June is PTSD Awareness Month | |
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are about 12 million people in the United States with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Those with PTSD often feel discomfort with certain memories or are frequently on alert, and PTSD can develop in anyone who has experienced a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, combat, sexual assault, or a serious accident. In 2014, the federal government designated June as PTSD awareness month, a time to spread awareness that help is available for those living with it.
It's important to note that post-traumatic stress (PTS) is a normal, temporary stress response to a traumatic event that usually resolves relatively quickly. PTSD is a clinically diagnosed disorder characterized by long-term, severe symptoms that distrupt daily life for more than a month.
The National Center for PTSD identified four main categories of experiences for people with PTSD:
- Reliving or re-experiencing the event (Nightmares, flashbacks)
- Avoiding reminders of the event (Avoiding crowds, keeping busy at all times)
- Negative changes in feelings and beliefs (Feeling guilty, feeling that the world is dangerous)
- Hyperarousal or being on guard (Trouble sleeping, feeling jittery, being quick to anger)
However, treatment for PTSD is effective and can help people reduce or eliminate symptoms, improve relationships, cope with life's ups and downs, and find hope for the future.
We hope you'll join us in raising awareness of PTSD and that treatment is available and helpful.
If you're a veteran experiencing PTSD or you know of one, contact us today to learn more about the resources available.
| |
VOC Executive Director Meets With Lawmakers to Advocate for Safer Meds
Veterans Outreach Center Executive Director and U.S. Army veteran Laura Heltz recently took part in a nationwide fly-in on Capitol Hill. This was part of her work with Voices for Non-Opioid Choices, advocating for the "No Pain for Veterans Act," fighting to make sure our veterans have access to safer, effective non-opioid pain management options.
Together, with groups from all over the country, they met with lawmakers, shared stories, and pushed for real change that could impact countless veterans and families across the country by adding more pain management options for veterans.
|
Female Veteran Support Group Visits Seneca Falls, NY
VOC's female veterans support group, "Just Because... We are Women," recently went on its first field trip to Seneca Falls, NY.
The group visited the National Women's Hall of Fame and received a private tour before hearing a lecture about the history of the women's rights movement from a National Park Ranger.
The group also explored the Purple Heart Trail of Seneca Falls, where they discovered the name Aleda Lutz, a WWII Army Nurse, for whom a VA hospital in Michigan is named. Her name is one of only two female veterans on the trail.
Next, they toured the Ripples of Change trail with statues and stories dedicated to the women's rights and anti-slavery movements. They also saw the homes of Emilie Bloomer and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
In addition to being known as the home of women's rights, Seneca Falls was the filming location for the movie "It's a Wonderful Life." The group saw the iconic bridge from that film, along with other memorabilia.
The group enjoyed an inspirational, sunny day of learning about the history of the women's rights movement and the remarkable women who fought for the rights women have today
Our thanks go to WHEC/News10 for providing a generous grant to fund this trip.
| | Vets Learn About Therapy Pets | |
Studies show that positive interactions between humans and dogs lead to improved mood, reduced negative emotions, and lower anxiety.
In partnership with Lollypop Farm and Tilly's Place, our Vets With Pets program recently hosted a Therapy Dogs 101 class where veterans learned about therapy dogs, emotional support dogs, and service dogs. They also learned about animal-assisted therapy and how these dogs support their handlers.
| | VOC Veteran Selected as 2026 ESL Heart of Service Award Winner | |
Every year, News10 teams up with ESL Federal Credit Union to highlight those who make a difference in our community. This year, they received over 130 applications and had the tough task of narrowing them down to just five winners.
VOC veteran Emil Anderson was selected as a winner for helping his fellow veterans at VOC and working with children to teach them the importance of supporting the community.
| | 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.
A discounted registration fee is available for all veterans and active-duty military, and they have the opportunity for their branch to win the Battle of the Branches and get their branch name on the Golden Boot!
| Don't Miss VOC's 2026 Special Events! | | Community Comrades: Friends of VOC | | |
We'd like to extend a huge thank you to our friends at First American Equipment Finance for volunteering their time to do some landscaping work to ensure VOC's grounds are a clean and welcoming place for our veterans.
Thank you for your continued commitment to our veteran community!
| | Thank you to RTS and The Aquinas Institute of Rochester for volunteering to pack hundreds of volunteer bags for our upcoming Flag Day campaign on June 12th - 14th! These volunteers played a major role in helping us raise critical funds for our free services for local veterans. Thank you for your support of VOC! | | Join the Veterans Outreach Center Support Force | |
Every day, veterans from every branch and service era in our community turn to Veterans Outreach Center for assistance with workforce development, health and wellness services, housing, and more. As the nation's oldest community-based nonprofit serving veterans, we're able to continue doing that because of the community of caring supporters who stand beside those who served our country.
An easy way to support VOC and local veterans is by joining our Support Force, making you a sustaining monthly donor dedicated to ensuring veterans and their families can count on us for anything they might need. Monthly giving provides reliable, ongoing funding so we can respond quickly to urgent needs and continue our life-changing programs year-round. Even a small monthly gift can make a major impact when combined with the generosity of a community that believes no veteran should face life's challenges alone.
| |
As our thanks for joining the Support Force, you will receive a specially designed Support Force Challenge Coin, a meaningful symbol of commitment, service, and solidarity with the veterans we proudly serve.
Become part of a mission that honors courage with action. Join the Support Force today and stand with those who stood for us.
For more information, visit our website or contact our Director of Planned Giving & Strategic Partnerships, Joan Brandenburg, at 585.295.7821 or Joan.Brandenburg@vocroc.org.
|
| The Armory: Resources You Can Use Today | |
The Morale Center
The Morale Center is a welcoming space where veterans can focus on personal care and well-being. Services include access to the veteran fitness center, laundry facilities, barber/salon services, massage therapy, and more, all designed to support overall wellness and boost morale in a comfortable, veteran-centered environment.
What's Available at the Morale Center:
- Hydro Massage Chair
- Laundry
- Barber/Salon
- Reiki
- Fitness Center
- & More!
| |
|
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.
| | | | |
