Rockbridge Area Community Services (RACS) has expanded veteran support services in the Rockbridge area, launching a monthly gathering in March of 2024 and it has been growing ever since.
This new initiative has been aimed at supporting veteran mental health and wellness by creating an environment where veterans can come together and learn about various topics or resources available to them in our community.
This event has served as a platform for offering veterans the supports, resources and information specific to veteran mental health in order to help each individual thrive and feel connected to their community, said a spokesperson. In an effort to help enhance the gatherings, RACS also provides a free meal.
The next gathering is Tuesday, April 8, at 8:30 a.m. at the VFW post on U.S. 60 next to Rockbridge Memorial Gardens.
Hugh Ferguson, the RACS veteran peer support specialist, said, “This is more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to bring our veterans together, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. We believe that sharing a meal can be a powerful way to connect, and this breakfast is designed to provide a welcoming space for fellowship.
“I am like most veterans who never went to the VA (Veterans Affairs) until much later in life,” Ferguson continued. “We have a common feeling that the VA services are for the older war veterans. This is a misconceived belief, so I am regularly inviting VA representatives to our veteran events hosted by RACS to help navigate some of the wonderful services offered by the VA. This, along with our local efforts to assist veterans in their welfare, is my goal.”
Hollie Martin, the RACS adult community-based services manager, added, “We recognize the importance of reaching out to our local veterans, ensuring they know that they are not alone and have access to the resources and camaraderie they deserve. Our veteran peer program has been growing steadily, allowing us to reach and support more of our local veterans than ever before. Through peer mentorship, shared experiences, and community engagement, we are working to build a strong network of support for our local veterans and their families.”
Any veteran living in the Rockbridge, Bath, Buena Vista, or Lexington area is invited to the monthly gatherings.
For more information, call Rockbridge Area Community Services at (540) 463-3141.
