Veterans One-Stop Center set to reboot with unique fundraiser

The center is not reimagining its mission, which is to bring together people, resources and local groups to improve the quality of life of those who have served or are serving in the U.S. armed forces.

On Nov. 6, it launched a ReBoot campaign, a one-of-a-kind fundraiser that involves 30 pairs of donated leather boots that have been refashioned into art by local artists and veterans and are on display at the center.

“They have been tattooed, they have been appliqued, they’ve been stitched, they’ve been printed, you name it,” said Julie Fronckowiak, marketing and development manager for the Veterans One-Stop Center.

“Now the boots are being used with various community members and business leaders to raise money. When we’re done with the event, which is basically a virtual event, we’re going to have a reunite the boots party where the donors will be given a pair of boots as a thank you,” Fronckowiak added.

The center hopes to raise at least $45,000 through the campaign to support its services to veterans, which include emergency housing assistance, suicide prevention, veterans peer support, employment services, as well as legal and financial counseling, among other benefits.

The center’s ReBoot campaign runs through Veterans Day.

Five months ago, Army veteran Louis Robinson was at the end of his rope, lying in a hospital bed at Erie County Medical Center, when he was referred to the Veterans One-Stop Center by a veterans advocate.

“I had lost my job because I was sick. I was in the hospital because I didn’t have any income. I didn’t know what I was doing. I was behind on my rent and I truly did not know what I was going to do. I do not have any children,” said Robinson.

A diabetic who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Robinson said he could end up in a shelter where he might die alone,…