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10/21/24- Drug take back day is a great opportunity to clean out those medication cabinets. Here are a few opportunities we've heard about locally. Medication drop boxes are also available across the region. Find one convenient for you here: Year-Round Drop-Off Locations - Search Utility 

10/17/24- Seneca County Dwyer has arrived! Bring a guest to enjoy chair yoga, grab coffee at a Veterans only event, or bring the whole family to play some board games and eat some pizza. RSVP here: https://www.vocwny.org/seneca-county

Want to learn more about the Dwyer programs? This *new* website has a ton of great information: https://www.josephpdwyerpeerproject.org/

10/16/24- The Seneca County Dwyer program is officially launching! The peer support specialist has already been hired and events will be starting soon. Stay tuned!

10/12/24- Lagana Plumbing & Heating is offering a new & completely FREE furnace install to a Veteran who needs it in Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, or Yates counties. Know a Veteran that could really use this? Nominate them here: Veteran Furnace Giveaway Application (google.com) 

10/7/24- Wonder Windows will be installing windows at no charge to a local Veteran. Do you know a Veteran that could use this incredible service? Nominate them here: https://www.wonderwindows.com/wonder-veterans-giveaway

10/2/24- November is National Family Caregiver Month and the VA Finger Lakes Caregiver Support Program has lots of great activities planned. Check out the flyers on our social media pages or call Melissa for more information at 585-364-9210

9/25/24- If you're a NY Veteran or service member who is expecting or has kids at home we've got a really neat opportunity for you! The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services is partnering with Carnegie Hall to offer a chance to work side-by-side with professional songwriters to create a one-of-a-kind song for your child!

This unique chance will be brought to you completely free of charge through Carnegie Hall’s Lullaby Project. No prior musical experience is necessary to participate. Each participant will be matched with a professional song writing artist. Together you will come up with the themes that you want expressed in that lullaby, what style(s) of music you want to exemplify in the song, what language you would like the lullaby to be written in, and other key details.

Once finished, you will be able to receive a digital recording of this lullaby, a one-of-a-kind gift to bestow upon your child that comes directly from your heart.

The meetings can take place entirely online. Even individuals who are living overseas can partake in this unique opportunity. Spots are limited so email today if you are interested: Benjamin.pomerance@veterans.ny.gov

9/18/24- The Vietnam Veteran and War on Terror Memorials needs some TLC as winter approaches. Join the clean up crew on October 26th from 8AM-12PM. It would be helpful (but not required) if you could bring some yard tools with you (rakes, gloves, bucket, rags, string trimmer, and/or something to scrape with such as an old screwdriver or putty knives).

9/17/24- Base Camp Brunch at Equicenter is a drop in program for any interested Veteran. They now meet every Wednesday from 10-1. The Nature Based Therapy program is accepting registration for their winter workshops and their outdoor treatment groups starting in 2025. Please contact Liz if you are interested at ElizabethBrooks@monroecounty.gov

9/1/24- Today is the start of suicide prevention month. This is us shouting from the roof tops that you are not alone and people do care about YOU. Support is available 24/7. Please reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 if you could use a bit of support and please do those buddy checks. Head to the suicide prevention tab on our website to learn about lethal means safety, how to get free gun locks, where to dispose of unneeded medications, and upcoming dates for suicide prevention classes. We have to work together to reduce suicide so please consider taking one of the many available classes to learn some life saving skills. https://www.rocveterans.org/suicide-prevention

8/30/24- Start the holiday weekend with some fishing! Saturday 8/31 is a free fishing day. Free fishing days offer the ability to fish without a freshwater fishing license. If you don't have equipment there is a whole network of places across the state you can borrow rods, bobbers, and hooks from. Learn more about free fishing days and the loaner program here:  Learn To Fish - NYSDEC 

8/30/24- Veterans have been able to get free RTS bus passes for a while, but now VOC can provide passes that are good for 5 years! Contact Kristin at kristin.calcagno@vocroc.org if you are interested

8/26/24- This week is overdose awareness week-a time to remember those we have lost to overdose and work to end these tragic deaths. In addition to some great community events, VA will have teams tabling at the Bath, Rochester, and Canandaigua VAs on August 30th. 

Naloxone is a lifesaving medication used for the emergency treatment of an opioid overdose. It's an important part of any first aid kit! VA provides Naloxone to Veterans who may benefit from having it free of charge. Monroe County residents can also take Naloxone training (virtually or in person) and receive a free kit through the County Health Department. Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../monroe-county-opioid...

