Veterans Outreach Center gets new computer lab

Rochester-area veterans have a new place to upgrade their skill-sets and earn certification training, as a result of a $25,000 contribution from AT&T Inc.

Veterans Outreach Center has used the funds to update its Colonel Robert Abbott Veterans Community Technology Center and create a state-of-the-art AT&T Technology Lab. VOC plans to use the computer classroom to establish certification trainings and basic desktop publishing courses, as well as offer basic computer classes for veterans seeking support.

With the expanded capacity, VOC will be able to offer a variety of vocational assessment and pre-employment testing, and the expansion will allow the organization to be more flexible preparing veterans and their family members to upgrade their skills for today’s job market.

“We are excited to be a recipient of the AT&T’s Thank Our Heroes program,” said VOC executive director Laura Stradley, in a statement. “The new computer lab will allow us to train veterans and teach them innovative skills required to succeed in today’s economy. I’m confident that we’ll see great results from our investment in this workforce development program, and we look forward to continued partnerships with AT&T in the future.”

AT&T contributed $500,000 across the country in 2017 to 14 local organizations who serve veterans and active duty military personnel, as part of its Thank Our Heroes program. The campaign recognizes the nation’s heroes and supporting organizations like Rochester’s Veterans Outreach Center for their inspirational work to support active duty military personnel, veterans and their families.

“We are honored to collaborate with Veterans Outreach Center to provide local veterans with new state-of-the-art technology resources to help them learn new skills and become digitally literate to help prepare them for the innovation jobs that are changing our economy at a robust pace,” said Marissa Shorenstein, president, AT&T-Northeast Region. “AT&T has a long history supporting our military, veterans and first responders and this contribution is one small way we can express our thanks to our nation’s servicemen and women who have done so much to protect our country and freedoms.”

Founded locally in 1973 by returning Vietnam veterans, VOC offers a portfolio of supportive services designed to meet the needs of veterans and their families. All VOC programs and services are provided free. The organization provides supportive services to more than 1,500 veterans in Rochester, Buffalo and the 14 surrounding counties.

“As we work to create more jobs, safer, more vibrant neighborhoods and better educational opportunities for our citizens, we envision a city where resources are readily available and our communities are seamlessly connected,” Mayor Lovely Warren said. “This new computer lab will go a long way in helping Veterans Outreach Center’s workforce development program prepare our veterans for today’s innovation economy.”

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer