Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Council Member-at-Large Louise Scott-Rountree, and key city leaders officially opened the Newark Veterans Service Office at City Hall, marking a major milestone in the city’s ongoing commitment to supporting its veterans. The new office, located in Room B-13 at 920 Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson Boulevard (formerly Broad Street), will provide comprehensive services to help Newark’s veterans access the benefits they have earned through their service.
In a heartfelt ceremony held in the City Hall Rotunda, the city honored eight local veterans, recognizing their immense sacrifice and dedication. The event was a powerful reminder of the city’s dedication to supporting its heroes, who have often faced barriers to accessing the resources they deserve.
“This office is Newark’s way of honoring and thanking those who joined the armed forces for our benefit,” said Mayor Baraka. “Our veterans’ sacrifices transcend political boundaries. They have given so much to uphold the values of liberty and democracy, and this office will ensure they get the support they need to thrive.”
The new Newark Veterans Service Office is a collaboration between the City of Newark, the State of New Jersey’s Department of Veterans Affairs, and VET4U, a leading nonprofit focused on veterans’ support. The facility will assist veterans in accessing critical services, including education and training under the GI Bill, housing loans, medical and mental health care, and much more. The office will serve as a gateway to the benefits veterans are entitled to but often find difficult to navigate.
Council Member-at-Large Rev. Louise Scott-Rountree highlighted the importance of the partnership between Newark, the State Veterans Office, and VET4U: “We are doing what we are supposed to do. Newark, with the State Veterans Office and VET4U, will accommodate those who have served and their families because they have sacrificed so much.”
Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker, who chairs the New Jersey General Assembly’s Military & Veterans Affairs Committee, expressed her gratitude for the new office. “I just want to say thank you to the men and women in the military for their service and sacrifice for our nation,” she said.
The office also aims to raise awareness about the full range of benefits available to Newark’s veterans, many of whom may be unaware of their eligibility or how to access these services. To address this, the office will host educational workshops to help veterans understand and qualify for service-connected benefits and expedite the process. The facility will also provide peer-based support to empower veterans and foster a sense of community.
“At VET4U, we are committed to supporting veterans through experience, compassion, and collaboration,” said Janna Williams, Founder & Executive Director of VET4U. “Through our partnership with Newark and the State of New Jersey, we will address the unique challenges facing veterans, helping them navigate the complex systems to receive the services they deserve.”
The Newark Veterans Service Office will also connect veterans to job training programs, including the city’s specialized carpentry training initiative, aimed at developing Newark’s local workforce.
By providing these services, Newark’s veterans will be better equipped to build a stable and prosperous future. The opening of the office is a powerful symbol of the city’s commitment to serving those who have selflessly served the nation.
Photos courtesy of City of Newark Press Office
