News & Information
County of Sussex to Offer Additional Access to Veterans Service Officer
(Newton, NJ) The Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that Veterans Service Officer assistance provided through the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will now be available at the Sussex County Administrative Center in Newton. According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) may "initiate your claim to preserve an effective start date, gather required records and evidence on your behalf, and review your application prior to submission." The VSO is also an advocate for the veteran.
Freeholder Deputy Director Sylvia Petillo expressed her thanks to the New Jersey Veterans Affairs for recognizing the need to make veterans services more accessible and available to Sussex County Veterans. "Our veterans have made unthinkable sacrifices to secure the concept of 'liberty' that we enjoy today. Having the resources in place to help our veterans improve their quality of life is extremely important to their well-being and a way for us to show our support, respect, and gratitude."
In order to increase services in Sussex County for veterans seeking benefits and services, Veterans Service Officer Bill Robinson will be available for appointments at the Sussex County Administrative Center, Second Floor, One Spring Street, Newton, New Jersey, on the second Wednesday of every month from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The VSO will continue offering services at the Franklin Armory, 12 Munsonhurst Road, Franklin, on Thursdays and alternate Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To schedule an appointment with Mr. Robinson, please call 973-366-0245 or 973-827-4020.
Other veterans services available in the Sussex County Administrative Center include the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program through Catholic Family and Community Services which is available every Tuesday and Wednesday. The Division of Senior Services offers veterans services through the Aging and Disability Resource Center which may be reached at 973-579-0555, ext. 1221 or via email at seniorservices@sussex.nj.us. Homelessness prevention, food, and other social services to veterans are provided through the Division of Social Services at 83 Spring Street, Newton. Veterans seeking assistance through Social Services can visit the agency or contact the office by calling 973-383-3600 or emailing socialservices@sussex.nj.us.
Freeholder Director Herbert Yardley, a strong advocate for veterans' services, believes we should be forever grateful for the service our veterans gave to our country. He added, "Our veterans deserve our full support and all the services we can provide."
More veteran services at
Veterans Services Portal
Additional Resources for Veterans
For additional program information call 973-579-0559, ext. 1227.