Our Story
About Veterans Strong
Veterans Strong Community Center, Inc. (the "Center") - a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation - is a regional information and resource center. The Center is committed to improving services, assistance and communication to Veterans, Service Members and their Families throughout the Greater Bristol area. This includes but is not limited to analyzing inquiries for assistance through the use of personal knowledge and reference materials; providing responses and taking appropriate action to resolves issues; monitoring inquires for specific function areas, tracking progress and resolution of issues; providing “warm” referral to service providers based on issues presented.
VSCC acts as the Municipal Veterans Representative for the towns of Bristol, Burlington, Harwinton, Plymouth, Thomaston and Wolcott. VSCC has over 350 resources in the areas of Emergency Support; Basic Needs; Healthcare/Dental; Life Management; Financial Information; Family & Youth Information; Employment; Education; Legal; Military & Government Officials; General Community Information. The staff acts as a liaison with various support agencies, state and local governments; and organizations, including but not limited to American Legion, CT Department of Veterans Affairs, VA CT Healthcare, and local community service agencies. Service Providers available through the Center on a regularly scheduled basis include: Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Marines’ Fund Volunteer Representatives and VA Benefits Administration.
Our Executive Director, Donna Dognin, is the host of a Nutmeg TV public access show focused on veterans issues, organizations and veteran-owned businesses, called The Veterans Corner. Additionally, in July 2026 she was appointed as a Trustee to the CT Department of Veterans Affairs. She is a QPR (Question. Persuade. Refer.) trainer for suicide prevention, and a member of 2 CT Regional Suicide Advisory Boards (Central & Northwest). She is also the Executive Director for Elpis Alliance for Veterans, whose focus is stopping veteran suicide.
Like “Veterans Strong Community Center” on Facebook for more information, updates on specific programs and services, upcoming events, and hours of operation.
HISTORY
The Center is a re-boot of a former US Army Reserve program called Army Strong Community Center, which opened in Bristol in March 2012. Bristol was one of six locations to provide support and assistance to Reservists and their families. In June 2016 the ASCC program was closed across the country. However, the staff in Bristol couldn't just walk away and with the sponsorship of Bristol Veterans Council, Inc., the Veterans Strong Community Center opened officially on July 1, 2016. The Center was incorporated in October 2017, and received its IRS non-profit determination letter in January 2018. Its Board of Directors consists of local business people, military families, and Veterans.
The Center has been enhanced - providing additional services like Notary Public services and a computer and printer for Veterans and Service Members to use. With over 5,200 veterans in the greater Bristol area, the Center provides outreach and assistance to the communities of Bristol, Plymouth, Harwinton, Burlington, Wolcott and Thomaston.
STATS:
5,200+
NUMBER OF VETERANS IN OUR SERVICE AREA
(based on US Census est.)
2,225+
Number of Clients Assisted since 2017
11,200+
# OF NEWSLETTERS EMAILED YEARLY
Top Issues for Connecticut Veterans
Financial Assistance
VA Healthcare
VA Benefits
Housing/ Homelessness
DD214 Requests
General Misc. Issues
We are here to help veterans living in Bristol, Plainville, Plymouth, Harwinton, Burlington, Wolcott and Thomaston, Connecticut.
Our Why
There are two very important men in my life that are my reasons why - my father and my brother. My father was a USAF Vietnam Veteran who is forever my guardian angel. He served in country, but I never really knew the extent of his service and the toll it took on him until my brother - a National Guard Army OIF Veteran (Retired) - came home himself. Growing up I would imagine what my dad looked like in the handsome blue uniform buried in the back of my parents' closet. It wasn't something he wanted to talk about or dwell on. I do what I do in honor of them. I think about how I would want them treated and the services I would want them to be able to find if/when they need them. They are the reason why I answered an email over 8 years ago. They are the reason I choose to keep the center going as an independent non-profit when USAR decided to close the program. They are the reason (along with the numerous other Veterans I have come into contact with and gotten to know over the years) that I continue day after day. They had their calling to service and this is mine.
Donna
