is a great way to enjoy the fresh air, get some light exercise, and connect with fellow veterans and neighbors.