For veterans, navigating all of the resources available in the community can be a complicated process. American Legion Post 185 in Mount Joy wants to help.

The Legion will host a Veterans Benefit Information Session at Trinity Lutheran Church, 47 W. Main St., Mount Joy, on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. It will feature representatives from 12 agencies that support veterans and their care and recovery. Although the event will take place in Mount Joy, it's open to all veterans and their caregivers throughout Lancaster County.

"If you are a veteran or have a veteran family member, this event will bring many resources together for you to leverage at your fingertips," said Stacey Miller, service officer for Post 185. "The needs of veterans vary, and these organizations can help you navigate to find the best care and programs available for the veteran and their caregiver."

With so many organizations offering different types of assistance, finding the right resource can be a challenge for veterans and their families. The information session will give attendees an opportunity to learn about services they may not know are available, ask questions about their individual circumstances and connect directly with people who can guide them through the process. Caregivers can also benefit from learning about programs designed to help them navigate the challenges of caring for a veteran. By bringing representatives from multiple agencies together, the Legion hopes to make it easier for veterans to identify their needs and find the appropriate next steps.

Federal, state and local agencies will attend the program. Participants will include a Veterans Affairs (VA) Service Officer, who will help with VA claims processing; VA Benefits Administration, which will provide information on how to register with the VA; the Building Bridges Foundation, which will highlight its equine therapy program; Sheetz Funeral Home, which will help attendees understand veteran burial benefits; and Team Jennifer Cahill Charities, which is focused on supporting female veterans.

The event will be informal and held in the church fellowship hall, enabling attendees to network with other veterans, ask questions and gain resources they seek.

"There will be light refreshments available for everyone to enjoy as they build their community of support," Miller said.

Miller hopes attendees will take the first step toward getting the support needed and learning about the resources available to them in the community, noting that sometimes all it takes is one conversation with the right person to open the doors to help.

No registration is required to attend the drop-in event. For more information or any questions, contact Miller at ALPOST185SO@gmail.com or 717-808-6444.