‘Stand Down’ To Connect Veterans with Critical Services, Resources
ONEONTA—Veterans throughout Oneonta and the surrounding region are invited to attend the Oneonta Veterans Stand Down on Saturday, August 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oneonta Armory, 4 Academy Street.
Sponsored by the Albany Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center and hosted by the Oneonta Veteran’s Outreach Center, the free event will bring together a broad spectrum of services, resources, and assistance for veterans in one convenient and welcoming location, officials said.
According to a press release, “The Stand Down is designed to ensure veterans have direct access to organizations and professionals who can help address their individual needs, while eliminating barriers that can make navigating available services difficult.”
All veterans are encouraged to attend, and participation is completely free.
A particular focus of the Stand Down will be connecting veterans who are experiencing homelessness—or who may be at risk of becoming homeless—with resources and assistance that can help them develop a path toward long-term housing stability. By bringing veterans and service providers together in one location, organizers hope to make it easier for those who served our country to access the support available to them.
“Veterans should never have to navigate challenges alone, especially when there are organizations and resources available that are ready to help,” said Vincent Scalise, executive director of the Utica Center for Development.
“Events like the Oneonta Veterans Stand Down are incredibly important because they bring services directly to veterans and create an opportunity to connect with people who understand their needs,” Scalise continued. “We encourage every veteran in the region to come out, learn about the resources available and take advantage of this free event.”
Officials said the Stand Down also provides an opportunity to strengthen connections among veterans, service organizations, and community partners while reinforcing a shared commitment to ensuring those who served receive the assistance, dignity, and support they deserve.
