The Briefing Room

News, updates, and information from the experts at Veterans Outreach Center.

Reflections on VOC’s Vets with Pets Program for National Pets for Veterans Day

October 14, 2026 | 4 minutes

October 21st is recognized as National Pets for Veterans Day, a day dedicated to honoring the profound impact pets can have on the lives of those who have served our country. For many veterans, the bond they share with their pets provides a meaningful connection to the world around them—a connection that can sometimes be difficult to find. More than just companions, these animals offer comfort, unwavering loyalty, and unconditional love. For some veterans, their pet is not only their best friend but also a source of purpose, hope, and a reason to get up each morning.

KeyBank Foundation Makes $250,000 Investment in Veterans Outreach Center to Support Workforce Development Program

September 18, 2026 | 3 minutes

The KeyBank Foundation is investing $250,000 in Veterans Outreach Center to support local veterans transitioning from military service, navigating career change, or re-entering the workforce through its Workforce Development Program.

4 Frequently Asked Questions About Wills in NYS

August 13, 2026 | 2 minutes

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.

Veterans Outreach Center Selected as Finalist in Land Rover’s Defender Service Awards

July 28, 2026 | 1 minute

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.

DAF Giving Made Easy

June 29, 2026 | 2 minutes

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.

4 Pet Safety Tips for the 4th of July

June 24, 2026 | 2 minutes

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.

June is PTSD Awareness Month: Effective Treatments are Available

June 22, 2026 | 2 minutes

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.

Veterans Outreach Center Hosting Tree-Planting Ceremony for World Pet Memorial Day

June 9, 2026 | 1 minute

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.

What Does “Trauma-Informed Care” for Veterans Mean?

June 8, 2026 | 2 minutes

“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.

Veterans Outreach Center Hosts 33rd Annual Flag Day Fundraiser to Support Essential Services for Local Veterans

May 21, 2026 | 1 minute

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.

Giving! It Does a Body Good

May 6, 2026 | 1 minute

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.

What is VOC’s Quartermaster and How Does it Work?

April 30, 2026 | 2 minutes

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.

VOC Deploys the Six Strong Challenge, Presented by Community Bank

April 9, 2026 | 3 minutes

The Six Strong Challenge is a community-wide giving campaign with a spirited twist—an opportunity to celebrate service, strengthen connections, and perhaps settle, once and for all, which branch inspires the most pride.

3 Reasons Why Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) Are a Smart Choice for Giving

March 4, 2026 | 2 minutes

There are a lot of different ways you can support your charity of choice. When it comes to supporting a nonprofit financially, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a smart way to go. We’ll look at three reasons why you should consider a QCD for your charitable contributions.

Veterans Outreach Center Refocuses Employment Services to Workforce Development

January 28, 2026 | 1 minute

Veterans Outreach Center (VOC) has restructured its employment services, officially rebranding the department as Workforce Development. They have moved beyond traditional job placement assistance to a comprehensive model of career construction designed to serve veterans ranging from entry-level job seekers to experienced professionals seeking career advancement.

Why Peer Connection is the Missing Link in Reintegration

January 27, 2026 | 3 minutes

When you transition out of the military, your checklist seems clear enough: Secure your DD-214 Figure out what VA benefits you’re eligible for Find a place to live Find a civilian job These are the important logistical pillars of veteran reintegration, but we’ve worked with veterans who have checked every one of those

VOC Announces Don Reeve as New Board Chair

January 8, 2026 | 1 minute

We are proud to announce that Don Reeve has been appointed as the new Chair of the Veterans Outreach Center Board of Directors. Mr. Reeve is a pillar of the Rochester business community, bringing a legacy of operational excellence and executive leadership to VOC. In addition to being a combat veteran of the Vietnam War,

4 Trauma-Informed Resources for Female Veterans

January 7, 2026 | 3 minutes

Many female veterans may face challenges that often go unseen, and when you come home from service, “safety” can often take on a different meaning. Experiences after separation may include balancing family responsibilities, processing difficult or traumatic experiences, or searching for housing and support that feels secure and stable. We built our female veteran program because healing can’t happen without

Backed by Research: Benefits of Mindfulness for Veterans with PTSD

December 5, 2025 | 4 minutes

As access to mental health research and resources has grown over the years, a number of studies have been conducted to identify the benefits of mindfulness. A quick look at Google Trends shows that interest in web searches for “mindfulness” has increased significantly over the past 10 years. Interestingly, searches

VOC Travels to D.C. to Advocate for Non-Opioid Prescriptions for Veterans

June 30, 2025 | 3 minutes

For more than a decade, I’ve been working with veterans who struggle with substance abuse. I’ve seen veterans at every stage of recovery – some of whom were able to overcome their addiction; others who relapsed; and, tragically, some who overdosed. In too many of these cases, this all could

How Free Bus Passes Address Veteran Economic and Mental Health Barriers

June 18, 2025 | 4 minutes

Imagine the return of a veteran after years of dedicated service. Their world, initially involving camaraderie and clear directives, has been replaced by the complex civilian world. For some veterans, this transition may be eagerly anticipated, but it can come with unforeseen battles fought on the streets on which they

Reinterpreting Veteran Needs for the Future of Services

May 23, 2025 | 5 minutes

The understood contract between our country and its veterans has historically centered on tangible forms of compensation and care, such as access to medical services, benefits, shelter, and assistance in finding secure and meaningful civilian employment. These obligations are, without question, foundational pillars of our societal responsibility for those who

Why Economic Stability is a Critical Issue for Female Veterans

April 18, 2025 | 5 minutes

Rochester—and the nation as a whole—has come a long way in recognizing and honoring military veterans, especially those from the Vietnam era who still carry the pain of a difficult homecoming. But beyond the welcome home lies a deeper, ongoing challenge—particularly for women veterans transitioning back into civilian life: the

How Outdoor Recreation Provides Relief for Veterans

April 11, 2025 | 1 minute

Without a doubt, navigating mental health challenges is one of the hardest things a person can go through. Between the racing thoughts, anxiety, and fear – or even a veteran who just needs to blow off some steam – finding help can be difficult. Traditional mental health care is important

From Scrub Tech to Trailblazing Advocate: Marlene Roll’s Unstoppable Service to Veterans

March 31, 2025 | 3 minutes

This Women’s History Month, Veterans Outreach Center celebrates Marlene Roll, a woman whose life is a powerful testament to the impact of dedicated service. From her time as an Army Operating Room Technician to her groundbreaking leadership within the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and beyond, Marlene has consistently broken

Understanding the Female Veteran Homelessness Crisis

March 13, 2025 | 3 minutes

For female veterans, the transition to civilian life can be full of unique challenges, and for some, it leads to the devastating reality of homelessness. This isn’t a simple issue with easy answers; it’s a complex web of trauma, economic hardship, and systemic barriers. To truly understand and address this

The Long-Term Effects of Low-Level Blasts: New Legislation Offers Hope for Disability Benefits

March 7, 2025 | 2 minutes

Many veterans experience repeated exposure to low-level blasts during their military service, both in and out of combat. These exposures can cause subtle damage to the brain and body that may not be immediately apparent. The effects of the damage can manifest years later. Over time, this damage can show