Resource seekers and service providers

ROGER allows users to search in multiple ways, depending on what they know and what they need. You can search by need, topic, keyword, organization name, category, county, city, ZIP code, service area, branch of service, discharge status, demographics, income eligibility, location type, and organization type. Search categories include Records & Publications, Family Services, At-Risk & Homeless, Federal & State Benefits, Health & Lifestyle, Education & Employment, and Female, Minority & LGBTQ+ resources. Subcategories may include housing, shelters, employment, financial assistance, food, health, benefits, and family support. Income eligibility refers to whether a program may use income limits to determine who qualifies. Location type helps distinguish between physical, in-person locations and virtual/remote services. Some organizations serve a specific county, while others serve multiple counties, all of New Jersey, or users virtually. For example, A user can search “mental health,” select a county, choose virtual services if transportation is difficult, and narrow results by demographics or branch of service if relevant. Combining search filters helps users narrow broad results and find resources that better match their needs. It also helps veteran service organizations and case managers locate resources faster for the people they serve.

Each organization profile is designed to provide the information you need to quickly determine whether a resource may be a good fit. Depending on the organization, a profile page will include general contact information, website, email address, phone number, application or registration links, intake forms, social media accounts, photos, physical address, Google Map, program information, eligibility requirements, service areas, and the last updated date. Whenever available, ROGER provides direct links to applications, intake forms, registration pages, brochures, and organization websites to make connecting with resources as simple as possible. Many links on the profile page may be clickable, including phone numbers, emails, websites, forms, social media handles, and related buttons. The last updated date indicates when information was most recently reviewed or changed in ROGER. Because organizations may change programs, eligibility, funding, hours, or contact information at any time, users should confirm important details directly with the organization. For example, a profile page like Veterans Haven North may include contact details, clickable application-related buttons, photos, address, map, “About” sections, and a way to tell ROGER about your experience. Each organization profile is the main bridge between the user and the provider. It helps users understand what the organization offers, who it serves, where it operates, and how to get started.

Yes. At the top of the organization profile page, you will find a “Print Page” button that allows you to print the information currently displayed on the listing. Printing a profile can help veterans, caregivers, family members, VSOs, case managers, and social workers save contact information, program details, eligibility requirements, and application links for future reference or to share with someone who may benefit from the resource. For example, a veteran service organization working with an older veteran can print a listing and hand it to the veteran with the phone number or next step circled. Not every user is comfortable relying only on a phone or computer. Printable listings make ROGER easier to use in real-world support settings.

ROGER relies on both organizations and users to help keep resource information accurate and up to date. If you discover an inactive phone number, broken website link, incorrect email address, change in point of contact, outdated program information, changes to eligibility requirements, services that are no longer available, or any other inaccurate information, please contact the ROGER team and let us know. If you have interacted with an organization listed on ROGER, you may also leave a review or share feedback about your experience. Reviews submitted through ROGER are private and reviewed internally by the ROGER team. They are not publicly displayed on organization profiles. Your feedback helps us maintain the accuracy, quality, and integrity of ROGER by identifying outdated information, improving listings, and ensuring veterans, families,

Yes. In addition to the resource directory, ROGER regularly updates the Veteran Connect Blog, which features news, upcoming events, resource highlights, important announcements, and one-time opportunities that may benefit veterans, service members, military families, caregivers, and supporters. For example, a one-time free dental care event, a virtual women veterans summit, or a resource highlight may appear on the blog instead of being listed as an ongoing organization program. Because many opportunities are time-sensitive, we encourage users to check the blog regularly for updates. You can also join the ROGER Resource Hub on Facebook, where resources, community updates, and information that may not be featured in organization listings may be shared. In short, organization profiles are best for finding ongoing services. The blog and resource hub help share timely opportunities, updates, and announcements.

Yes. ROGER is completely free to use thanks to the generous support of donors, sponsors, and supporters of Backpacks For Life, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution helps maintain and improve the platform, expand the resource network, and ensure veterans, service members, military families, caregivers, and supporters have access to accurate and up-to-date information. Every donation helps keep ROGER free to use while supporting our mission to connect veterans, military families, caregivers, and supporters with the resources they need. Donations made to Backpacks For Life are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

ROGER currently focuses on serving the New Jersey veteran community, but is expanding into New York with a focus on Long Island and intends to expand into other areas of New York in the future. For updates on expansion and other ROGER news, users should check the blog and Backpacks For Life’s social media channels regularly.