Monroe County opens satellite offices to connect residents with services for older adults and veterans
Monroe County has opened two new service centers to support county residents seeking access to vital services. The convenient, accessible offices will help connect residents with knowledgeable staff and serve as a resource for veterans and aging services. These offices are located at Greece Ridge Mall in the town of Greece and Bay Towne Plaza in the town of Webster, and made possible with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
“These new service centers will help us to better connect with residents by meeting them closer to home,” said County Executive Adam Bello. “We want to make sure that local veterans get all of the benefits they’re entitled to, and we want to connect older adults and caregivers with the services and supports that can improve their quality of life. Thank you to our friends at Lifespan for partnering with us on this effort, as well as the County workers who will serve these locations.”
The Monroe County Veterans Service Agency (VSA) will provide free assistance to veterans and their families at each location. Specifically, the VSA can help navigate the United States Department of Veterans Affairs’ claim system, including filing appeals for denied claims, and will review eligibility for all programs to make sure a veteran is receiving all of the benefits they’ve earned.
Lifespan of Greater Rochester, experts in aging services and a valuable partner of Monroe County’s Office for the Aging, will also have staff available at each location to assist older adults and caregivers with guidance about aging services and other supportive programs. This includes information about home care options, housing, transportation, wellness programming, financial support, health insurance counseling appointments, caregiver supports & resources, and referral services to a host of local programs and services.
“As a community, we have an obligation to take care of the men and women who’ve served their country, and the VSA works every day to help our veterans connect with the supports and services they’ve earned,” said Nick Stefanovic, Director of the Monroe County Veterans Service Agency. “We know the need for help is strong and the capacity to help is strong, and these new locations will help make those connections more easily.”
“We are thrilled to support County Executive Adam Bello’s efforts to make services more accessible to people in the County,” said Ann Marie Cook, President/CEO, Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Inc. “It is difficult to understand aging services, including eligibility for benefits and other programs. These satellite sites will provide people an opportunity to meet with professionals in a convenient location so they can get access to services and understand benefits.”
“Today’s ribbon-cutting at the westside Veteran and Senior Services Center marks a transformative step in how Monroe County delivers support to those who need it most,” said Legislator Jackie Smith. “With this center and its eastside counterpart, we are ensuring veterans and seniors have streamlined access to essential services, honoring their contributions and strengthening our entire community. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to making Monroe County a place where every generation in every part of this community is valued and supported.”
Each office will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The locations are:
•Greece Ridge Mall, Inline Space F5
271 Greece Ridge Center Drive
Rochester, NY, 14626
585-753-2802
•Bay Towne Plaza, Suite 645
1900 Empire Boulevard
Webster, NY 14580
585-753-2812
Provided information