There are lots of options for treatment and prevention out there. You are not alone #IGY6

8/23/24- Yesterday one of our team members had the best time at EquiCenter, Inc. touring the property and learning more about the Nature Based Therapy program offered through Monroe County VSA. You can feel the stress start to melt away as soon as you get onto the 200 acre property. If you haven't been over there yet you are certainly missing out! Learn more about their Veteran programs here: https://www.equicenterny.org/veteran-programs-1

8/8/24- The Wall that Heals arrived in the Finger Lakes yesterday and is ready for visitors. This is such a special opportunity for our area so don't miss it! 

8/6/24- Rochester Community Inclusive Rowing works to create a supportive and fully accessible environment for Veterans and people with any challenge who want to come to the water and learn to row, at no cost to them. They offer rowing and yoga every week. No experience required! They even have equipment for you to borrow. Learn more on their website: https://www.rochestercommunityinclusiverowing.org/

8/2/24- The Rochester Veterans Writing Group has a new meeting space! They are now utilizing the DAV office on University Ave. This means more space for more members! The group is open to all Veterans and their families. They meet the first Saturday of the month at 10 AM. Connect with them here: Facebook 

7/11/24- Have you heard about the new (to us) Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT) program? This is a Department of Labor program for Veterans and their spouses that offers employment workshops on a variety of topics. This program is currently only offered in 10 states (NY is the newest!). Click here to learn more about the program and sign up for workshops: Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT) | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov) 

PLEASE NOTE- the OBTT website has a small typo. VOC's correct address is 447 South Ave

7/8/24- September is Suicide Prevention Month and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to learn some life saving skills. Hop over to our new page at www.rocveterans.org/suicide-prevention to discover some of the trainings available in the Finger Lakes and to learn more about suicide prevention. Do those buddy checks and remember 988 offers 24/7 confidential support to anyone who needs it.

7/3/24- This time of year can be difficult for some combat Veterans. Keep the Veterans Crisis Line information handy. You never know who you might encounter that can benefit from the information! Veterans Crisis Line provides 24/7 confidential support for Veterans. Call 988 then press 1, Text 838255 or click here to chat->  https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/

6/28/24- The NYS Elks Association West Central District is seeking your assistance in identifying eligible Veterans for recognition. To refer a Veteran that served in World War II, Korea, or Vietnam please click here: https://www.emailmeform.com/.../vLZ3fTEjW2q8iB6SR9M36bHA The veteran does not need to be an Elk to be referred. Referrals must be submitted by August 15th so there is time to have the medallions made.

Please contact Mike Morrisey at mrmorrisey730@gmail.com or (585) 749-0456 if you have any questions.

6/22/24- Blue Star Museums offer free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families (including National Guard and Reserve). This program operates all summer and is national so if you plan on traveling you can enjoy free admission across the US. Click here for a list of participating museums: https://www.arts.gov/blue-star-museums-map

6/13/24- Veterans Benefits Advisors with the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services are offering FreshConnect vouchers to Active Duty members, Veterans and their immediate family members, as well as un-remarried surviving spouses of Veterans.  Learn more information here: FreshConnect Checks For Veterans And Families | New York State Department of Veterans' Services (ny.gov) 

We unfortunately don't have a full list of everywhere they are available but we have confirmed the following locations:

Livingston County VSA (Contact Sara at 585-243-7960)

Veterans Outreach Center (Contact Nick at 585-295-7856)

Canandaigua VA (Contact David at 585-393-7817)

Wayne County Veterans Service Agency 315-946-7497

6/12/24- Today is Women Veterans Recognition Day. Although this article is a couple years old, we thought it gives a nice overview of the history of service and how this day of recognition came to be. It's an interesting read. Dispelling the myths of Women Veterans Recognition Day - VA News 

A heartfelt thank you to all the women Veterans out there. Forever grateful for your service.

6/8/24-Do you know a Veteran, Service Member, or First Responder who really needs a new ride? Nominate them for the 8th Annual Vehicles for Vets: https://basilvehiclesforvets.com/ 

6/4/24- It's baseball season! The American Legions are playing just about daily. Go catch a game and support your local Legions. The full schedule is available here: Game Schedule - 6/6/2024 - D7 2024 Regular Season (nylegionbaseball.com) 

6/4/24- Veterans can get a free FEDERAL PARKS PASS to National Parks. Wayne County VSA is trying to set up an event to have a representative come out to help people get the pass, but we need enough interested people to sign up. Please email John @ jnadig@co.wayne.ny.us if you are interested.

