A Message From the Executive Director | |
Greetings,
We're already eight months into the year, and what a busy and exciting eight months it's been.
You may recall that in 2025, the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) federal grant we had received for more than 25 years was cut from Veterans Outreach Center, resulting in the loss of half a million dollars in funding to help homeless veterans gain meaningful employment in the community. While this certainly injected some unforeseen challenges into our staffing, operations, and ability to serve local veterans, it also allowed us to take a hard look at our Employment & Training program and reinvent it.
Our new Workforce Development model supports both immediate/emergency job placement and helps underemployed veterans upskill and rise up professionally. We've also partnered with hiring businesses to help them find qualified veteran talent for their open roles. We turned our Stars & Stripes Flag Store into a vocational training opportunity and are months away from launching our newest venture: JJ's Bark & Bean. This will be a dog-friendly coffee shop which will also employ veterans in our Workforce Development program and help them learn the skills needed to be successful in today's workforce.
As we've continued to see success with this new model, I'm pleased to share that our application for the most recent round of HVRP funding was approved, providing us with more than $1 million in funding over the next three years. This funding is incredibly important to VOC to help us continue our mission of serving veterans with compassion and advocating for all who have worn our nation’s uniform so they can RISE and live life to the fullest.
Paired with our reinvigorated Workforce Development program, the HVRP grant will ensure that local veterans and businesses have a place to help them grow while also stimulating the local economy.
Sincerely,
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Laura Heltz
Executive Director
Veterans Outreach Center
U.S. Army Veteran
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We had an incredible time at our 33rd Annual Golf Fore Vets Tournament presented by Pepsi!
Thank you to Midvale Country Club for hosting us, as well as to all the golfers, sponsors, and volunteers who made this event a huge success. A special thank you to Lake Beverage Corporation, Marketview Liquor, and Pepsi for donating all of the beverages our golfers enjoyed on the course!
With every swing, you helped us raise crucial funds to support the free services Veterans Outreach Center provides to local heroes.
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Enrollment is open at Forged by Valor's Fall Cohort
Their comprehensive program provides a strong foundation in various welding processes, blueprint reading, fabrication techniques, and essential industry knowledge. Their veteran-led team can help you get real-world skills through hands-on experience! VOC has funds available to help keep this program free for veterans.
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Vets With Pets Program Hosts WNY Heroes for Veteran Service Dogs Presentation
Join WNY Heroes at VOC to learn how they help veterans who are medically referred by the VA or their healthcare provider get highly trained service dogs – 447 South Ave., Rochester, NY. WNY Heroes is committed to restoring independence, confidence, and quality of life through the power of expertly trained service dogs.
WNY Heroes Pawsitive for Heroes Presentation
Friday, August 14th
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Veterans Outreach Center
447 South Ave
Rochester, NY 14620
For questions or to RSVP, contact Nena Siverd, Vets With Pets Program Manager, at Nena.Siverd@vococ.org or 585.295.7818.
| | On the Horizon: Upcoming Events | | Pound the Ground for Veterans! | | |
It is time to lace up and hit the trail for a mission that matters. On August 20th, join us at Mendon Ponds Park for Pound the Ground, our annual run/walk dedicated to fueling the success of Rochester’s veterans. Whether you are aiming to set a personal best or simply want to enjoy an evening walk, every step funds the cost-free career, housing, wellness programs, and more our local veterans rely on.
Discounted registration is available for all veterans and active-duty military. They also have the opportunity to win the Battle of the Branches and get their branch name on the Golden Boot!
Register today at the button below!
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Get Your Tickets for A Stars & Stripes Celebration
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Join Veterans Outreach Center at our signature event, A Stars & Stripes Celebration, presented by Bank of America. Our signature event features a fun cocktail reception, photos with military vehicles, an incredible silent auction, a moving ceremony, and closes out with dessert and dancing. It's equal parts celebration and moving tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Click the button below to purchase your tickets today!
| | Don't Miss VOC's 2026 Special Events! | | Community Comrades: Friends of VOC | |
Congratulations to all the teams who recently participated in the NY State American League Senior Baseball Tournament. Our gratitude goes out to all of the members of American Legion Greece Post 468 who hosted the tournament at Penfield High School.
Proceeds from the tournament will benefit local veterans served at Veterans Outreach Center.
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Thank you to the amazing Constellation Military Actively Connected team at Constellation /Ginna Power Plant for supporting Veterans Outreach Center with their T-shirt fundraiser and food drive!
We were honored to give Don, Meghan, and Wade a tour of VOC to show them the services available to veterans in our community.
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Planning for the Future
August is Make a Will Month
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4 Frequently Asked Questions About Wills in NYS
1. What is a will for?
- Leave your property to people or organizations
- Name a personal guardian to care for your minor children
- Name a trusted person to manage property you leave to minor children
- Name an executor, the person who makes sure the terms of your will are carried out
2. What happens if I die without a will?
- In New York, your property will go to your closest relatives, beginning with your spouse and children
- If the court finds that you don't have any living relatives, the state will take your property
3. How to revoke or change your will in NY:
- Physically destroy it
- Order someone else to destroy it in front of you and two other witnesses
- Making a new will
4. Steps to create a will in NY
- Decide what property to include in your will
- Decide who will inherit your property
- Choose an executor to handle your estate
- Choose a guardian for your children
- Choose someone to manage children's property
- Make your will
- Sign your will in front of witnesses
- Store your will safely
If you're a veteran interested in learning more about wills or creating one, VOC offers our Lawyer for a Day program thanks to our partnership with JustCause and the Veterans Committee of the Monroe County Bar Association. You can also receive free legal consultations and guidance for housing, benefits, family law, and more.
Lawyer for a Day is hosted on the second Wednesday of every month from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at Veterans Outreach Center, 447 South Ave., Rochester, NY 14620.
If you're interested in including VOC in your will or as part of your overall estate plan, please contact Joan Brandenburg, Director of Planned Giving & Strategic Partnerships, at Joan.Brandenburg@vocroc.org or 585.295.7821.
Source: https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/new-york-make-will-31735.html
| | The Armory: Resources You Can Use Today | |
Health & Wellness Services
Taking care of your health and well-being is an important part of life after service. That’s why Veterans Outreach Center, Inc. provides a range of veteran health and wellness services at our facility in Rochester, NY, to support every veteran’s physical, emotional, and mental health. From peer support and fitness programs to counseling and wellness activities, we’re here to help you stay connected and supported.
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Our mission is to serve veterans with compassion and advocate for all who have worn our nation’s uniform so they can RISE and live life to the fullest.
Since 1973, Veterans Outreach Center has been committed to improving the quality of life for veterans and their families by offering free, veteran-specific services, including workforce development, residential services, health & wellness services, and more.
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