10/12/2026
Happy October these are the highlights from today's meeting with Veterans Coalition.
**SOUTHSIDE STRONG VETERANS COALITION | OCTOBER MEETING HIGHLIGHTS**
**Stronger partnerships. Greater opportunities. A continued commitment to our veterans.**
The Southside Strong Coalition for Su***de Prevention came together on October 12 to share resources, strengthen community connections, and explore new opportunities to support veterans and their families.
Our discussions highlighted the power of collaboration and the importance of connecting veterans with the resources, relationships, and opportunities they deserve.
**BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS**
Coalition members and community partners shared programs and explored opportunities to collaborate in veteran housing, entrepreneurship, workforce development, education, and community services. These conversations are helping build connections that can translate into meaningful opportunities for veterans.
**ADVANCING VETERAN HOUSING**
A major discussion focused on emerging veteran housing initiatives, including a proposed redevelopment project that would combine affordable veteran housing with entrepreneurship training, workforce development, community services, and sustainable technology.
Members expressed interest in bringing organizations together to explore how resources, expertise, and partnerships can help advance housing solutions for veterans.
**KEEPING VETERANS CONNECTED**
Our recurring veteran coffee chats continue to create welcoming spaces where veterans and their families can connect, share experiences, access information, and engage with community partners.
These gatherings remind us that connection matters. Creating spaces where veterans feel welcomed and supported is an important part of addressing isolation and strengthening community well-being.
Shero Coffee Club Forest Park Vet Center Nekohl Johnson Blue Door Neighborhood Center VFW Post 311 - Benjamin O Davis
**CREATING THROUGH COMMUNITY: THE VETERANS CHOIR & COOKBOOK**
Exciting initiatives are taking shape! The upcoming November 1 kickoff will introduce a military veterans choir and a community cookbook.
Veterans are invited to share their voices, join the choir, and contribute meaningful recipes that reflect family traditions, cultural heritage, and personal stories. These initiatives celebrate connection, creativity, and the experiences that bring us together.
Where We Meet, Inc.
**EXPANDING CAREER AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP OPPORTUNITIES**
Entrepreneurs Academy shared its vision for connecting veterans and other eligible participants with drone technology, business development, workforce training, and emerging career pathways.
The discussion also explored potential partnerships involving youth programs, JROTC, educational institutions, and community organizations.
Entrepreneurs Academy
**CONNECTING VETERANS WITH RESOURCES**
The coalition received updates on resources available through the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC), including veteran benefits support, financial assistance, Veterans Court, and upcoming programming.
Our continued goal is to help veterans and their families learn about available services and take the next step toward accessing the support they need.
Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County https://vaccookcounty.org/
**LOOKING AHEAD**
Our next coalition meeting is scheduled for **Monday, October 26, 2026, at 12:00 PM**. The planned discussion will focus on veteran housing initiatives, potential partnerships, and opportunities to turn shared ideas into coordinated action.
Every connection creates an opportunity. Every partnership can open a door. Every conversation can move us closer to a stronger support network for veterans and their families.
Thank you to our coalition members, community partners, and everyone committed to making a difference.
**Together, we can strengthen the network, expand the resources, and build the opportunities our veter ans deserve.**
Are YOU interested in joining the coalition? Here is the interest form and attached is the invitation! We will you soon.
RSVP for the monthly meeting: https://www.wherewemeetinc.org/event-details/southside-strong-veterans-coalition-monthly-meeting-2026-11-09-12-00
Coalition Interest Form https://forms.gle/b4ze79L3ud4s2zTD8
Where We Meet, Inc. https://www.wherewemeetinc.org/
President Carlos Redmond Secretary Nekohl Johnson Treasurer Aretha Spurlock Melissa Farmer-Hill Stephene Maxwell
***dePrevention