5/7/24- Although there aren't any locations in NY, the Armed Services Arts Partnership offers a lot of virtual services. Their programs include acting, comedy, storytelling, writing, improv, and visual arts. Interested in flexing your creative muscles? Head over to their website to learn more: https://asapasap.org/online/

5/1/24- Yates County has launched a Veterans Discount Program.  They join Livingston and Monroe Counties in offering an easy way for Veterans to find discounts at local businesses

• Livingston: https://www.livingstoncounty.us/1310/Thank-A-Vet-Program

• Monroe: https://www.monroecounty.gov/veterans-mcvdcp

• Yates: Veterans Discharges & Discount Cards | Yates County, NY 

4/19/24- Looking for some job leads? Check this out:

• Livingston: https://www.livingstoncounty.us/285/Workforce-Development

• Ontario: Workforce Development | Ontario County, NY - Official Website (ontariocountyny.gov) 

• Seneca: https://www.co.seneca.ny.us/gov/services/workforce/

• Wayne: Job Seeker Services | Wayne County, NY 

• Yates: Job Leads & Upcoming Events | Yates County, NY 

• Veterans Temporary hiring Program: https://www.cs.ny.gov/vetportal/

• DoL Services for Veterans: Services for Veterans | Department of Labor (ny.gov) 

3/26/24- Big changes on the horizon for the Lifetime Liberty Pass! Effective April 1st, the disability requirement is being removed so ALL Veterans will be eligible for a Lifetime Liberty Pass. Eligibility has also been expanded to include Gold Star parents, spouses, and children. Click here for all the details: https://parks.ny.gov/admission/lifetime-liberty-pass.aspx

12/7/23- There are lots of opportunities for help during the holidays!

-Registration has opened for the Veterans Outreach Center's holiday food baskets. Call VOC at 585-546-1081 ext 9 to sign up!

-Penn Yan American Legion is hosting a Christmas Day dinner for any interested Yates County veterans. They have partnered with Keuka To Go to offer free meal delivery in Yates County for those who can't make it to the legion. RSVP is required, see the flyer posted on the Roc Veterans calander for all the details.

-The Macedon American Legion will be providing gifts to parents who need a little assistance making the magic happen for their kids on 12/16 at the Intermediate School on West Street. This event is open to all Wayne County residents, proof of residency is required. See the flyer posted on the Roc Veterans calander for further details.

-211 has developed lists of various programs in the area. Please be mindful some of the deadlines to apply are  quickly approaching so reach out soon!

Toys- https://211lifeline.org/categories.php?cat=HolidayToys&

Food- https://211lifeline.org/categories.php?cat=HolidayFood&

Meals- https://211lifeline.org/categories.php?cat=SeasonMeal2& 

10/25/23- Need help with holiday meals or getting gifts under the tree? 211 has developed lists of various programs in the area. Please be mindful some of the deadlines to apply are in November so reach out soon if you need anything.

Toys- https://211lifeline.org/categories.php?cat=HolidayToys&

Food- https://211lifeline.org/categories.php?cat=HolidayFood&

Meals- https://211lifeline.org/categories.php?cat=SeasonMeal2&

10/16/23- Today is the first day of National Buddy Check Week. Take the pledge to reach out to 10 veterans. Find more information (including examples of how to kick off a conversation, why buddy checks are important, and signs someone might be in crisis) here and here 

10/5/23- This year's flu shots are now available at VA!

9/29/23- Onward Ops (formerly ETS Sponsorship) is a program that connects transitioning service members to a friendly neighbor in the community they are headed to. You can be the person that provides local information that helps a service member land on their feet! Learn more about the program or sign up to be a sponsor here 

7/28/23- VA Finger Lakes has a virtual service available to all veterans enrolled for care at any VA Medical Centers or VA Clinics. Get your healthcare questions answered 24/7 by simply calling 1-800-877-6976. Learn more here 

7/21/23- Livingston County has a program called 'Thank a Vet'. Various businesses participate by offering discounts to eligible veterans who reside in Livingston County. Learn more here 

7/12/23- September is Suicide Prevention month. VA is able to do suicide prevention trainings in the community free of charge! Want one at your VFW/Legion/work/place of worship? Contact Ashley at 585-364-9783