All events take place at 1825 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
UPDATE: Bastion’s Cohort 6 Wellness Intensive (April – June 2026) is now full.
If you are a veteran caretaker or family member interested in our summer cohort, please fill out the interest form so we can provide updates about future opportunities.
We will have 2 more groups in 2026. The next group will be for family members & caregivers during the summer, final dates TBD. Our last veterans group for this calendar year will begin in August and will likely take place after working hours (around 5:30-7:30pm). Dates and details forthcoming.
Bastion is offering a free, 10-week Wellness Intensive for veterans and active duty service members in the greater New Orleans area (you do not have to be a Bastion resident). Weekly psycho-education 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. Together we will build a supportive and open community. Participants will be given opportunities to practice new tools and techniques, connect with other veterans in a validating environment, and nurture Post Traumatic Growth.
Every week, we will break bread together, lead a psycho-education class and complete a mind-body practice. Throughout the week, each participant has the opportunity to attend various mind-body modalities including but not limited to yoga, walk/run/ride group, acupuncture, meditation, tai chi, art-making, TRE (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises) and more.
This 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.
Participants will also be offered 1-2 individual appointments with a Bastion social worker. Our first session will be an Orientation, giving folks an opportunity to meet former participants over a meal and a chance to get to know your group members.
Cohort 6 details:
- Veterans or Active duty service members, 18 years or older
- 10 weeks, from April 23 – June 25
- Class meets weekly on Thursdays from 1pm-3pm
- In-person at 1825 Mirabeau Ave., New Orleans, LA 70122
Group Psycho-education session topics include, but not limited to:
- The Science of Stress & Trauma
- Managing Stress/Coping Skills
- Communication & Boundaries
- Alternative Treatments for Mental Health
Email Lovella at lovella@joinbastion.org or ej@joinbastion.org if you have any questions.
Monthly Wellness Events
Wellness Wednesdays • 1:30pm to 2:30pm
Join us for TRE (tension/trauma releasing exercises) and other powerful mind-body wellness sessions every Wednesday at 1:30pm. Thanks to our new Wellness Intensive program, we’re bringing in outside practitioners to provide yoga, meditation, sound baths, art therapy, and other free wellness sessions. Visit our calendar to see what specific class is offered each week.
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 morning coffee. This casual gathering creates a space for new community members to connect and learn more about what’s new at Bastion. Typically, a veteran resident or program participant serves as barista
Tension/Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE): Every other Wednesday • 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. This offering is now every other week – please check our calendar for specific dates.
Walking Group: Fridays • 9am
Community members will meet at Bastion’s Veteran Wellness Center 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.
Veteran Sobriety Support Group: Wednesdays • 12pm to 1pm
Bastion offers a peer-led veteran sobriety support group every week. Drop-ins are welcome. The only prerequisite is a desire for a sober lifestyle at this time.