On Wednesday July 7, in observation of Independence Day, Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center (MVOC) hosted a “4th on the 7th” BBQ at its main building. This marks the MVOC’s first gathering since before the pandemic.
Residents of the MVOC’s five facilities gathered with staff for a casual BBQ and an introduction back into the community programming MVOC is known to host for area veterans.
“Residents and staff have missed the opportunity to gather and relax together this past year,” notes Executive Director Stephanie Marchetti, “so we were all excited for this return to normalcy and fun. The MVOC looks forward to reinvigorating community engagement and activities over the next few months.”
MVOC offers veterans throughout central Massachusetts housing, mental health counseling, employment skills building, personal development, and benefits resource guidance. The organization also assists with transportation and food security.
For the remainder of summer, the MVOC is open by appointment to Veterans and their families in need of mental health counseling and benefits guidance. The food and clothing pantry is open, no appointment needed, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9am-12pm. The organization looks forward to reopening its walk-in center at 268 Central Street in Gardner on Tuesday September 7th.