May is Military Appreciation Month & Mental Health Month | |
This May, the intersection of Military Appreciation Month and Mental Health Awareness Month puts a national spotlight on a truth we live by every single day: true support means caring for the whole veteran. While our nation rightly pauses to honor the service and sacrifice of our military members, we must also fiercely advocate for their well-being long after they take off the uniform.
The transition to civilian life can carry invisible burdens, which is why Veterans Outreach Center is dedicated to providing cost-free, trauma-informed behavioral health services, proactive wellness activities, and crucial peer connection spaces year-round. We invite our community to stand with us, break the stigma surrounding mental health, and empower our local heroes to thrive mentally, physically, and emotionally in the civilian world.
| |
Hiking for Health
This year for Earth Day, VOC's Outdoor Group hiked six miles along the Genesee Riverway Trail and collected eight bags of trash. Not only did they boost their own physical and mental health through hiking and peer connections, but they also improved the planet's health!
| | | VOC Hosts Volunteer Appreciation Party | | |
We hosted our annual Volunteer Appreciation Party on Thursday, April 23rd, to recognize and celebrate the hard work of VOC's volunteers! Their commitment and passion are critical to our mission of serving those who served U.S.
Congratulations to VOC Volunteer, Don, for winning the Bank of America Volunteer of the Year Award. Thank you for helping us make a difference in the lives of local veterans.
To all of our volunteers, thank you for everything you do to help us advocate for all veterans. Your kindness and generosity inspire us every day.
| | |
Giving! It Does a Body Good
Joan Brandenburg, Director of Planned Giving & Strategic Partnerships
It is better to give than to receive. We have heard that statement time and again. Research shows that generous acts trigger the release of oxytocin and dopamine, creating a chemical change in your body, called a “helper’s high.” Research from Harvard has demonstrated that charitable giving and volunteering provide remarkable health benefits.
Read More >>
| | |
What is VOC's Quartermaster and How Does it Work?
Trevor Jonas, Supportive Services Assistant Manager
Our Quartermaster is a completely free, on-site hub offering food, clothing, and vital hygiene items to veterans and their families. It’s located at VOC’s main office at 447 South Ave., Rochester, NY, 14620 and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Read More >>
| | On the Horizon: Upcoming Events | | The Six Strong Challenge is Live! | | |
Taking place during Military Appreciation Month, we're pitting the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force against each other in a head-to-head fundraising tournament to see who can raise the most to empower Rochester's veterans, and it starts today!
Which branch will be the first-ever Six Strong Challenge Champion?
| | |
Here's How to Participate:
You don’t need to have served; just pick a side.
Head to our Six Strong Challenge webpage and invest at least $6 (just $1 for each branch).
Every dollar acts as a "vote" to push your favorite branch to the top. Most importantly, 100% of the proceeds directly fuel the cost-free career training, emergency housing, wellness programs, and more that support our local veterans.
| |  | |
Gear Up While Giving Back:
Donate at least $50 and receive a FREE VOC cooler bag!
Plus: We are randomly selecting one donor of ANY amount each week to win a gift!
| | |
Pound the Ground Registration is Open!
Don't miss the early bird pricing!
| | |
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.
Early bird registration is officially open, but don't wait! Prices increase after May 31st! We are also proud to offer special discounted pricing for all veterans and active-duty military. Secure your spot on the starting line and lock in the lowest rate.
| Don't Miss VOC's 2026 Special Events! More Details Coming Soon! | | Community Comrades: Friends of VOC | | Our thanks go to Howe & Rusling, who hosted their Pickleball Charity Classic on April 11th, with proceeds supporting Veterans Outreach Center. Hosted at Fairport Pickleball Club, participants of all skill levels played round-robin pool play, culminating in playoff brackets that ultimately determined the pickleball champion. It was a fun event, and we appreciate Howe & Rusling and the community for their support of VOC and local veterans! | | | QCDs Are a Smart Giving Choice | |
A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA to Veterans Outreach Center is probably one of the smartest financial decisions you can make. If you are 71 years old or older, you can make a gift to VOC directly from your taxable IRA and avoid being pushed into a higher income tax bracket in the future.
QCDs are made directly to VOC from a traditional IRA, inherited IRA, inactive Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan, and inactive Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) IRAs. (Inactive SEP and SIMPLE IRAs are accounts that no longer receive employer contributions.)
The process is simple with the gift being directly transferred to VOC. Your IRA custodian can send an electronic transfer of funds or a check directly to VOC. For a QCD to count toward your minimum annual IRA distribution, it must be made by the same deadline as a normal distribution, which would be December 31, 2026.
Start the conversation now with your investment consultant to make sure that you understand the personal benefits of supporting our veterans through a QCD.
For more information, please contact our Director of Planned Giving & Strategic Partnerships, Joan Brandenburg, at 585.295.7821 or Joan.Brandenburg@vocroc.org.
Veterans Outreach Center is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The information provided here does not constitute legal or financial advice. We strongly encourage you to consult with your attorney, financial advisor, or estate planner to determine the best planned giving strategy for your family.
|
| The Armory: Resources You Can Use Today | |
The Fitness Center at VOC
Our climate-controlled fitness center offers a safe, welcoming space for veterans and their families to decompress, exercise, and connect with others. Designed for all fitness levels, the center provides individualized support and features lockers for personal belongings. Access is free to any veteran. Just schedule a brief appointment with a VOC Care Manager to verify veteran status and get started.
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Gym Equipment:
- Treadmill
- Stationary Bikes
- Pully Weight Machines
- Free Weights
- Medicine Balls
- Kettlebells
- Locker Room with Shower
- Heavy Punching Bag
| |
|
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.
| | | | |
