My dad, a Navy veteran, struggled to make his next rent payment, even though he lived in senior housing with a sliding scale agreement. The weight of worry hung on his shoulders like a sack of rocks. He knew he needed help, and we knew our family wasn’t equipped to provide it for him. It was definitely a difficult time for all of us.
That is, until we found a well-established veterans program to reach out to. Using their services meant Dad would need to meet with a stranger, share his burden with them, and fill out some forms. I’m not sure which of those steps he disliked the most, but when his financial assistance came through, we all shared in a collective sense of relief and gratitude.
I tell my dad’s story because, unfortunately, it’s a common one, as veterans and their families face similar challenges every day. Asking for help can be hard and finding a solution can be intimidating. It’s important for them to know that the Bristol community has got their six. The support highlighted in this article is dedicated solely to the welfare of our veterans.
Veterans Strong Community Center (City Hall, 111 N. Main Street – Ground Level, Bristol)
When the Army Strong Community Center announced it would be closing in 2016, Donna Dognin, then a staff member for their Bristol location, started planning a way to bridge the gap in services that the closure would bring. The Veterans Strong Community Center is the fulfillment of that plan.
The center opened that same year under the sponsorship of the Bristol Veterans Council. It operates as a non-profit regional information and resource hub for service members and their families, regardless of branch, component of service, or status of discharge. Donna has served as Veterans Strong’s Co-Founder and Executive Director since it opened, and she wears her titles with a gentle, determined spirit, and a clear sense of purpose.
The Veterans Strong Mission
Every day, the staff of Veterans Strong moves forward with their mission in mind: To improve services, assistance, and communication to Veterans, Service Members, Families and Military Retirees throughout the Greater Bristol area. They meet each client where they are in terms of situations and challenges. Deeply dedicated to their community, Veterans Strong helps identify veteran’s needs and faces them head on with years of experience, knowledge, and an amazing support network at the ready.
Some of their available services include, but are not limited to, meeting basic needs, and providing guidance with DD214/records requests and funeral/memorial benefits. In addition to Bristol, Veterans Strong supports Burlington, Harwinton, Plymouth, Thomaston and Wolcott. They currently operate on grants with stipends from those various cities. Their efforts are further bolstered by Bristol organizations and residents through their monetary donations, participation at fundraisers, and volunteer hours.
Ways to Connect
The Veterans Services page on the City of Bristol website provides useful links and information, including VA forms: https://www.bristolct.gov/550/Veterans-Services.
Follow Veterans Strong on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeteransStrongCommunityCenter
Visit the Veterans Strong website and subscribe to receive updates: https://www.vetstronginc.org/about.
Ways to Show Your Support
Visit the Veterans Strong website to learn how you can show your support for Bristol veterans: https://www.vetstronginc.org.
Veterans Strong host a variety of fundraisers throughout the year, ranging from bowling to band nights and more. Find ongoing fundraisers listed on their website: https://www.vetstronginc.org/save-the-date.
Shop their Amazon wish list. All wish list purchases ship directly to the Veterans Strong office: https://a.co/eaDtrYC
The American Legion Forestville Village Post 209 (335 Camp Street, Bristol)
The American Legion Forestville Village Post 209 supports veterans and strengthens community through service and dedication. Their mission is to promote patriotism and honor, advocate for strong national security, support veterans, service members, and their families, destigmatize mental health support and end veteran suicide. Post 209 plays a big role in the community, from holding blood drives to hosting special events like a fishing derby. They mentor young people, and promote peace and goodwill as a means to safeguard justice, freedom and democracy.
To learn about this American Legion Post, including membership and upcoming events, visit their website at https://americanlegionpost209.com/, and like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ALpost209/. They’re also on Instagram as ALpost209.
You can also reach them by email at [email protected], and by phone at (860) 384-5626.
Parks Honoring Bristol’s Heroes
Both Bristol and Forestville are home to memorial parks that honor the city’s heroes. Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Downtown Bristol is home to sixteen war memorials, and provides visitors with an opportunity for a contemplative walk, with benches available throughout. Quinlan Park (10 Broad Street, Forestville) includes commemorative signage and also provides benches for times of reflection.
Help for Veterans in Crisis
At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, they understand that life’s challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, their caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.
Using the 988 Lifeline is free. When you call, text, or chat the 988 Lifeline, your conversation is confidential. The 988 Lifeline provides you with judgment-free care. Connecting with someone can help save your life. Dial 988 then Press 1.
Note: Veterans can still reach the Veterans Crisis Line with the previous phone number—1-800-273-8255 and Press 1—by text (838255), and through chat (VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat).
The resources included here are invaluable to our veteran community. Please keep this information on hand and share it with those you know who may need it.
Many thanks to those who have served, are serving now, and who plan to serve in the future.
- Special Thanks to Donna Dognin, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Veterans Strong, for her time and contributions to this article. Additional resources include The American Legion Post 209 website, and the Bristol All Heart website at bristolallheart.com.