(Southern Tier, NY) - Last week, Senator Lea Webb hosted Veterans Resource Fairs in Broome, Cortland, and Tompkins Counties, bringing together community organizations dedicated to supporting local veterans and their families. These free events connected attendees with a range of services focused on health, housing, mental wellness, employment, and financial assistance, including opportunities to search for unclaimed funds through the New York State Comptroller's Office and career services from the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL).

“Hosting these Veterans Resource Fairs is one of the most meaningful ways we can honor and support those who have served,” said Senator Lea Webb. “By working directly with local organizations, we’re ensuring that veterans and their families have clear, direct access to the resources they’ve earned. Our veterans have given so much to our communities, and it’s our responsibility to make sure they are met with care, respect, and opportunity.”

On Wednesday, November 12th, Senator Webb hosted a Veterans Resource Fair Broome County at George F. Johnson Post 1700 in Endicott. On Thursday, November 14th, Senator Webb hosted a Veterans Resource Fair in Cortland County at the Homer American Legion. Finally, on Friday, November 15th, Senator Webb hosted a Veterans Resource Fair in Tompkins County in partnership with the Tompkins County Department of Veterans Services at the Shops at Ithaca. 

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) offered a variety of programs to help veterans who are looking for work. The agency employs Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program Specialists and Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives, veterans who assist other veterans with employment needs throughout the state. NYSDOL also has educational and training resources specifically catered to veterans and priority of service for veterans and those who qualify. 

Said New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon, “Connecting New Yorkers to jobs and training opportunities—and prioritizing these services for veterans —is at the heart of the Department’s mission. Thanks to Senator Webb, the Department was able to connect veterans in her district to job search assistance, training programs, and resources to help them overcome barriers to employment. Veterans are a valuable part of our workforce, and we are honored to serve them as they have served us.”

At the Cortland event, Centro assisted veterans in obtaining complimentary bus passes to enhance access to transportation and community resources. Said Christopher Tuff, Chief Executive Officer of Centro, “At Centro, we’re honored to serve those who have served our nation. Our veterans represent the very best of our communities—strength, dedication, and resilience. Through initiatives like Senator Webb’s Veteran Resource Fair and Centro’s Veteran Pass program, we’re proud to help remove transportation barriers and ensure that every veteran has access to the resources, opportunities, and connections they deserve. We’re especially proud that, in the first year of the Veteran Pass program, we expect to provide more than 50,000 free rides for qualified veterans. We’re grateful for their service and are proud to welcome them aboard.”

Dapper Rascal Studio was also on hand in Cortland donating free haircuts to the veteran community.  Said the Dapper Rascal Team, “Today, we pause to honor you — the brave men and women who stood tall in service to our country. Your courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment protect the freedoms that allow us to dream, create, and thrive. From all of us at Dapper Rascal Studio, thank you for your service, your strength, and your enduring spirit. We are deeply grateful for all you’ve given and continue to give.” 

Blazin Cuts Barbershop attended the Tompkins County fair and donated haircuts. “Blazin’ Cutz proudly stands with our veterans and all those who serve. It’s a true honor to give back, not just with a haircut, but with respect and gratitude they’ve more than earned.” Said Mike Da Barber of Blazin’ Cuts Barbershop. 

Said Michelle Bertoni from the Broome County Health Department, “The Overdose Prevention Program at the Broome County Health Department is excited to host a FREE naloxone/Narcan training for Veterans! Narcan is the medication that reverses an overdose caused by opioids. This quick, hands-on training will teach you how to recognize the signs of an overdose, why it is important to carry Narcan, how to administer it, and get a FREE KIT! OPP will also have education and information on harm reduction and medication lock-up safety.”

“United Way of Broome County’s Mission United and 211 Susquehanna River Region serve as vital lifelines for veterans and their families in our community, ensuring they have access to critical resources, such as housing, employment assistance, and mental health support.”  Said April Rowlands, Director, 211 Susquehanna River Region. “By connecting those who have served with the help they need, we honor their commitment and strengthen the fabric of our community.”

“We at ACBC value veterans and their families by asking how we can better serve them.  We search for and find ways to improve their emotional and mental health by participating in the alliance of the Veterans Resource Fair,” said Judy Aupont of the Addiction Center of Broome County. “Our staff is highly trained, educated, and certified in providing medication, harm reduction, trauma and grief recovery, peers, and family support.” 

 “At The Stack Project, we believe financial empowerment is foundational to personal freedom and stability—values deeply shared by those who have served. We’re honored to join Senator Webb’s Veterans Resource Fair and to help ensure veterans and their families have access to the tools, guidance, and community support they need to thrive long after their service.” Said Phil Nelson, Executive Director of the Stack Project. 

“As the Regional 988 Lifeline Call Center, SPCS is grateful to partner with so many community members and organizations to bring awareness to mental health and promote open conversations about suicide.”  Said Austan Diiorio, Community Engagement Manager at Tompkins County Suicide Prevention Coalition 

“We offer mental health and substance abuse care for veterans of the armed services, consistent with clinical guidelines contained in the Uniform Mental Health Services Handbook, and have staff with lived experience in the military on our team of providers.” Said Christella Yonta, Director of Development & Marketing at Family & Children’s Counseling Services. 

Organizations taking part in the event included the NYS Comptroller’s Office, Brain Injury Association of NYS, Cortland Public Health, Guthrie/Cortland Hospital, Southern Tier Aids Program, Cortland Catholic Charities, Cortland County Department of Social Services, Family & Children's Counseling Services, Cortland County Veterans Services, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 465, Centro, Fidelis, Broome Overdose in Action, Broome County Mental Health Department, The Stack Project, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County, Broome County United Way, Addiction Center of Broome County, Broome County Office For The Aging, Lourdes Wellness Center, Crime Victims Assistance Center, Binghamton Veterans Center (Mobile Veteran Bus), and Eagle Star Housing.

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