NEW YORK, Nov. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Fedcap (http://www.fedcap.org/) and NYSID (http://www.nysid.org/) today gave Post-9/11 veterans a gathering place of their own in central Manhattan.

Returning veterans face considerable challenges as they transition into civilian life and work, particularly in today's difficult economic climate. More than 200,000 Post-9/11 veterans are unemployed, at a rate inexplicably higher than the national average.

The new Battle Buddy Center, housed at Fedcap's Chelsea location, offers them a free and welcoming drop-in center and safe haven. Operated and managed by its veteran participants, the center provides recreation, Internet access and a resource library, as well as easy access to many professional services and supporters.

"Right outside that door are a host of services and key people who can help you," Christine McMahon, Fedcap President and CEO, told the veterans gathered for the center's opening ceremony. "Fedcap is committed to helping all who served our country achieve the best possible reintegration into civilian life and employment."

"NYSID is pleased to partner with Fedcap in opening this Battle Buddy Center, our third such initiative in New York State," said Ronald P. Romano, NYSID President and CEO. "Our partnership of opportunity in job creation enriches lives, serves customers and strengthens communities."

"I expect great things to happen in this Battle Buddy Center," said Capt. Kyle Carney, an Iraq veteran, Company Commander of the U.S. Army Reserves at Fort Totten in Queens, and Treasurer of the Battle Buddy Center's Advisory Council.

The Battle Buddy Center, on the 6th floor at Fedcap, 119 West 19th Street, New York, NY 10011, will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Participants should bring a photo ID and proof of veteran status.

About Fedcap
Fedcap helps people break through barriers to achieve long-term economic independence. Our programs and operations bring education and the power of work to youth in transition, adults with conviction histories, veterans, individuals with disabilities and many others facing barriers to employment. We place people in jobs across a wide variety of sectors and employ 1,800 in our own businesses. Fedcap is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For more information or to make a donation, call 212-727-4200 or visit www.fedcap.org.  Follow Fedcap on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/fedcap) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/Fedcap).

About NYSID
For more than 35 years, NYSID − a not-for-profit member agency organization − has been meeting the purchasing needs of state and local government agencies while advancing employment for New Yorkers with disabilities. www.nysid.org

Media Contacts: Barbara Rosen, VP, Communications at 212-727-4260 or brosen@fedcap.org; James Cook, Communications Coordinator, at 212-727-4375 or jcook@fedcap.org

SOURCE Fedcap