BERKELEY – “How can I help?”
That was the common question asked at a recent Veterans Fair held at the Bayville Elks. It was a festive atmosphere, with a buffet, band, Chinese auction and cornhole games.
Behind the fun, there was a serious purpose. Veterans and their loved ones were able to check out several vendors selected with the population in mind. For example, Hackensack Meridian Health nurses performed wellness screenings. The Ocean County Health Department was providing referrals to services.
Catherine Galesky, an outreach specialist with Community’s Hope For Veterans, said that the organization has residency programs for veterans in need.
“A veteran or their loved one can reach out via email or their hotline. We meet you where you are,” she said.
Cornhole and other activities made the Veterans Fair feel like a family barbecue. (Photo by Chris Lundy)
There’s a brief screening to make sure you meet income levels. That said, she wants veterans to apply anyway even if they think they make too much.
“If you have served in the military and are at risk of losing your home, reach out,” she said.
Their website, CommunityHope-NJ.org, has pages for different needs. The main number is (973) 463-9600.
For the Hope for Veterans Transitional Housing Program, call the Intake Coordinator at (908) 647-5717.
For referrals to supportive services for the Veteran Families Program, homeless and at-risk veterans and veteran families can contact the 24-hour Referral Hotline at 855-483-8466 or email ssvf@communityhope-nj.org.
Soldier On is a support service to help veterans fight eviction and lift up people who are at risk of being homeless. They work directly with the Veterans Administration and help veterans find housing, employment and other services.
They will also help veterans navigate their healthcare options and get credit counseling. They can be found at WeSoldierOn.org and can be reached at 1-866-406-8449 or 1-413-200-3013.
Scores of veterans were able to learn about services available to them in a festive atmosphere. (Photo by Chris Lundy)
The Sadie Vickers Resource Center is located in Manitou Park and their job is to “bridge the gap” between services and those who need them, said Chaplain Barbara Miles, community liaison.
There are people living in Berkeley and South Toms River who don’t have access to transportation and have trouble getting to places like the county veterans building on Hooper Avenue in Toms River, she said.
The Center, on First Avenue in Manitou, is more accessible. There’s a calendar of events where organizations can send a representative to have boots on the ground in an underserved community. For example, Bright Harbor Healthcare, which provides help with mental health, family issues and substance abuse, are scheduled to attend at various times. The Ocean County Board of Social Services also has set appointments at the building.
You can find more information about them at sadievickers.org; 1-848-226-3930; info@sadievickers.org
G. R. Phillip Zimmerman, director of the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau, lauded the veterans fair and all of the nonprofits assembled.
“The government, by itself, cannot cover all of the services out there,” he said. That’s why they have a symbiotic relationship with all of these groups. “It’s so valuable because it increases the ability to provide services such as food and housing. There are outstanding organizations that make sure no veteran is forgotten.”
Benefits and other services are available for veterans, but sometimes it is hard for them to navigate through the system, with all of the paperwork and red tape. That’s one of the things that the Veterans Service Bureau can help with.
An auction provided fundraising for the Elks. (Photo by Chris Lundy)
“We’re here to advocate for vets and to make sure they get everything they deserve and to correct injustices,” he said.
If anyone needs help, reach out at 732-929-2096.
Albert Veltri, the exalted ruler of the Bayville Elks, thanked the vendors who took the time on a Saturday afternoon to help complete strangers.
“If they don’t know what is available, it’s very eye opening for them,” he said of veterans who might be coming here for the first time.
Veterans and people with special needs are what the Elks focus their charity on. Anyone who would be interested in joining the Elks and helping others are welcome to call 732-269-2954.
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