Seasonal depression, also called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression related to the change in season. Typically beginning in the fall and running through the winter months, SAD can drain your energy, put you in a bad mood, and overall make this time of year harder to deal with.
Read MoreYou’ve landed an interview. Great! Now it’s time to get to work to prepare for questions you’re likely to be asked and to have some questions of your own. Here are some tips for what to do before the interview.
Read MoreEssential to landing a job interview is a strong, concise, and polished resume that matches your skills with the needs of a specific job. Here are some important tips for veterans:
Read MoreJoin a group. We often find strength in numbers. So, become active in a club, a faith-based organization, a civic group, or any association that offers human connections. Becoming a member of a group brings social support and a sense of purpose to our lives, building resilience.
Read MoreWhen we are resilient, we adapt well to adversity, trauma, or any significant source of stress, such as family problems or financial challenges. Being resilient means “bouncing back” from difficult experiences and regaining your balance. Even more, though, with resilience comes personal growth. Resilience helps you get through rough patches while also improving your life.
Read MoreCombatting veteran homelessness is a complex and multifaceted endeavor that has proved challenging to solve for many years. The case is clear – veterans do not always receive the support they need after serving in the military. They can have trouble acclimating to civilian life, are plagued by PTSD and other mental and behavioral health problems, and some veterans become trapped in a downward spiral that can lead to them becoming
Read MoreVeterans Outreach Center (VOC) is hosting its annual Flag Day Campaign, presented by T-Mobile, June 11 – 14 at retail locations across the Greater Rochester Region. Volunteers will be distributing hand-held American flags and collecting donations to support critically needed services for local veterans. COVID-19 safety protocols will be observed. VOC will also be hosting a one-day online giving campaign June 14.
Read MoreRita is a U.S. Army Veteran who is passionate about arts, culture, and her heritage.
Read MoreWe strive to support our community and believe that all people have worth. If you are hurting, seek out those who accept you unconditionally. We admire your bravery and resilience through hard times.
Read MoreOn Friday, August 14, 2020, Veterans Outreach Center Executive Director Laura Stradley was asked by the State of New York Veterans Affairs Committee to present details of the effects of COVID-19 on area veterans. Here is her presentation in its entirety which is both informative and enlightening.
Read MoreWhen Diane Krawczyk’s son, Zachary, said he wanted to enlist in the military, it came as a complete surprise. He’d never expressed interest in the military before, but Diane, who has worked at the Batavia VA for the past 13 years, knows the benefits of serving and was nothing but supportive of his decision.
Read MoreMarc Gaiger, owner of Marc’s Studio in Fairport, New York, has been a longtime supporter of Veterans Outreach Center (VOC) and our local veterans. In 2018, Marc began making copper roses, selling them around Valentine’s Day, and donating the proceeds to VOC. In 2020, Marc got a crew of about 10 volunteers together to produce 500 Forever Roses to sell them at six local retails locations, including Veterans Outreach Center’s Stars & Stripes Flag Store.
Read MoreIn the middle of a global pandemic, Army Veteran Mark M. lost his father, an Army Korean War Veteran, to a long-term illness. The sudden death of his father threw the family into a crisis. With Mark in Rochester and the service in Ohio, Mark wanted to help his mother plan for a full military honors service but had no idea how to make that happen.
Read MoreAlthough we did not recoup the full $250,000, you helped bring our mission to life for the people who need us most. Your willingness to share our message brought more veterans through our doors this summer. In fact, we saw a 15% increase in new veterans utilizing our services during the month of July. Your voice made a powerful impact on the brave men and women who served our nation, and for that we thank you.
Read MoreHello friends,
Let me start by saying how proud I am to be a part of Veterans Outreach Center and this community. When we initially shared news of the New York State funding cut and called on you, the community, you responded in full force. You shared our story; you made a financial contribution; and overall you showed us just how much you care about veterans, their families, and the services Veterans Outreach Center provides.
Read MoreThere are over 63,000 veterans living in Monroe County and the Fingerlakes Region. Each of them have shown their love of country through military service. Starting June 13 through June 16, hundreds of volunteers will be handing out free flags across the region to call attention to issues facing veterans today. This four-day event serves to honor the symbol of our nation and help raise money for needed services at VOC.
Read MoreApril is National Volunteer Month! We salute all of our volunteers and are thankful for EACH AND EVERY ONE during this month and all year! We could not serve those who serve U.S. without their tireless dedication and commitment to VOC.
Read MoreCome visit the store or check us out online, www.eflagstore.com, to see the new branch motto merchandise! All designs were created by Stars and Stripes, The Flag Store and printed locally. Show support of our military branches and Veterans Outreach Center with your purchase.
Read MoreWhen active military personnel need supplies and provisions, they are usually told to “See the Quartermaster.” At VOC, our Quartermaster Program serves a similar purpose. We count on the generosity of others to be able to provide food and clothing to our veterans and their families. The VOC Quartermaster Program has been in full operation since August of 2018. Under the supervision of Tammara Van Sickle, hundreds of at risk veterans each year acquire suits and professional attire for job interviews, court appearances or other formal occasions. They also receive cold weather gear including coats, hats and gloves.
Read MoreThe United Way Campaign is going on now! When the time comes to fill out your donor form, consider directing your campaign commitment to support veterans in your community with our United Way donor designation ID # 1119. We can send a United message to every veteran that Rochester cares. Your generosity provides food, clothing, shelter, employment training and so much more for veterans and their families.
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