August is Make-A-Will Month, and we know that the idea of creating a will can be overwhelming and confusing, especially since the specifics can vary based upon the state you live in. Some people think they might be too young to need a will or that it’s scary or morbid to think about, but that’s not true. It’s important for everyone to have a will to make sure that, should the unthinkable happen, your assets and family are taken care of.
Continue readingVeterans Outreach Center Selected as Finalist in Land Rover’s Defender Service Awards
Veterans Outreach Center has been selected as one of 30 finalists across North America as part of Land Rover’s Defender Service Awards, presented by Chase. A community voting period begins July 29 and closes August 14 to select one winner from each of six categories. The winner of each category will receive $30,000 and a brand-new, customized Defender 130.
Continue readingDAF Giving Made Easy
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.
Continue reading4 Pet Safety Tips for the 4th of July
As you prepare for fun and fireworks on the 4th of July, especially since this year marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, it’s important to keep a few safety measures in mind to make sure your pets are safe during the celebratory festivities. In fact, because the noise from fireworks can cause anxiety in pets, July 4th is the busiest day for animal shelters as animals will often escape if not properly secured at home.
Continue readingJune is PTSD Awareness Month: Effective Treatments are Available
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are about 12 million people in the United States with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. In 2014, the federal government designated June as National PTSD Awareness Month to raise awareness of PTSD and the effectiveness of treatment. This blog post explores what PTSD is and the effective treatments available.
Continue readingVeterans Outreach Center Hosting Tree-Planting Ceremony for World Pet Memorial Day
As part of its Vets With Pets program, Veterans Outreach Center (VOC) is hosting a tree-planting ceremony from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10th, at VOC – 447 South Ave., Rochester – to remember and honor the beloved pets and faithful companions of our veterans that have passed away. This event coincides with World Pet Memorial Day, which falls on the second Tuesday in June every year.
Continue readingWhat Does “Trauma-Informed Care” for Veterans Mean?
“Trauma-informed care” is a phrase often used in veteran services and mental health, but to people outside of those spaces, it can sound like jargon. Put plainly, trauma-informed care means operating and delivering services while recognizing that a person’s life experiences, especially the difficult ones, shape how they interact with the world today.
Continue readingVeterans Outreach Center Hosts 33rd Annual Flag Day Fundraiser to Support Essential Services for Local Veterans
During the three-day event, volunteers will be stationed at various retail locations across Monroe County, handing out free handheld American flags. Community members will have the opportunity to make optional donations, with all proceeds benefiting VOC’s programs and services.
Continue readingGiving! It Does a Body Good
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.
Continue readingWhat is VOC’s Quartermaster and How Does it Work?
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.
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