The Erie County Bar Association's veterans committee announced Tuesday the opening of a Veterans Treatmet Court in Jamestown, New York set to open March 5, 2012.
They also introduced a resource guide for veterans. The guide lists all the services offered for veterans, such as how to receive mental health services, housing and employment. The information guides can be found at the Buffalo VA Medical Center, local colleges and at the American Legion.
Co-chair of the Committee on Veterans and Service Members legal issues Joseph Morath said these added services will help the 100,000 veterans already living in the county and the many returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan.
"A lot of young men and women are coming back in a down economy, having a hard time finding work, having a hard time getting back to work, many of them unfortunately are not only suffering from many physical injuries but a lot of mental injuries as-well, and anything we can do to help integrate them into society I think we should do,"said Morath.
Judge Robert Russell who created the first Veterans Treatment Court in Buffalo said it's had much success in rehabilitating veterans with any mental health or drug issues.
"It's sometimes challenging for a veteran who comes home, they served our country, done a tremendous job and now they're going through challenges and don't know where to go. This veterans treatment court is not only working with veterans seen in our justice system, but will be come a one stop shopping location so to speak," said Russell.
Russell said these resources are the best way for Erie County to support our veterans.
Also announced Tuesday is The Golden Age Games coming to Buffalo's waterfront in May of 2013.