Bowling Green expo connects veterans with local resources
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Veterans had the opportunity to connect with local organizations offering help with housing, employment, education and other needs during a resource expo Wednesday in Bowling Green.
The Veteran Stand Down and Resource Expo was held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kentucky Career Center on Chestnut Street. The event brought together service providers and community organizations to help veterans learn about available resources.
Volunteers of America offers assistance to veterans experiencing homelessness or facing eviction, including help with rent, utility deposits and certain household items.
“We can offer and help with security deposits, utility deposits, rental assistance, certain household items,” said Marcy Yuncer, associate director for Volunteers of America’s Western Region.
Employment support was another focus of the event.
Goodwill Kentucky helps veterans with job coaching, resume reviews and connections to potential employers. The organization also works to remove barriers that may prevent people from finding employment.
Fifth Third Bank provided information about banking services and financial literacy. The bank also highlighted a personal banker opening at its location on Nashville Road.
Educational opportunities were available through Western Kentucky University and Veterans Upward Bound.
Kent Johnson, director of military student services at WKU, said the university helps veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and reserve members, and military-connected family members access education benefits and navigate college life.
Veterans Upward Bound also helps veterans prepare for postsecondary education, including assistance with transcripts and educational resources.
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College participated in the expo, offering another connection to education and career training.
The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation also provided information about services for eligible people with disabilities, including vocational counseling, training and employment support.
The Kentucky National Guard was represented by Danielle Rice, a soldier family readiness specialist. Her role includes connecting service members, veterans and military families with resources such as financial counseling, TRICARE assistance, crisis intervention, legal resources and military identification card services.
United Way also helped connect people with local resources through its KYnect Resources program. The online directory allows people to search for assistance with needs such as rent, utilities, food and employment.
Hope Harbor, a regional sexual trauma recovery center, offers free therapeutic counseling, emergency advocacy and legal advocacy for survivors of sexual harm, including veterans and their loved ones. The organization also operates a 24-hour hotline at 270-846-1100.
The expo provided veterans with an opportunity to learn about multiple services in one location and connect with organizations that can help address their individual needs.
