From Mayor Bill Finch:
Today, Mayor Bill Finch will join several men and women who served our nation at Veterans Day ceremonies being held in Bridgeport at Veterans Memorial Park at 9 a.m. and Col. Mucci Plaza at 11 a.m. Click here for a full schedule of today’s events: bit.ly/1ugxbzw.
Under Mayor Finch’s leadership, the City of Bridgeport created the nation’s first one-stop center for veterans affairs. Opened in December 2011, the Veterans Support Center offers a centralized location for access to local, state and federal assistance all under one roof at 752 East Main Street. A wide range of services are available to Bridgeport’s veterans at the support center including transportation to the VA Hospital in West Haven, a food pantry, and information about veterans housing applications, as well as assistance with benefits, compensation and pensions. For a full list of services available at the Veterans Support Center, click here: goo.gl/C6oLz6.Last week, Governor Malloy announced that the a pilot program connecting veterans, military service members and their families with state employment and social services will be expanded to the Bridgeport area next month. This program will improve outreach and access to job-related services, health coverage, food assistance and other support for Bridgeport-area veterans and their families. Click here to read more: 1.usa.gov/1xnk0MW.
“I’m the son of a veteran. I recognize the importance of protecting our freedoms. I can’t thank those who served–and continue to serve–our country enough. The City of Bridgeport is committed to serving our veterans as well as they have served us. Our Veterans Affairs Office offers a centralized location for access to local, state and federal assistance all under one roof, making it more convenient for our veterans. And now, thanks to a Governor Malloy, we’re growing support for veterans in Bridgeport. As our city gets better every day, we’re ensuring our heroes have a fair shot at good paying jobs, future success, and the opportunity to live a safe and healthy life thanks to the efforts of our Veterans Affairs office.”
Along with the efforts of local, state and federal agencies, the private sector is also stepping up to serve veterans in Bridgeport. Boot Camp Farms, a Bridgeport-based urban agriculture company planning to build an 80,000 square-foot greenhouse to grow fresh produce in the East End, will focus on hiring veterans to staff the greenhouse.
“We’re making progress, but we know there’s still more work to do. In Bridgeport, we’re committed to ensuring our nation’s heroes are set up for success here at home,” said Mayor Finch.
