Veterans Outreach

Veterans and their immediate family members comprise approximately 16% of the total population of Berea. Listed below are a number of challenges that veterans and their families face in a dis-proportionate way compared to other Americans: 

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Traumatic Brain Injury 
• Substance Abuse 
• Homelessness/Housing Concerns 
• Disability and Health/Illness Issues 
• Unemployment/Under employment 
• Poverty 
• Educational Deficit 
• Money Management Struggles 
• Financial Literacy 
• Social Anxiety/Mental Health Issues 
• Family Issues Anger 
• Management Challenges 
• Criminal Justice Issues

It is often the case that veterans will not seek the help they need. Mayor Cyril Kleem established this office to assist veterans and their families in a supportive and community-oriented environment. 

Connect

The Veterans Outreach Office serves veterans and their families in a supportive and community-oriented environment through:

• Connecting Veterans to assistance programs through a variety of national, state and local organizations.
• Community-based projects.
• Veterans-to-Veterans Volunteer Team.

Support

The Veterans Office offers the following community support:

• Ongoing veterans support groups in nursing homes.
• Coffee Chat with Chaplain Willie meets monthly on Saturdays at the Berea Recreation Center, 451 Front St.
• Can We Talk community support group open to veterans and non-veterans held every Tuesday at the the Berea Recreation Center, 451 Front St. 
• Hospice Veterans Partnership through We Honor Veterans. This is a community collaboration with the VA to serve veterans and their families facing end of life issues.

Events

The Veterans Outreach Office hosts the following events: 

• Education series in which guest speakers will present on various topics. 
• Veterans Breakfast. 
• Annual Veterans Picnic at Coe Lake. 
• Community Memorial Service. 
• Health and Education Fair.