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Sarasota News Leader April 26, 2013 Page 56 MANY VETERANS GET NEEDED SERVICES AT STAND DOWN EVENT The April 20 Stand Down event for veter- expanded to include more services at the ans drew large numbers of people, including Sarasota County Health Department, located homeless veterans, organizers report. at 2200 Ringling Blvd., in Sarasota, and at the city's nearby Payne Park auditorium, a news "For many veterans who were not connected release notes. to the system, it was gratifying to see them access a range of needed services in this one- More than 25 organizations were representstop setting," said Chip Taylor, director of ed, including Resurrection House, First Step the Operation Military Assistance Program of Sarasota, Coastal Behavioral Healthcare, (OMAP), in a news release. OMAP, which is a Legal Aid of Manasota, Alcoholics Anonyfederally funded program initiated by Jewish mous, Narcotics Anonymous, the Suncoast Family & Children's Service of Sarasota-Man- Workforce Board, the Center of Hope of South atee Inc. to assist veterans with obtaining or County, Goodwill Manasota, Harvest House, maintaining permanent housing, organized the Turning Points and Manatee Glens. event. Those attending were able to get help in acTaylor and other partners in the event say cessing Veterans Administration benefits and this year's Veterans Stand Down event was services, legal services, health screenings, Several veterans won bicycles at the Stand Down event. Contributed photo