Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Veterans flocked to Temple Beth Am of Merrick & Bellmore earlier this month for a Job & Resource Fair, catered specifically to their needs. The event was hosted by Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow’s office, and boasted an array of resources and information to assist veterans in various areas of life.
Koslow represents part of Merrick, Bellmore and Freeport.
“Nassau County has one of the largest veteran populations of any community in America, and their experience gives them unique skills and insights that would benefit any workplace fortunate enough to have them,” Koslow said.
Koslow added he was thankful to partner with Temple Beth Am and a “great team of employers, social service agencies and advocates for veterans,” to host a fair that will give “the men and women who served our nation every opportunity to thrive in the private sector.”
During the event, veterans had the opportunity to connect with employment prospects and essential resources that can help them get on the right track. This included representatives from various industries; resume building tips and interview coaching; access to veterans-specific resources; networking with veteran support organizations; free workshops and more. The event was open to all veterans, service members and their families.
50 providers, including 32 employers and 18 resources providers, attended the event. Freeport High School’s Sinfonietta Orchestra performed during the event, and light refreshments were available to attendees.
In general, veterans resource fairs are vital for several reasons, as they serve as centralized hubs where veterans and their families can access essential services, support, and information tailored to their unique needs. Veterans can often face complex challenges, including transitioning into civilian life, navigating health care systems, and accessing benefits. Resource fairs bring together multiple organizations under one roof, making it easier for veterans to connect with health care services, including mental health and PTSD support; housing assistance programs; employment and career counseling; education opportunities, such as GI Bill benefit and legal aid and financial planning resources.
Resource fairs provide a sense of community by bringing veterans together. Veterans can connect with peers, share experiences and form support networks.
Many veterans may encounter barriers or confusion when trying to access benefits, and informative fairs offer face-to-face interactions with representatives from government agencies and other organizations, which can streamline the process.
It’s not just veterans who can find information and support at resource fairs — but their families too. Families can learn how to access resources like family counseling, childcare support and other financial assistance programs, recognizing the role families play in the well-being of veterans.
Koslow, who spoke at a Veterans Day event at Levy Lakeside Elementary School in Merrick on Nov. 8, said that his “gratitude and thankfulness” to veterans is not based on the fact that he’s an elected official.
“I grew up always believing that veterans are the most important people we have in this country, because of their willingness to fight for what’s important to us,” he said. “Every one of them has done something to benefit us, and we thank them every single day for that reason.”
For more on Koslow’s office, contact skoslow@nassaucountyny.gov, or call (516) 571-6205. For more on Veterans Services offered in Nassau County, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.
