Veterans Services lays out 10 goals, including SOP manual and Purple Heart County effort

JR, representing Tompkins County Veterans Services, presented a set of 10 departmental goals to the Health and Human Services Committee on May 20 focused on improving internal operations and expanding outreach. Key internal priorities include development of a standard operating procedures manual, completion of the department’s move into dedicated office space, and evaluation of a comprehensive intake and case‑tracking system to consolidate client records currently kept in multiple places.

Externally, JR proposed boosting the department’s digital footprint and communication strategy, hosting a public open house to showcase services, and launching a needs assessment tied to the county strategic plan. He emphasized targeted outreach to underrepresented veteran groups — women veterans, veterans of color, and college‑age veterans — and described plans for remote claims clinics and benefit screenings in towns outside Ithaca.

JR also highlighted a grassroots project, the 'patriots pantry,' led by Cathy Carpenter to provide emergency clothing and basic items for veterans in crisis. The department plans an outreach campaign to expand client engagement in surrounding towns and to coordinate with HR to develop perks and retention supports for county employees who are veterans.

Finally, JR said the department will pursue Purple Heart County designation, which requires coordination with the highway department and a county resolution to allow for county‑line signs and related logistics. JR noted the department of three staff members will pursue these goals in parallel with routine activities and will return with more detail in next month’s meeting and in written follow‑up to the legislature.