A 250th Anniversary Message From the Executive Director | |
Hello,
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the creation of the United States of America. 250 years of change, adversity, and growth. Through it all, the U.S. Armed Forces have navigated wars and times of peace. From the Revolutionary War through today’s modern conflicts, brave individuals have stepped up, made sacrifices, and put their lives and families on hold to take the oath to protect the Constitution of the United States. That’s not a sacrifice any of us should take lightly or for granted.
Of our country’s 250 years, we’re honored to have been a part of it for the past 53 of them, starting when a group of Vietnam War veterans came together because they wanted to do more for their brothers and sisters in arms. What started as a humble, grassroots mission to help returning veterans find jobs and have someone to talk to has grown into today’s VOC, where we support 2,000 veterans every year with life-changing and sometimes life-saving programs and services.
From all of us at Veterans Outreach Center, thank you for your support of VOC and local veterans. And happy birthday to the USA!
Sincerely,
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Laura Heltz
Executive Director
Veterans Outreach Center
U.S. Army Veteran
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We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make Flag Day 2026 a success. Thank you to everyone who supported our campaign, including the 100+ amazing volunteers who donated their time to help us give back to veterans.
We would also like to thank all of our sponsors, corporate partners, and local businesses that hosted our Flag Day volunteers. Your commitment to the veteran community is inspiring!
Because of YOU, we can continue providing critically needed services to those who served U.S.
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VOC Attends National Coalition for Homeless Veterans 2026 Annual Conference
Veterans Outreach Center’s Director of Programs, Loni Wellman, attended the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans 2026 Annual Conference as a Bob Woodruff Foundation scholarship recipient.
The Annual Conference brought together service providers, federal partners, advocates, researchers, and community stakeholders from across the country for several days of learning, collaboration, and commitment to ending veteran homelessness. It was a great opportunity to connect with others doing this work, exchange ideas, and bring back knowledge that strengthens our ability to serve veterans and their families here in our community.
We’re proud to be a member of the Bob Woodruff Foundation’s GotYour6 Network. We are grateful to the Bob Woodruff Foundation and Craig Newmark Philanthropies for providing a scholarship to attend the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans Conference, enhancing our ability to support service members, veterans, their families, and caregivers.
Thank you to the Bob Woodruff Foundation and Craig Newmark Philanthropies for investing in this work and in the communities coming together to ensure no veteran is left behind.
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Vets With Pets Program Hosts Pet First Aid Class
In partnership with Lollypop Farm and Safety Team Solutions, VOC's Vets With Pets program hosted a Pet First Aid workshop that covered checking vital signs, recognizing health red flags, and CPR/first aid for cats and dogs. This workshop gave veterans the skills to respond to pet health emergencies, and we appreciate having local experts share their knowledge!
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DAF Giving Made Easy
Joan Brandenburg, Director of Planned Giving & Strategic Partnerships
Supporting the causes you care about should feel simple, meaningful, and impactful. A donor-advised fund (DAF) is one of the easiest and most flexible ways to make charitable gifts while maximizing your philanthropic goals.
Read More >>
| | 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!
| Don't Miss VOC's 2026 Special Events! | | Community Comrades: Friends of VOC | | |
We recently welcomed Canandaigua National Bank, including military veterans from their staff, as they delivered a donation for our Workforce Development program. Thanks to their support, we're able to continue assisting veterans gain the skills needed to find meaningful employment, learn new skills, and connect businesses with local veteran talent.
Thank you, CNB, for your continued partnership and for investing in local veterans!
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Thank you to Safran Federal Systems for choosing VOC as the beneficiary of their half-year employee appreciation event fundraiser! The event included a DJ, cornhole, and local food, but the main feature was the dunk tank, where Safran Federal Systems team members donated for the chance to send their executives into the water. The executive team then matched the total amount raised for double the impact.
Thank you for your support of VOC and local veterans!
| | The Armory: Resources You Can Use Today | |
Scholarship Opportunities
At Veterans Outreach Center, we believe a veteran’s legacy of service should pave the way for their family’s future success. We've identified a variety of educational and skilled-trade scholarships designed to support Rochester-area veterans as they pursue higher education or specialized career training.
Note: Veterans Outreach Center is only affiliated with Forged by Valor welding school and RIT’s CEMA. The other opportunities listed operate independently from VOC.
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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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