Connecting, Collaborating, & Strengthening at The Veterans Resource Fair

Goodwill Manasota Veterans Services was proud to collaborate with The Patterson Foundation for a Veterans Resource Fair focused on Digital Navigation. TPF partnered with Sarasota County Government, Sarasota Technology Users Group (STUG), CareerSource Suncoast, Women’s Resource Center, UnidosNow, and Sarasota County Libraries to assist with efforts.

Many veterans in our community struggle with using modern technical devices and programs, and part of the reason is that they cannot afford to buy a device due to the cost of living in our area. This event was special in that veterans could receive free devices and get one-on-one assistance with learning how to set them up, access social media and emails, and so much more.

Along with the Digital Navigation services, several other community partners were in attendance to offer different services. Everglades University and Manatee Technical College were there to discuss the educational benefits available to veterans and their families and the training programs they offer. St. Vincent de Paul was there to help veterans with housing issues. SRQ Vets was there to connect veterans with any other resources they may need in the community. William Sterbinsky, from The Law Firm of Alex Dell, assisted veterans with VA claims and appeals. Of course, the Goodwill Manasota Veterans Services team was on hand to help veterans or their family members needing employment services.

Seeing so many different local agencies come together for a common cause was great. But that is what our community does and the reason you hear of so many amazing collaborations and success stories!