ONEIDA, N.Y. — Madison County’s Veterans Service Agency (MCVSA) cut the ribbon on its new Madison County Mission First Veterans Community Center at a ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 19 at the facility at 1065 Northside Plaza.
The center opened earlier this year as a space for veterans and their families to connect, receive support, and thrive. It includes a large community space, offices, and a conference room dedicated to Mark Mossman, a former staff member of the agency who lost his battle with PTSD.
“This project is a great example of the power of community,” MCVSA Director Ron Raymer said in a news release. “I am grateful for the outpouring of support, generosity, and compassion of the Madison County community who have come together for our veterans. The Madison County Mission First Veterans Community Center is a place where our veterans can find the resources, support, and camaraderie they deserve. Our mission is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for veterans to connect with one another, access essential services, and thrive in the community they call home.”
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Funding for the center came from the Gorman Foundation and the New York State PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program. Staff members provide a range of services for veterans including peer support, disability claims assistance, and general benefits assistance.
“The Mission First Veterans Community Center renews our promise to stand by our veterans who have given so much to protect our freedom,” Madison County Board Chairman James J. Cunningham said in the release. “This center is a place where Madison County can continue to connect with our veteran community, provide support, and create opportunities for growth and healing.”
The center has welcomed human and furry visitors since it opened, collaborating with Wanderer’s Rest Human Association to create Karma’s Kompanions. The program works to unite veterans with cats and dogs looking for companionship and a home. There is also a fund to cover the fees for veterans looking to adopt a pet.
