Comprehensive Services Highlighted at Veterans Stakeholders Meeting
Published on April 25, 2025
Networking Event Unites Veterans, Services Providers and Advocates
More than 60 veterans, service providers and community organization representatives gathered yesterday at the Morris County Veterans Services Office for another successful New Jersey SOS Veterans Stakeholders Meeting, focused on strengthening collaboration and expanding support for the diverse needs of the state’s veteran community.
Morris County Commissioner John Krickus and State Sen. Anthony M. Bucco welcomed attendees, which included representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the VA New Jersey Health Care System, and the County College of Morris Veterans Resource Center.
“These meetings strengthen our network of services and ensure we remain focused on veterans’ evolving needs year-round -- not just on holidays,” said Commissioner Krickus, a Marine Corps veteran. “Years ago, a similar roundtable helped launch the CCM Veterans Resource Center. This kind of information sharing is invaluable.”
Commissioner Krickus also announced that Morris County will host its annual Memorial Day ceremony at noon on May 21 on Court Street in Morristown, where the county commissioners anticipate honoring 16 local veterans with Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medals.
Numerous veteran-focused organizations participated in the meeting, including Atlantic Health System’s True North Program, American Red Cross, Catholic Charities Diocese of Paterson, Community Hope, Fairleigh Dickinson University and Morris Habitat for Humanity, as well as local veterans from Morris Plains VFW Post 3401, Morristown American Legion Post 59, and Randolph VFW Post 7333. Also in attendance were staff from the offices of U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), U.S. Rep. Nellie Pou (NJ-9) and U.S. Sen. Andy Kim.
View More Photos from the Event
“Morris County makes things happen and our veterans have my full support. Whatever we need to do to make things better for those that have served our country so faithfully, I am here to help,” said Senator Bucco.
The meeting featured updates from Christine Hellyer, Director of the Morris County Office of Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming, and Jessica Tomalo, Program Coordinator for the Office of Veterans Services, who highlighted the county’s ongoing efforts to build outreach and awareness of veteran services. Hellyer noted that expanding space and staff has significantly improved service delivery.
“By doubling the size of our office space, adding a fourth veterans services officer and offering ongoing training, we’ve decreased the wait time for veterans by 50 percent and are reaching more veterans each month,” said Hellyer.
She also announced the next Morris County Spotlight on Services Information Session will be scheduled for June 12 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Butler VFW Post 8096, 69 Carey Ave., Butler, N.J.
Attendees were reminded a Veteran Center Community Access Point (CAP) operates every Thursday at the Veterans Services Office in Morris Township in partnership with the Bloomfield Vet Center. The CAP offers confidential mental health and readjustment services to veterans and their families. Appointments can be made by calling 973-748-0980.
Another highlight of the meeting was the ongoing success of the NJ SOS Veterans Stakeholders’ initiative, launched in partnership with Welcome Home Vets of New Jersey and Catholic Charities in February 2024. The effort has helped take more than 300 homeless veterans off the streets statewide.
“There’s no reason any veteran in New Jersey should be homeless if they don’t want to be,” said A.J. Luna, U.S. Army veteran and co-founder of NJ SOS Vets. “Everyone has a different story -- but there is help.”
Through the program, veterans can access up to three days of emergency housing and receive referrals to long-term support providers through Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) and Bringing Veterans Home (BVH). Veterans seeking assistance may call NJ SOS Vets at 855-289-8527.
“Morris County makes things happen. You bring people to the table, share ideas and make things work. You’re simply the best stakeholders,” said David Pearson, Assistant Director of SSVF at Catholic Charities.
The Morris County Veterans Services Office continues to serve as a central hub for veterans seeking assistance with VA claims, counseling and referrals to community-based services, including mental health support, job training and placement, and transportation assistance. The office can be reached at 973-285-6866. Walk-in hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 540 West Hanover Ave. in Morris Township.
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Photo: Commissioner John Krickus welcomes attendees at the NJ SOS Veterans Stakeholders meeting in Morris Township. Seated at the table directly in front of him from left is A.J. Luna, U.S. Army veteran and co-founder of NJ SOS Vets, David Pearson, Assistant Director of SSVF at Catholic Charities, Christine Hellyer Director of the Morris County Office of Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming, and Jessica Tomalo, Program Coordinator for the Office of Veterans Services.