Computer Lab Helps Formerly Homeless Vets Go High-Tech

Pictured from left: Philip Coffey, of Mt. Sinai, Computer Installations Coordinator, RSVP; Wilkens Young, of Bellport, Director, Suffolk County United Veterans; and Stan Meyers, of Smithtown, Program Coordinator, RSVP.

A new computer lab for formerly homeless Veterans was recently opened at the John J. Lynch Veterans Place Shelter in Yaphank, thanks to the generosity of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Suffolk. The computers will be used to help Veterans residing at the shelter to search for and secure employment.

“This opens up a whole new world for our Veterans at the John J. Lynch Shelter,” commented Wilkens Young, Director of Suffolk County United Veterans, which runs the shelter. “They can now enroll in online vocational and educational training programs, search for employment, prepare resumes, and submit job applications. We are grateful to RSVP Suffolk for this very generous and much-needed donation.”

RSVP Suffolk, an all-volunteer organization, refurbishes donated computers and provides them at no-cost to community groups – with a special focus on Veterans organizations – that could not otherwise afford them through their ‘Computer Connections Program.’”

SCUV operates the computer lab – equipped by RSVP with five computer workstations, a printer, and a copier – seven days a week from 9:00am through 9:00pm. RSVP will also be providing training to help Veterans improve their computer skills.

Suffolk County United Veterans is a project of the not-for-profit Association for Mental Health and Wellness, a behavioral healthcare organization headquartered in Ronkonkoma. SCUV provides emergency housing for some 200 Veterans annually as well as support services for more than 1,300 veterans and their families each year. For more information or for assistance, call (631) 924-8088.