Located at the intersection of South Market and West First streets, the center aims to provide a place for local veterans and their families to obtain information about assistance programs, employment opportunities and Veterans Administration benefits. The center will also serve as a gathering place for veterans to socialize.<\/p>\n
Made possible by volunteers, the 1930s-era structure was renovated this year to include a library, a conference room and computer lab. A small collection of books, including Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway; furniture and a television; along with kitchen cabinets and a refrigerator were all made possible by support from private citizens and local businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have been fortunate as veterans in this community,\u201d said Darla Sanders, adjutant commander of the local Disabled American Veterans. \u201cThe community support we\u2019ve received has just been awesome.\u201d<\/p>\n
The brainchild of the outreach center, Sanders said she didn\u2019t know how the center would come to fruition, but she\u2019s thankful the local community stepped up to lend a helping hand at every turn.<\/p>\n
Veteran advocate Robert Valencia said he was hopeful that the center would soon receive at least three computers that veterans could use as a means to search for employment opportunities. He added the city had agreed to help install fiber optics for the computer lab.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to partner with local businesses to recruit veterans for open positions,\u201d said Valencia. \u201cWhen you hire a vet, you know you\u2019re getting a good employee.\u201d<\/p>\n
Retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Charles Grasse, who served from 1952 to 1982, said he was thrilled the new outreach center finally opened.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis center is going to be very important,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be a place where like-minded people can get together to socialize and tell war stories.\u201d<\/p>\n
The owner of the 1,000-square-foot building agreed to discount the rent in exchange for sweat equity, a blessing for Sanders, who said an outreach center had been a pipe dream of hers for years.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen veterans feel love and support from their community, then it can change their whole outlook on life,\u201d said Sanders.<\/p>\n
For more information about the DAV or to assist with the outreach center, call Darla Sanders at (970) 560-2793.<\/p>\n