Monroe County is opening two new service centers to help veterans and older adults thanks to money from the American Rescue Plan.
The new sites at Greece Ridge Mall and Webster's Bay Town Plaza will offer free services to veterans and their families from the county's Veterans Service Agency and Office for the Aging. Specifically, the VSA can help navigate the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' claim system and will review eligibility to make sure a veteran is receiving all of the benefits they’ve earned.
Lifespan of Greater Rochester will also have staff available at each location to assist older adults and caregivers with guidance on things like home care options, housing, transportation, wellness programming, financial support, health insurance counseling appointments, caregiver support and resources and referral services to local programs and services.
Leaders say it's important to offer this kind of support in the outskirts of the city.
"At times, access to critical support services has been a challenge for many of our residents, particularly those residing farther away from the city of Rochester, where most of our service agencies reside," said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello.
“These new service centers in Greece and Webster will bring vital resources closer to home for those who need them most," said U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. "From helping veterans access the benefits they’ve earned to connecting older adults with essential services like housing, transportation, and health care, these centers will make a real difference in people’s lives."
Both locations will be open on weekdays from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.