NORFOLK, Neb. -- On Friday the Elks Club sponsored an event called “Stand Up For Veterans” at the Norfolk Public Library.

The event catered to all veterans in the Norfolk area and provided them with vital information and services. 

“There is a lot of veteran presence here in Norfolk, but I don't think the word gets out as much about what services we have,” Amber Anderson said, event organizer. “And with us being in rural areas, it's hard because when you're in, you know, urban areas, you have everything right there. But sometimes people don't know how far it stretches.”  

Some of the services offered at the fair included legal aid, housing, medicare, behavioral health and even haircuts.

“I became part of the Elks Club,” Anderson said. “And then I was able to talk with them, and they have this spotlight grant that we could do, you get a pot of money to do whatever you want, for veterans, specifically.”

One of the booths that was set up stood out among the rest. Janelle Brock is a licensed clinical independent social worker who works with the Grand Island VA Suicide Prevention Program. At her booth, she provided all the important information to veterans who may be struggling with a mental health crisis.  

“We just want the family and the veterans to know that they have 24-hour access to call this number,” Brock said. “But we are just wanting to make sure everybody has the information. And we do training to teach people what to look for if there's family members or neighbors or anybody, you know, VA has taken a public health approach to suicide prevention. So we can go out and do presentations to anybody.” 

The event was filled with ever-lasting support from the Norfolk community, as those who have once been in service, understand a veteran’s needs.

“We're not here to judge you,” Coolridge said. “We're here because we want to say thank you to you and you for your service and for your family service.”

Sara Markmand, Leading Knight of the Elks Lodge said that they are there for giving back to the community and are a way for others to as well. 

“And veterans and youth are our mission," said Markmand. "So we would love to have some people come and join the elders with us and help us to do all the things that we can do.” 

For more information, visit elks.org.