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Non-profit aimed at helping veterans opens its first location in Frederick, Md.


Platoon 22 has opened its first brick-and-mortar location in Frederick, Maryland. (7News)
Platoon 22 has opened its first brick-and-mortar location in Frederick, Maryland. (7News)
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Platoon 22, a non-profit organization whose mission is to end Veteran suicide has opened its first brick-and-mortar location in Frederick, Maryland.

The Platoon Veterans Services Center at Goodwill will provide essential programs and services to aid in the transition from service to civilian life.

“With over 340,000 Veterans in the state of Maryland, and 70% of them within a hours’ drive from the VSC, our partnership has allowed us to create a space for any service member to access the much-need resources and support to transition from service to civilian life,” said Danny Farrar, founder and executive director, Platoon 22. “Goodwill’s commitment has given us not only the tools to bring Veteran service providers together but has generously offered the space to Platoon 22 and our non-profit partners with reduced rent.”

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Platoon 22 will occupy office space and serve as the operational manager in the Platoon Veteran Services Center located at 1750 Monocacy Blvd. (Cross streets Monocacy Blvd & Progress Ct.). Platoon 22 is a non-profit organization whose mission is to end Veteran suicide through successful transitional services. At the conclusion of military service, some lose a sense of purpose and struggle to transition into civilian life.

Service providers that will occupy permanent office space include Platoon 22, Goodwill Industries, Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, Martinsburg Vet Center, Warrior Canine Connection, Thrive Home Care, and Chaplain services. Off-site partners will be able to provide services with the use of drop-in office hours at the VSC. Other amenities include conference rooms, a classroom, a computer lab, and an activity center.

The services and amenities are meant to provide a comfortable and welcoming space to learn more about resources, engage in care, or simply a space to connect with other Veterans.

The VSC is part of Goodwill’s main campus.

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“We wanted to create a space that the entire community can utilize,” said Holly Schor, vice president of operations, at Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley.

Most service providers are by appointment only, but Platoon 22 is accepting walk-ins currently.

“Finally we have a place where the veterans don’t have to ping-pong all over the county. They can come and get the resources that are essential to their transition right here in house. And what’s more important is that it allows us to open them up to other opportunities that oftentimes a veteran doesn’t even know about,” said Farrar.

The 13,000 sqft dedicated Veteran space will offer:

  • A space for camaraderie, recreation, and fellowship
  • Access to Veteran benefits navigation and care coordination
  • Mental health counseling and rehabilitative services
  • Career coaching and training opportunities
  • Suicide prevention and resources
  • On-site shower and laundry facilities to support homeless veterans

For more info, visit www.platoon22.org and www.platoonvsc.org.

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