Veteran's Resource Connection

Save the Date: Cleveland County's 4th Annual Veterans Resource Connection

Cleveland County is excited to announce the 4th Annual Veterans Resource Connection, taking place Saturday, November 21, 2026, at the LeGrand Center from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

This free community event is open to veterans, their spouses, and caregivers and reflects Cleveland County’s commitment to serving those who have served our country.

The Veterans Resource Connection brings together local nonprofits and businesses, veteran health and wellness organizations, and statewide agencies in one location to help veterans and their families find the information, services, and resources they need. Representatives will be available throughout the event to answer questions, provide information, and help attendees make meaningful connections.

Connecting Veterans to the Resources They’ve Earned

The 2025 Veterans Resource Connection was a tremendous success because of the partnership of local organizations, volunteers, businesses, and community members who came together with one shared goal: to connect veterans with the resources, programs, and benefits they have earned through their service.

In 2025, we were honored to serve 258 veterans. Each person represented more than a number—they were a neighbor, a family member, a friend, and someone who has given so much in service to our country.

Throughout the event, veterans and their loved ones were connected with resources addressing a wide range of needs, including employment, housing, healthcare, food security, transportation, prescription assistance, and more.

The information collected at the 2025 event also provided a glimpse into some of the challenges facing the veterans we serve:

• 24% had experienced unemployment within the past year
• 5% were at risk of losing their homes
• 11% lacked access to healthy food options
• 7% did not have routine medical care
• 8% did not have reliable transportation
• 11% lacked reliable internet access
• 11% experienced difficulty filling prescriptions

These numbers help demonstrate why connections matter. Sometimes the first step toward getting help is simply knowing who to call, where to go, or what resources are available.

Honoring Every Branch of Service

Veterans attending the 2025 event represented every branch of service. Among those who participated:

• 50% Army
• 21% Navy
• 15% Marine Corps
• 14% Air Force

Veterans and their families also traveled from communities throughout Cleveland County and the surrounding region:

• 16% from ZIP code 28086
• 26% from ZIP code 28150
• 32% from ZIP code 28152
• 26% from surrounding areas

A Community Effort

The Veterans Resource Connection is made possible through collaboration. Local businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providers, veteran-serving organizations, volunteers, and community partners each bring something valuable to the table.

For vendors and participating organizations, the event provides an opportunity to meet veterans and their families face-to-face, share information about available services, answer questions, and build connections with individuals who may benefit from what your organization provides.

Whether your organization provides employment assistance, healthcare, housing support, financial resources, legal services, transportation, education, wellness programs, food assistance, or other services, your presence can help a veteran discover a resource they may not have known was available.

More Than an Event—A Connection

The Veterans Resource Connection is built on a simple belief: our veterans should not have to navigate challenges alone.

The numbers from 2025 represent more than statistics. They represent people who walked through the doors looking for answers, organizations that were there to help, and connections that may have made a meaningful difference in someone's life.

As we prepare for the 2026 Veterans Resource Connection, Cleveland County looks forward to bringing our community together once again to honor our veterans—not only with our gratitude, but through meaningful action and connections to the resources they have earned.

Together, we can make sure our veterans know they are seen, supported, and never alone in finding the help they need.

Saturday, November 21, 2026 | 9:00 am – 2:00 pm | LeGrand Center, 1800 E Marion St in Shelby
Free and open to veterans, spouses, and caregivers.

Interested vendors can apply here.

Confirmed Vendors
Alcova
American Legion Post 82 Shelby
Ashville VA Medical Center
Bayada Home Health Care
Better Life of Gaston
Caption Call
Charles George VA Medical Center
Cleveland Community College
Cleveland County Abuse Prevention Council
Cleveland County Board of Elections
Cleveland County Health Department
Cleveland County Library System
Cleveland County Register of Deeds
Cleveland County Social Services
Cleveland County Tax Assessor's Office 
Cleveland County Veteran’s Services
Complete Care, Inc.
DAV Shelby Chapter 19
Foothills Public Shooting Range
Foothills Workforce Development Board
Grumpy’s Bike Shop
Home Instead
Integrated Care of Greater Hickory
Jerry K Crump Community Based Clinic
Keystone Insurance Solutions
Life Enrichment Center
Logic Mark
Marine Corps League 1164
Military Missions in Action
Mission 22
NAACP - Cleveland County Chapter
NC Department of Military & Veterans Affairs
NC Works
Northside Baptist Church
Patriot Riders of America, NC Chapter 1
A Primary Choice, Inc.
Service to Soil
Spa Med and Wellness
Sports Clips
TerraBella - Shelby
VA Post 9/11 M2VA Program
VFW Chapter 4066
VIA Health Partners founded as Hospice Cleveland County
Visiting Angels
Washington Outreach Ministry

Please check back regularly, as the information will be updated.
Phyllis Nowlen, CMC, NCCCC
Clerk to the Board 
Phone: 704-484-4766 
Email: Phyllis.nowlen@clevelandcountync.gov

Updated 10/08/2026