In an effort to ensure veterans and their families are as informed as possible about COVID-19, we have compiled a list of resources and updates.
Read MoreIf you have been laid off or displaced from your employment due to the current national health crisis, please note the following:
Read MoreHello friends,
Let me start by saying how proud I am to be a part of Veterans Outreach Center and this community. When we initially shared news of the New York State funding cut and called on you, the community, you responded in full force. You shared our story; you made a financial contribution; and overall you showed us just how much you care about veterans, their families, and the services Veterans Outreach Center provides.
Read MoreAt Veterans Outreach Center, we are dedicated to ensuring that our local veterans have the services and support they need to thrive after military service. From employment services and transitional housing, to Veterans Treatment Court and massage therapy, we have a wide variety of services to support veterans who may be grappling with the lingering effects of combat, social isolation, or other transitional challenges. However, without the support of our local communities and legislators, the critical work we do every day is not possible.
Read MoreThere are over 63,000 veterans living in Monroe County and the Fingerlakes Region. Each of them have shown their love of country through military service. Starting June 13 through June 16, hundreds of volunteers will be handing out free flags across the region to call attention to issues facing veterans today. This four-day event serves to honor the symbol of our nation and help raise money for needed services at VOC.
Read MoreVeterans Outreach Center is looking for six veterans interested in a career as an armed security guard. Thanks to a generous donation, these veterans will be funded for a free 47-hour armed guard certification through Valor Training Group. Classes are anticipated to begin in July, and slots are on a first-come first-served basis. Class schedule is TBD based upon trainer and shooting range schedules.
Read MoreVeterans Outreach Center is partnering with OACES to offer a free introductory class to their full electrical program, which is free for veterans. Participants will learn basic electrical theory and residential wiring in a hands-on setting. Those that complete the eight classes will receive a certificate of completion, and many students are placed in the industry after they successfully complete the full-time OACES course.
Read More5/11/2019 - Blind Draw Dart Tournament/Fundraiser at My Apartment Bar & Grill/Fundraiser with 50/50 and % of total sales from bar to VOC
5/18/2019 - Ruck for Roc 4.0 at 293 Peck Road / food and money collected to benefit Richards House
5/27/2019 - Pet$avers /Store Promotion benefitting VOC / All Stores / Donation of 10% of Store Proceeds on Memorial Day benefit VOC
April is National Volunteer Month! We salute all of our volunteers and are thankful for EACH AND EVERY ONE during this month and all year! We could not serve those who serve U.S. without their tireless dedication and commitment to VOC.
Read MoreCome visit the store or check us out online, www.eflagstore.com, to see the new branch motto merchandise! All designs were created by Stars and Stripes, The Flag Store and printed locally. Show support of our military branches and Veterans Outreach Center with your purchase.
Read MoreWhen active military personnel need supplies and provisions, they are usually told to “See the Quartermaster.” At VOC, our Quartermaster Program serves a similar purpose. We count on the generosity of others to be able to provide food and clothing to our veterans and their families. The VOC Quartermaster Program has been in full operation since August of 2018. Under the supervision of Tammara Van Sickle, hundreds of at risk veterans each year acquire suits and professional attire for job interviews, court appearances or other formal occasions. They also receive cold weather gear including coats, hats and gloves.
Read MoreThe United Way Campaign is going on now! When the time comes to fill out your donor form, consider directing your campaign commitment to support veterans in your community with our United Way donor designation ID # 1119. We can send a United message to every veteran that Rochester cares. Your generosity provides food, clothing, shelter, employment training and so much more for veterans and their families.
Read MoreKristie Robertson-Coyne joined the Veterans Outreach Center Board of Directors in March. As the Senior Director of Advancement at University of Rochester’s Wilmot Cancer Center, Kristie is excited about putting her extensive experience to work on behalf of the veterans we serve.
Read MoreVOC Executive Director Laura Stradley, Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo and local officials paid tribute to Vietnam Veterans during the county’s annual “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” at the Roger Robach Community Center on March 29th. First proclaimed in 2012 and then officially designated in 2017 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day, the holiday is marked by ceremonies and celebration across the U.S.
Read MoreGroundbreaking ceremonies for the new VOC Liberty Landing affordable housing complex were held Friday, April 5th at the corner of Scio and Delevan Streets! Once complete, the 33-unit apartment building will give housing preference to veterans and their families. Moreover, 10 of the units will be set aside entirely for service-disabled and / or homeless veterans. VOC Liberty Landing is a combined effort between Conifer Realty, LLC and VOC. It will be the first permanent housing complex specifically dedicated to housing veterans in Monroe County!
Read MoreWhen the VA opens its new clinic on Calkins Road in July, 2019, veterans will have front door public transportation service thanks to the advocacy of Gary Gould and the members of the Veterans Transportation Council.
Read More2018 was a year of great accomplishment for the Employment and Training Program at VOC. More than 500 veterans seeking employment and job skills development were served. Lives were altered and career paths were solidified for many veterans like Michael C., who is well on his way to self-fulfillment.
Read MoreVOC Executive Director Laura Stradley will be recognized as a 2019 Women of Excellence recipient and honoree by the Rochester Business Journal and the community at large on Thursday, May 9th at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.
Read MoreSpring always brings a sense of renewal and excitement, a time to embrace new ideas and get a fresh perspective. At Veterans Outreach Center, we asked the men and women we serve, what is their greatest need? Their answers have helped formulate the program structure and launch of the new VOC Morale Center for Health and Healing.
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