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.