Veterans Get Help From Local Organizations

AURORA, IL — A veteran adjusting to civilian life is rarely easy. Thursday, Rep. Bill Foster (D-11) is hosting a one-stop-shop for those seeking treatment and care for life outside of the military. The mental health and wellness resource fair will host nearly 20 vendors whose missions include making life easier post-service.

Foster’s Communications Director Mary Werden said the representative “regularly hosts veteran’s events, most of them town hall-style with Q&As,” but this event will be “more thorough and geared specifically at mental health awareness. It’s a chance for not only veterans, but family and friends to get information.”

Loved ones sometimes seek help when veterans won’t. Foster aims to change that by helping destigmatize mental illness.

Organizations that link vets with employment, fitness, home care, nutrition and service dogs will be on hand. Victor Tech, Inc. is a Chicago-based company that developed an app to connect former soldiers to a mental health program, job services and other veterans groups and meetups. Three Rangers distillery funnels its proceeds to a foundation that helps veterans achieve lifelong success.

The fair is free and open to the public from 2:30 to 5:30 Thursday at the Waubonsee Community College Aurora campus, located at 18 S. River St. in Aurora.

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