Brookhaven to Host Veterans Resource Fair on September 16

The Town of Brookhaven Department of General Services, Division of Veterans Services, and the Suffolk County Veterans Services Agency will host the first annual Veterans Resource Fair on September 16 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

The event will be held on the 2nd floor Media Room at Brookhaven Town Hall, One Independence Hill in Farmingville.

Representatives of the following agencies will be in attendance:

• Brookhaven Town Veteran Services Division — its mission is to serve our Veterans and their families by gathering and providing information on benefits available through the Veterans Administration, state, county and local governments.
• Suffolk County Veteran Services Agency — committed to aiding our county veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as their dependents and survivors through the pursuance of veterans benefits at the county, state and federal levels and referrals to other agencies for possible assistance with dignity and respect.
• “Healing Through Art” — veteran and East End Artist John Melillo has found solace from PTSD through the art of painting. By offering free workshops for veterans who also suffer from trauma, John teaches the practice of painting, and the veterans create and take home their very own artwork.
• Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project — assists veterans, service members, and their families to achieve and sustain personal health, wellness, and purpose in their post-service lives through the support of trained veteran peers.
• Long Island Cares — provides veterans programs ranging from food assistance and job help to personalized referral services.
• The Long Island State Veterans Home — provides high-quality and compassionate health care services for veterans and their families.
• Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc. Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program — prevents homelessness by helping very low-income veterans and their families gain access to the resources they need in order to successfully transition to, or maintain, permanent housing.
• Paws of War — its mission is to honor and support our veterans, active military members, and first responders with services that enrich their lives through the rescue and training of service dogs for independence, adoption of companion animals, rescue of overseas animals in war zones, and other essential services to assist our heroes in need.
• Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management — coordinates the county’s response to natural and man-made disasters. OEM personnel are responsible for development of the Comprehensive All-Hazards Emergency Management Plan, the operation of the county’s Emergency Operation Center (EOC) and work with local, state, and federal officials in all aspects of shelter management, planning, resource management, and emergency response and recovery activities.
• Suffolk County Community College Veterans Resource Center — assists veterans in maximizing their benefits, supporting a successful transition to college life and achieving their educational and personal goals.

For more information about the Veterans Resource Fair, please call the Brookhaven Town Department of General Services at 631-451-6331.