Melrose Veterans Services Moves to the Milano Center
In an effort to streamline and enhance community services for Melrose residents, the Veterans Services Office (VSO) has relocated to the second floor of the Milano Center, 201 West Foster St. The move will give the VSO team more space to serve veterans, and allow opportunities for collaboration with the Melrose Council On Aging (COA).
“Although located in the Milano Center, we are here to serve veterans of all ages and their families. There is a good deal of overlap in the constituencies both us and the COA serve.” said Veterans Services Officer, Karen Burke. “We’ve created a one stop shop for individuals who rely on both of our departments.”
“I’m very grateful to be able to share this space with Karen and her team,” said Council on Aging Executive Director, Stacey Minchello. “There are a lot of opportunities for collaboration as we continue to enhance our programming and outreach.”
The relocation comes on the heels of some big changes to the COA: this summer, two new staff members, social worker Rachael Cordella, who serves residents of all ages, and full-time Milano Center Manager Erica Brown, joined the team.
Rachael Cordella, LCSW comes to the Melrose Council on Aging with over 10 years’ experience in social work and will work to connect residents to available local, state, and federal benefits and resources such as SNAP, fuel assistance, housing applications and appeals, water and sewer discounts, Melrose Emergency Fund, mental health referrals, health initiatives, school supply programs, and more.
“The need for social workers has become more evident than ever since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Cordella said. “I’m thrilled to be able to help Melrose residents in this capacity. There is so much assistance available that people just aren’t aware of. I am so glad to be able to offer support and connect people to the resources they need.”
The COA serves as a resource hub for older adults, while also providing a wide variety of social, recreational, health, and educational programs. Melrose Veterans Services Office is part of the Melrose-Wakefield-Saugus Veteran Services District and provides quality support services and guidance on local, state, and federal benefit programs to all veterans. Both are part of Melrose’s Community Services division, a consortium of departments which collaborate to offer life-enhancing services to community members.
“The Community Services Division plays a key role in our municipal services here in Melrose,” said Mayor Paul Brodeur. “My time working in elder affairs really ignited my passion for ensuring robust services for older adults, and I’m proud that our city is such a strong leader in both elder and veterans’ services. These are important changes we’re making to strengthen our already solid social services foundation.”
The Veterans Services Office reopened Monday, September 27th at the new location. The office is open for walk ins from 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday. (Afternoons are appointment only, and all VA claims require an appointment.) They can be reached at 781-979-4186 or via email KBurke@cityofmelrose.org or SCaffey@cityofmelrose.org.
Rachael Cordella can be reached at 781-665-4304 or via email rcordella@cityofmelrose.org.