The Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center serves those who have served by supporting military veterans and their families in need of assistance to develop a resilient, self-sufficient lifestyle essential to succeed in today’s environment. Provides…
I Food Pantry
Located at 268 Central Street in Gardner, the pantry supports veterans and surviving family members/dependents. The pantry is a needs based program that benefits over 200 family units monthly throughout North Central Massachusetts and is open in Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9am-12pm. II Transitional Programs
The Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center (MVOC) offers Transitional Care Housing Programs that are designed to enhance the quality of life for our Veterans as they apply the skills necessary to interrupt the “revolving door” cycle of homelessness, depression, anxiety, loneliness, and addictions. They also offer application assistance to obtain Massachusetts resident benefits such as Mass Health, food stamps, disability, veteran benefits and a variety of other veteran related support services. III Long-Term Housing
The Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center (MVOC) Nichols and Central street properties are designated as low-income rental units for veterans. Veteran residents are independent and “on their own” but are extended an open invitation to participate in a full array of Veteran related services and programs that are available at the MVOC. IV Transportation
Transportation is subject to a weekly schedule. Departure and return times are based upon the appointment schedule of those using the MVOC’s transportation. V Counseling
Services offered include but are not limited to: Individual Mental Health Counseling, Stress Management, Relaxation Techniques, PTSD Counseling, Family/ Couples Counseling, and Drug/ Alcohol Counseling. VI Benefits Advisement & Advocacy
Services offered by Benefits Advisor include but are not limited to…
• Obtaining Military Records & Discharge Paperwork
• Requesting Personnel and Medical Records
• Discharge Upgrades
• Obtaining Service Medals
• Unit Research Assistance
• Service Connected Disability Compensation Claims
• Non-Service Connected Disability Compensation Claims
• State Annuities and Bonus for Combat and Disabled Veterans
• Food Stamp & Fuel Assistance Application Assistance
• Utility Discounts for Disabled Veterans Application Assistance
• G.I. Bill, FAFSA, Continued Education Assistance, Applications, and Forms
• Veterans Administration Vocational Rehabilitation
• Massachusetts Vocational Rehabilitation
• Advocacy
• Indemnity Compensation for Veteran’s Survivors
• Education Benefits for qualified Veteran’s Dependents
• VA Life Insurance Programs
• VA Health Care Application and Financial Mean Test
• Masshealth Application Assistance
• Long Term Veteran’s Care
• VA Home Loan Eligibility Application
• VA Burial and Funeral Application Assistance
VII Referrals
• Drug/ Alcohol Referrals
• Employment Referrals
• City/ Town Veteran Service Agent Referrals
• V.A. Inpatient and Outpatient Registration Referrals
• Housing Referrals
• Transitional Program Referrals
• Low Income Legal and mediation Service Referrals
• Department of Transitional Assistance Referrals
• Chapter 115 Referrals
• WIC, Food Stamp and Fuel Assistance Referrals
• Veterans Tax Abatement Referral
VIII Outreach
MVOC’s Outreach Coordinator brings the services and resources of the center out into the community. Food pantry boxes, benefits and counseling services are hand delivered to homebound and disabled veterans throughout the region monthly.
