January 13th, 2025
Satellite offices in Greece and Webster will help connect residents with County services for older adults and veterans
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Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today announced the opening of two new service centers to support county residents seeking access to vital services. The convenient, accessible offices will help connect residents with knowledgeable staff and serve as a resource for veterans and aging services. These offices are located at Greece Ridge Mall in the town of Greece and Bay Towne Plaza in the town of Webster, and made possible with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
“These new service centers will help us to better connect with residents by meeting them closer to home,” said County Executive Bello. “We want to make sure that local veterans get all of the benefits they’re entitled to, and we want to connect older adults and caregivers with the services and supports that can improve their quality of life. Thank you to our friends at Lifespan for partnering with us on this effort, as well as the County workers who will serve these locations.”
The Monroe County Veterans Service Agency (VSA) will provide free assistance to veterans and their families at each location. Specifically, the VSA can help navigate the United States Department of Veterans Affairs' claim system, including filing appeals for denied claims, and will review eligibility for all programs to make sure a veteran is receiving all of the benefits they’ve earned.
Lifespan of Greater Rochester, experts in aging services and a valuable partner of Monroe County’s Office for the Aging, will also have staff available at each location to assist older adults and caregivers with guidance about aging services and other supportive programs. This includes information about home care options, housing, transportation, wellness programming, financial support, health insurance counseling appointments, caregiver supports & resources, and referral services to a host of local programs and services.
“These sites will provide older adults and caregivers with more convenient access to aging service programs on the eastern and western sides of our County, in addition to helpful coordination with veterans services,” said Steve Newcomb, Director of the Monroe County Office for the Aging. “Situations can be complex. We are grateful to County Executive Adam Bello for his vision to offer these valuable sites, which will provide an opportunity for older people and caregivers to meet with experts about how to access helpful services to support independence and quality care in Monroe County. We are proud to partner with Lifespan to deliver guidance and resources to older adults and caregivers at these convenient locations on both the eastern and western sides of Monroe County.”
“As a community, we have an obligation to take care of the men and women who’ve served their country, and the VSA works every day to help our veterans connect with the supports and services they've earned,” said Nick Stefanovic, Director of the Monroe County Veterans Service Agency. “We know the need for help is strong and the capacity to help is strong, and these new locations will help make those connections more easily.”
“We are thrilled to support County Executive Adam Bello’s efforts to make services more accessible to people in the County,” said Ann Marie Cook, President/CEO, Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Inc. “It is difficult to understand aging services, including eligibility for benefits and other programs. These satellite sites will provide people an opportunity to meet with professionals in a convenient location so they can get access to services and understand benefits.”
“This is a fantastic step forward for Monroe County’s veterans and older adults,” said U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. “With funding from the American Rescue Plan, which I fought to deliver, these new service centers in Greece and Webster will bring vital resources closer to home for those who need them most. From helping veterans access the benefits they’ve earned to connecting older adults with essential services like housing, transportation, and health care, these centers will make a real difference in people’s lives. I applaud County Executive Bello for his leadership and dedication to supporting our community’s veterans, seniors, and caregivers.”
“Navigating the web of benefits and programs that exist for veterans and older adults can be overwhelming for even the most well-resourced individual,” said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “To help counter this, Monroe County will be opening two satellite offices for residents to receive services from the Monroe County Veterans Service Agency and Lifespan of Greater Rochester. The opening of these two sites and co-location of services will help meet the needs of residents, whether it’s needing assistance with veterans benefit claims or helping older adults access services for their health and well-being. I am proud to have secured this funding through the American Rescue Plan Act and commend County Executive Bello and his administration for this initiative.”
“Our community is fortunate to have so many resources and organizations dedicated to uplifting our seniors and veterans—and these new satellite offices will help ensure vital services are accessible to everyone who needs them,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I’m grateful to County Executive Bello for utilizing federal funds I helped secure to support these service centers, and I look forward to our continued work together to strengthen the future of Monroe County.”
“These additional service centers are a prime example of Monroe County meeting residents where they are,” said Legislature President Yversha Román. “The needs of our veterans and elderly residents are complex. These centers increase accessibility of the services offered to address those needs. Thank you to Lifespan and the Monroe County Veterans Service Agency for your collaboration and work to better serve our community.”
"Today's ribbon-cutting at the westside Veteran and Senior Services Center marks a transformative step in how Monroe County delivers support to those who need it most," said Legislator Jackie Smith. "With this center and its eastside counterpart, we are ensuring veterans and seniors have streamlined access to essential services, honoring their contributions and strengthening our entire community. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to making Monroe County a place where every generation in every part of this community is valued and supported."
Each office will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 p.m. The locations are:
Greece Ridge Mall, Inline Space F5
271 Greece Ridge Center Drive
Rochester, NY, 14626
(585) 753-2802
Bay Towne Plaza, Suite 645
1900 Empire Boulevard
Webster, NY 14580
(585) 753-2812
