VOC Hosting Stand Down 2026 at Rochester Public Market

Rochester, NY – With just under 40,000 veterans living in Monroe County, many of them need access to critical care and life-altering services. Stand Down 2026, hosted by Veterans Outreach Center, gives veterans in our area the chance to connect with providers and employers in one location at the same time. 

The 25th annual Stand Down will take place Wednesday, September 23 at the Rochester Public Market, 280 Union Street North, Rochester, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is in partnership with the VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System, Monroe County Veterans Service Agency, the City of Rochester, NYS Division of Veteran Services, Blue Star Mothers, Eagle Star Housing and RochesterWorks.

Laura Heltz, Veterans Outreach Center Executive Director and U.S. Army veteran said:

“Because of their service and sacrifice, our veterans have earned access to a wide range of services. Stand Down is a critical event that brings so many vital resources directly to our local veteran community in one place. Whether they’ve used our services before or not, we encourage all veterans to come explore their eligibility and take advantage of every benefit they’ve earned.

Michelle Goetz, Interim Director of VA Finger Lakes, said:

“The Rochester Stand Down is a unique opportunity for Veterans to connect with a wide range of resources, enjoy free food and music, explore job opportunities, and access benefits—all in one place. We invite all Veterans to join us for a day dedicated to community, support, and empowerment.”

Adam Bello, Monroe County Executive, said:

“The Stand Down Event is a one-stop shop for our nation’s heroes to be directly connected to vital services. From housing assistance and mental health resources, to healthcare and job counseling, this is an opportunity for area veterans to take full advantage of the benefits and services that they are entitled to. I’m grateful that Laura Heltz and the Veterans Outreach Center are once again hosting this event and for our shared commitment towards supporting local veterans.” 

 Nick Stefanovic, Director of Monroe County’s Veterans Service Agency, said:

“The Stand Down event sets the standard each year for how to do outreach the right way to Veterans. We see Veterans coming through our doors throughout the year who learned of important services from their experience at this event. We are happy to partner with VOC and VA every year on this.”

On-Site Services Offered: 

• Veteran benefits

• Housing

• Social Security

• Employment

• Health care

• Public assistance

• VA eligibility

• Senior services

• Peer mentoring

• Veteran organizations

• Education counseling

• Legal assistance

Stand Down 2026 is sponsored by Essential Solutions, Eagle Star Housing, Hearing Loss Association of America, Forged by Valor, Perri’s Pizza, the New York State Department of Civil Service and Pennington-Moye VFW Post 9251

Registration is available on-site the day of the event, at VOC at 447 South Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620, or at www.vocroc.org/standdown2026.