7 Crucial Ways Veterans Outreach Center Rochester NY Is 'Retooling' For 2025 And Beyond

The Veterans Outreach Center (VOC) in Rochester, NY, is currently undergoing a significant strategic "retooling" of its core services to meet the evolving needs of the nearly 40,000 veterans residing in Monroe County. As of late 2025, the organization, which was originally founded in 1973 by returning Vietnam veterans, is focusing on expanding its reach to underserved veteran populations and strengthening partnerships with local employers, a critical pivot following the loss of a major federal grant that previously supported its job training initiatives. This comprehensive guide details the organization's fresh initiatives, the leadership driving these changes, and the specific programs that make the VOC a vital lifeline for veterans and their families across Western New York. The VOC operates as a crucial one-stop shop, ensuring that no veteran is left behind, regardless of when, where, or how they served. By continuously adapting its programs—from essential housing support and behavioral health services to legal resources and employment assistance—the VOC remains the nation's oldest nonprofit dedicated to serving veterans and their families with compassion and dedication.

The Leadership Driving Change: Executive Director Laura Stradley and Key Staff

The strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the Veterans Outreach Center (VOC) are overseen by a dedicated leadership team, many of whom are veterans themselves. Their collective experience ensures that the services provided are truly veteran-centric and trauma-informed.

Executive Director Biography: Laura Stradley

• Current Role: Executive Director of the Veterans Outreach Center, Inc. (VOC).
• Veteran Status: U.S. Army Veteran, having served for eight years.
• Prior Experience: Ms. Stradley has worked tirelessly to connect veterans to resources and previously served as the Director of the Monroe County Veterans Service Agency.
• Focus: Known for her advocacy and commitment to high-quality, individualized services for veterans and their families.

Key VOC Staff and Board Entities

• Joseph Catone: Secretary.
• Jessie Gregorio: Corporate Counsel.
• Don Reeve: Chief Information Officer.
• Haylee Horn: Chief of Staff and Administrative Projects.
• Susan Acker: Board Member (as of a recent filing).

7 Essential Programs and Services at the Veterans Outreach Center

The Veterans Outreach Center, located at its main facility on 447-459 South Avenue in Rochester, offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to address the complex challenges veterans face upon returning to civilian life. These programs are provided free of charge, reflecting the organization's core mission to honor those who served.

1. Comprehensive Housing & Residential Programs

The VOC provides a critical safety net for veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability. This includes direct housing assistance and residential programs that go beyond simply providing a bed. The Supportive Living Program is a key entity, offering a structured environment that focuses on stability, life skills training, and preparing veterans for independent living. This support is vital for the veteran community in the Greater Rochester area.

2. Workforce Development and Employment Services

This is the area currently undergoing the most significant "retooling" as of 2025. The VOC’s workforce development services offer tailored support, including job search assistance, resume building, interview preparation, and mentorship. The new strategy involves a concerted effort to partner directly with local employers to create clear pathways to meaningful careers for veterans, expanding the population they serve beyond traditional program parameters.

3. Behavioral Health and Wellness Programs

Recognizing the invisible wounds of service, the VOC operates a robust Behavioral Health program that is foundational to its work. These services are offered at no cost and include therapeutic groups, individual counseling, and outreach programs, all modeled and trained for a Trauma-Informed approach. This focus on mental health is a core pillar of veteran wellness in Western New York.

4. Legal Resources and Advocacy

Veterans often face complex legal issues related to eviction, benefits claims, and minor offenses. The VOC provides access to free legal advice and resources. A key partnership in this area is with Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. (LawNY), which helps deliver essential SSVF Legal Services to ensure veterans have the guidance they need when facing court involvement or seeking legal counsel.

5. Care Management and Peer Mentoring

Every veteran who engages with the VOC is connected to personalized support and care management. This holistic approach ensures that veterans and their families are connected to all necessary community resources. The peer mentoring component is based on the organization's original "Vets Helping Vets" ethos from its 1973 founding, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared experience.

6. Financial and Emergency Assistance

For veterans and military families facing immediate crises, the VOC offers financial assistance to cover essential needs such as utilities, rent, and other emergency expenses. This direct support is crucial for stabilizing veterans who are transitioning or are on the brink of homelessness.

7. Community Engagement and The Stand Down 2025 Event

The VOC is a hub for community engagement, hosting events that bring veterans, service providers, and the public together. A major new initiative for 2025 is the VOC Stand Down 2025 event, a new annual market held at the Rochester Public Market. This event gives veterans a one-day opportunity to connect directly with employers, access medical screenings, and meet with a wide array of service providers, highlighting the center's commitment to proactive outreach across Monroe County.

The Enduring Impact of the VOC on Western New York

Since its founding in 1973, the Veterans Outreach Center (VOC) has established itself as the oldest and most trusted resource for veterans in the region, a legacy started by Vietnam veterans seeking to support their peers. The organization’s ability to continuously adapt, such as the current retooling of its workforce development programs, underscores its resilience and commitment to the future. Serving a population that includes nearly 40,000 veterans in the local area, the VOC’s comprehensive, one-stop-shop model provides a crucial framework for veteran stability, ensuring they have access to everything from housing and employment to wellness and legal aid. The continued success of the VOC is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and the enduring principle of "Vets Helping Vets" that has guided its mission for over five decades.

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