Western Massachusetts
This page includes events and directories of veterans’ services; veterans’ posts and auxiliaries; Veterans Outreach Centers, VA-accredited representatives, agents, and attorneys; veteran owned businesses; Aging Services Access Points in Western Massachusetts. County pages are in progress.
Use the #western-mass tag for events in counties in the Western Massachusetts region and include the town name somewhere in the listing for in person events so they show up on this page.
35,984 veterans are estimated to live in Western Mass as of 2021, with 2,592 veterans living below the poverty line, including 1,227 with a disability.
The mission of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans’ Services (EOVS) is to act as the primary advocate on behalf of all the Commonwealth’s veterans. The Office provides outreach and support through various programs. EOVS offers assistance to eligible veterans and their surviving spouses through the MassVets Financial Benefits Program, administered by local veterans’ services.
Veterans may use the Mass Vet Benefit Calculator to see what they may qualify for and contact their local veterans’ services office to apply. MGL Chapter 115 requires each town/city have a veterans’ agent to administer these benefits, but two or more contiguous towns can also appoint someone to serve as veterans’ agent and form Veterans’ Services Districts.
Berkshire Veterans Outreach Center
The Berkshire Veteran Outreach Center in Pittsfield is committed to helping veterans and their families in the Berkshires any way they can. They know the challenges that can come with paperwork and red tape and will help with anything from VA disability and pension claims to VA healthcare applications and Veteran ID cards. Call (413) 448-6052 or email the BVOC directly.
The Bilingual Veterans Outreach Center of Massachusetts is located in Springfield and is open to any and all veterans. For more information or assistance, call (413) 731-0194.
Western Mass Directories
Aging Services Access Points
Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) are private, non-profit agencies established under MGL Chapter 19A. ASAPs provide direct and protective services, including information and referrals; interdisciplinary case management; intake and assessment; developing, implementing, and monitoring service plans; reassessing needs; and investigating reports of elder abuse and neglect.
MassOptions is a service of the Executive Office of Health & Human Services (EOHHS) that can also help older adults, people with disabilities, and family members or caregivers identify aging and disability services and connect to those that can meet their needs. Call 800-243-4636 or click here to complete a referral.
