On Site Community Partners

2011 was clearly the year for new and meaningful strategic partnerships between VOC and its growing inventory of community partners. This past year alone, the Center signed partnership agreements with several new community partners to improve upon its on site service delivery model.

Benefits Counseling

New York State Division of Veterans Affairs provides on- site accredited benefits counseling services. They ensure that clients take full advantage of all earned government benefits available. In 2011, they secured more than $4.2 million dollars worth of benefits on behalf of veterans and their families.

Housing

The Housing Council specializes in rapid re-housing, homeless prevention, mortgage foreclosures and other housing issues. Through this partnership, the Center has an on-site Housing Coordinator who works with clients and landlords to facilitate assistance and resolution.

Peer Mentoring Services

Our joint CompeerCORPS program is designed to create a supportive network for veterans who could benefit from a nurturing veteran peer mentor and other community relationships.

Legal Services

Monroe County Legal Assistance Center (MCLAC) provided over 105 hours of on-site attorney time devoted to supporting veterans and families with legal issues including eviction, guardianship, and child support.

Financial Counseling & Coaching Services

Partnering with community members who are trained to help families manage their finances and access resources related to financial stability helps low-income clients achieve self-sufficiency by offering free income tax preparation assistance and financial literacy education.

Education Resources & Services

As our newest veterans return from war, many are enrolling in school to take advantage of the educational opportunities offered under the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Realizing this, VOC partners with two area colleges – Nazareth and Monroe Community College to deliver comprehensive veteran’s education service both on and off campus. Nazareth College places two graduate-level social work interns in the Centers Wellness programs annually as well as serves as host of our Coming Home from War Discussion Series, a community outreach and education program. At Monroe Community College, VOC maintains a three-day-per-week on-site presence helping to connect hundreds of veteran students to earned resources and benefits.