Local Initiatives

The Rochester Veterans Outreach Center, an NYSHealth grantee, has launched the Vet Rec program to help reintegrate veterans into their community. The Greater Rochester Veterans Therapeutic Recreation Program, or Vet Rec, helps veterans with both physical and mental injuries through recreational activities like golf and fly fishing.

Help Base Greater Rochester is a Web site directing returning soldiers and their families to local services. The website was launched by a consortium of organizations for veterans including NYSHealth grantee the Rochester Veterans Outreach Center. The Web site contains a searchable database on veteran support groups, financial assistance programs, child care options, employment assistance, mental health and substance abuse services, and legal assistance services available in the six-county region. Returning soldiers, servicemembers and their families can choose the type of services they seek in a specific county and they receive a list with descriptions of programs that match their criteria and military status, as well as a contact person's name, direct phone number and e-mail.

View resource here.

The Veterans Outreach Center of Rochester (VOC) established OPERATION WELCOME HOME & RECOVERY (OWH&R) to identify and bridge the gaps in support services required by veterans and their families. OWHR conducts outreach to veterans and their families, identifies their needs, and mobilizes new and existing community resources to assist. OWH&R is guided by an Action Coordinating Team, which comprises regional leaders from VOC, the Veterans Administration, and community-based organizations.

View full resource here.