Alec is Director of Residential Services and Government Grants. Alec joined Veterans Outreach Center as the Residential Manager in March of 2016. Alec served 8 years in The United States Marine Corps 2006-2014. His passion for Veteran advocacy began as a financial services representative and grew when he was elected to the Veterans Business Council in July of 2015. Alec and his wife Julianna have 3 boys, reside in Irondequoit and belong to Grace Church. Veterans Outreach Center (VOC) started in 1973 to help out with Vietnam Veterans who were not being treated well due to the politics of the time. Alec related a story from a returning home Vietnam Vet who said he felt better telling people he was in prison rather than serving in the Army. The Center is NOT part of the VA. It is a separate non-profit organization providing free programs and support for veterans in Rochester and the 13 surrounding counties. The VOC started the Agent Orange Registry and began as a "hang out" for Vietnam Vets to share their experiences as they tried to re-enter civilian life. The VOC provides many services to veterans: transitional housing, housing search and placement, employment placement, and financial/educational/benefit/substance abuse counseling. The Richards Home in Rochester is named after Mayor Tom Richards and is a home for homeless vets. Priscilla Home is for homeless female vets. 60% of VOC's funding is from grants, 20% from donations from individuals, and 20% from Foundations. Operating budget is $2.6M. Most funding is from many small grants. They just recently lost a large grant to another agency and they are scrambling to make up the difference. The Opioid Epidemic is hitting veterans as hard if not harder than the general population so is a major issue they are dealing with at VOC. Drug and Rehab services are offered by the VOC. Our club was honored to present a $1000 check to VOC for the outstanding work they do serving our local veterans. |