More than 150 representatives of La Verne, Claremont and Pomona -- the three cities served by Tri-City Mental Health Center -- cut the ribbon yesterday to officially open a new neighborhood "Wellness Center" in Pomona, providing a range of transitional services to individuals and family members experiencing mental health challenges. The new 8,000 square foot facility was funded entirely under California's Mental Health Services Act and will serve as a hub of community activities providing services for people who are well on the way to recovery -- from support groups and workshops to counseling and job training. It will be staffed by a team of 18 professionals and will enable Tri-City to double the number of Groups it offers by the beginning of next year. "Half of the homeless on the streets today are veterans and most of them have mental health issues," said La Verne Mayor Don Kendrick. Pomona City Councilmember Paula Lantz, Tri-City Mental Health Center's Board Chair, said "the teamwork that has been going on the last several years" highlights the changes as Tri-City has gone through a turnaround. "I hear great things about the wonderful work you are doing in my community, and I thank you," said Assemblymember Norma Torres. Tri-City Executive Director Jesse Duff called the facility "something we've looked forward to for two years."