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.