Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announces the official opening of a new Penfield service center designed to better support veterans and older adults across the community

Monroe County, New York – Monroe County took a major step toward improving access to vital support services this week, officially opening a new service center at BayTowne Plaza in Penfield. This facility is specifically designed to assist veterans, older adults, and their caregivers by bringing help closer to where people live—an initiative driven by County Executive Adam Bello and funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by local leaders and community stakeholders, marks the second such center to open in Monroe County, following a similar site at Greece Ridge Mall. These service hubs are part of a broader strategy to decentralize government support and make essential services easier to reach for those who need them most.

“These new service centers will help us to better connect with residents by meeting them closer to home,” said County Executive Bello. “We want to make sure that local veterans get all of the benefits they’re entitled to, and we want to connect older adults and caregivers with the services and supports that can improve their quality of life. Thank you to our friends at Lifespan for partnering with us on this effort, as well as the County staff who will serve these locations.”

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The Penfield service center will host staff from the Monroe County Veterans Service Agency (VSA) and Lifespan of Greater Rochester. The VSA will offer free, in-person support to veterans and their families as they navigate the complex U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims system. This includes helping individuals appeal denied claims and ensuring that all eligible benefits are received.

Lifespan, a trusted nonprofit organization specializing in services for older adults, will have professionals on-site to assist seniors and their caregivers with guidance on everything from home care and housing to transportation, insurance counseling, financial aid, wellness programming, and caregiver resources. Together, these partners aim to eliminate barriers to access by situating expert help in familiar, neighborhood settings.

The initiative reflects a larger movement toward human-centered public service—one that prioritizes physical access and reduces administrative complexity. Veterans, older adults, and their families often face time-consuming travel and bureaucratic hurdles when seeking help. Now, with offices like the one in Penfield, Monroe County is flipping the script.

“By establishing this new satellite Veterans Services Office at BayTowne Plaza, we’re making it easier for veterans and their families to access the care and support they deserve,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Bringing experts and critical resources closer to home will help foster stronger families and a healthier community. I’m grateful to County Executive Bello and to the teams at Monroe County and Lifespan for directing these federal funds toward strengthening veterans’ services in our region.”

The concept is simple but powerful: if people can’t get to the help, bring the help to them.

For Penfield residents, especially older adults and veterans, this move is more than just a ribbon-cutting—it’s a chance to get support without the added strain of long commutes or navigating unfamiliar offices. Local officials praised the center’s convenient location and the county’s proactive approach.

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“We’re grateful to County Executive Bello and our partners at Lifespan and the Veterans Service Agency for making this investment in our community,” said Penfield Town Supervisor Jeff Leenhouts. “The new service center at BayTowne Plaza provides convenient access to critical resources for our seniors and our veterans. A trip down the street instead of across town for an appointment can make all the difference when it comes to health and well-being, and this new center does just that for area residents. This is a meaningful step toward improving care, connection, and quality of life for those who need it most in Penfield and beyond.”

The physical location—Suite 645 at 1900 Empire Boulevard—is right in the heart of Penfield’s commercial district. This makes it accessible not just to Penfield residents but also to those in surrounding towns.

Monroe County is facing a steady rise in the number of older adults. Officials say that this growth demands a more flexible and accommodating system for delivering services. With aging populations come increased needs in health care, housing, and caregiver support, and the Penfield site is part of the county’s response.

“The growth in the percentage of older people residing in Monroe County continues to rise. Monroe County’s effort to address this increase is creating more convenience for family caregivers and their loved ones in order to access these valuable services,” said Steven Newcomb, Director, Monroe County Office for the Aging. “This convenient satellite location speaks volumes as to how Monroe County values older residents and their family caregivers.”

The need for accessible veterans’ support is especially critical. Many veterans struggle with complex paperwork, long wait times, and confusion about their entitlements. Monroe County’s VSA is working to remove those obstacles, offering guidance with claims and financial benefits that can make a life-changing difference.

“Monroe County Veterans Services continues to assist Veterans in securing VA financial benefits that often make a difference between a Veteran struggling and thriving in our community,” said Nick Stefanovic, Director, Monroe County Veterans Service Agency. “I am grateful that County Executive Bello recognizes the importance of making sure all Veterans in Monroe County can easily access these services.”

This emphasis on practical, direct help is exactly what many veterans and their families have been asking for—and it’s finally becoming a reality.

One of the strongest themes echoed throughout the opening ceremony was the importance of equity—ensuring that support services are not just available but accessible to all. By placing centers like this one in Penfield and Greece, Monroe County is delivering on a promise to bring government closer to the people it serves.

“When our community comes together to support those most in need, everyone benefits,” said Legislature President Yversha Román. “Opening this second service center to better serve the East side of Monroe County ensures that critical services for older adults and veterans are more accessible. By meeting individuals where they are, we’re helping residents connect with the resources and care they deserve. Every step we take toward equity and access is a step toward a stronger, healthier Monroe County. I am grateful for community partners like Lifespan for making this service center possible.”

“Today’s Penfield VSA/OFA Service Center opening is about making government more responsive and effective,” added Legislator Paul Dondorfer. “By bringing vital services closer to home, we’re cutting red tape and ensuring veterans and older adults can access the support they’ve earned. This is exactly the kind of common-sense investment that delivers real results for our community.”

Lifespan of Greater Rochester is playing a pivotal role at both the Penfield and Greece locations. With extensive experience in aging-related services, the nonprofit is bringing not just resources, but real compassion and clarity to the table.

“We are thrilled to support County Executive Adam Bello’s efforts to make services more accessible to people in the County,” said Ann Marie Cook, President/CEO, Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Inc. “It is difficult to understand aging services, including eligibility for benefits and other programs. These satellite sites will provide people an opportunity to meet with professionals in a convenient location so they can get access to services and understand benefits.”

The new centers are now open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Whether it’s a veteran needing help with a benefits claim or an older adult seeking guidance on home care, transportation, or financial aid—help is now just around the corner.

Locations:
• BayTowne Plaza, Suite 645
1900 Empire Boulevard, Webster, NY 14580
Phone: (585) 753-2812

• Greece Ridge Mall, Inline Space F5
271 Greece Ridge Center Drive, Rochester, NY 14626
Phone: (585) 753-2802

As Monroe County continues to innovate in how it serves its residents, the Penfield service center stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when community needs guide public action.