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2 VETERANS Reporter News www.VeteransReporterNews.com January 15 %u2022 2025Community Engagement Strengthens at Nevada%u2019s 4th District Congressman Horsford%u2019s Office%u25a0 VRN Staff %u2022 Photos By Su PhelpsJanuary 14, 2025 In a heartfelt and informative session, Ray Popovich, a Congressional aide representing Nevada%u2019s 4th District, shared his gratitude and enthusiasm for his role under the prestigious U.S. House of Representatives Green & Gold Veterans Congressional Aide Program. He expressed his honor in working alongside Congressman Steven Horsford%u2019s team, offering assistance to constituents and advocating for veterans, local communities, and underserved populations.Joi Holliday-Sparrow, District Director for Congressman Steven Horsford, opened the session with a warm welcome to all attendees, emphasizing the team%u2019s dedication to supporting Nevada%u2019s diverse population. %u201cWe are here to help you navigate federal agencies and connect with the resources you need. Whether it%u2019s a pressing issue or an idea to improve our community, we want to hear from you,%u201d Popovich stated, reinforcing the open-door policy of the Congressman%u2019s office.As the gathering continued, several key team members took the opportunity to introduce themselves, including District Director Joy, Deputy District Director Ishmael, and specialists in areas such as Latino outreach, rural community engagement, nonprofit partnerships, and healthcare.One highlight was the introduction of Carlos, who will spearhead the office%u2019s outreach to the Latino community and handle press communications. Dasia, another team member, is dedicated to supporting nonprofits, youth mentorship programs, and healthcare initiatives. %u201cIf you have ideas for collaboration in these areas, please don%u2019t hesitate to reach out,%u201d Popovich encouraged.The event also showcased local leaders and organizations eager to work with the Congressman%u2019s office. Scott, a community advocate, emphasized how the office could assist those facing challenges with federal agencies, cutting through bureaucracy and providing direct support. Meanwhile, Kimberly from Neighborhood Housing Services of Southern Nevada spoke about the organization%u2019s commitment to affordable housing, including their new veterans%u2019 housing initiative and down payment assistance programs for low-income families.A powerful moment came when Coach Williams, founder of Iron Shop Shoppers Out Mentoring, shared the success of his youth mentoring program aimed at helping first-time offenders get back on track. His work supports youth in need and promotes personal growth, making a significant impact in the community.Military representatives, including Samuel and Robert Brooks from Creech Air Force Base, also highlighted the importance of community collaboration. %u201cWe%u2019re here to make connections that benefit the military and civilian communities alike,%u201d said Brooks, who works in public affairs at Creech, which operates unmanned aircraft missions around the world.The event was filled with an air of optimism and community spirit, with a shared commitment to supporting constituents, solving problems, and building a better future for Nevada. %u201cThe work is not hard%u2014it%u2019s heart%u2019s work,%u201d said Popovich, as he wrapped up the session, echoing the sentiment of his dedicated team.The team closed the session by encouraging everyone to share ideas and ask questions. %u201cWe are here for you, and we%u2019ll always find a way to help,%u201d assured Joy, the District Director. With the team%u2019s focus on accessibility and collaboration, the 119th Congress is poised to make significant strides for Nevada%u2019s 4th District.Popovich ended the gathering with a call to action: %u201cHold us accountable, support us, and we will get a lot done this year. We look forward to making a real difference in our communities.%u201d