Veteran Concierge: Local woman builds national directory to support returning service members

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A local woman has created a national directory and program for veterans. It's an effort to empower and connect them with much-needed support and resources.

Rebecca Chalson of Center City, Philadelphia, started a nonprofit called Veteran Concierge in honor of her younger brother, who served in the U.S. Navy.

She tells us Benjamin Toci worked on the Tomahawk missiles on the USS Russell and was honorably discharged in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She says when he returned home, he struggled with his mental health, finding a sense of belonging, and finding a job.

"A lot of service members fall through the cracks when they get home, and sadly, he was one of them," Chalson says.

In June 2022, Rebecca got a devastating phone call. She tells Action News, "My sister said that Ben shot himself. He had a psychotic episode."

He was just 30 years old.

Chalson carries Ben's ashes in a heart-shaped locket and says, "Whenever I'm doing things that feel significant that I wanna do with him, I take him with me."

Chalson created Veteran Concierge in her younger brother's memory. It's a national directory of resources that can serve as a sort of "Big Sister" for all veterans.

"This is essentially the directory and programming that I wish we had for my brother," she said.

It offers resources for career and employment, health and medical services, disability support, housing and homelessness, mental health, financial planning and more.

According to the most recent report by the Veterans Administration, suicide was the second leading cause of death for veterans under the age of 45 years old.

"That first year when they are coming home is the most crucial when it comes to connecting to resources," said Chalson.

She says all the non-profits listed on Veteran Concierge are screened, and the website includes videos with their profiles.

She hopes "it inspires people to engage to get to the mission behind the nonprofits."

She also tells us, "I couldn't be what I wanted to be for him, but I could be that for others with him."

Chalson is also looking to create a safe space for veterans where they can speak up when they need help, and she's working to start an ambassador program to provide certified training for civilian leaders and advocates.