2022 Dwyer Scholarship winner ready for the next challenge

Meet Melissa Bentley, the 2022 Joseph P. Dwyer Scholarship recipient.

The former U.S. Navy Yeoman says she is a caretaker at heart and will graduate this semester from Jamestown Community College (JCC) Nursing Program as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). 

“The Navy challenges you to see what you can do,” said Bentley. “I took those experiences with me into my nursing studies so I could give back in the best possible way to patients in need.” 

Bentley plans to pursue a career in mental health and wound care. 

The scholarship was established in 2022 through the Joseph P Dwyer is a Veterans Peer Support Project to help students obtain a degree in the medical or mental health fields.  

“Melissa was a perfect choice for the inaugural award,” says Dwyer's Cindy Reidy. “She has the professionalism and commitment to succeed, being an exemplary role model to others.” 

The applications are now being accepted for the 2023 scholarship selection. It is open to any Chautauqua County resident and without age limit to apply. The deadline for submission is April 30.  

Contact Cindy Reidy for more information.

Agricultural training opportunities for female veterans

Much like the military, women in agriculture are often underrepresented but equipped every skill needed to succeed in both, translating well to sustainable farming where hard work, attention to detail and a strong sense of service before self are key.  

Established in 2013, Veterans to Farmers launched its female farming training program to repurpose those skills while taking on the challenge of continuing to grow and ensure national food security. Its classes provide the hands-on training needed to learn about the many ways a Veteran may participate in agriculture beyond the rows of food and huge tractors. 

The USDA farm bill defines a beginning farmer as someone who has materially and substantially participated in any farm or ranch operation for 10 years or less. In the attempt to provide more access for Veterans and women, the bill categorizes them as a “socially disadvantaged” group, providing increased funding for the beginning farmer. You can learn more about this on the USDA’s website.

To learn more about the program, visit Veterans to Farmers | Turning Protectors Into Providers. 

Have you entered the Burn Pit Registry?

Don't forget sign up for the Burn Pit Registry by clicking the online portal here.

You do not have to have been exposed to specific airborne hazards or have related health concerns to participate in the registry.

Participation in the registry supports specific research and public health studies.

If you have any questions about the Burn Pit Registry or need help registering, you can contact Chautauqua County Veteran Services at 716-661-8255. They can provide you with information and support throughout the process.

VA ideas for making your breakfast all it can be

The adage rings true – breakfast is the most important meal of the day to get a good start to busy activities. When it comes to breakfast, the options are endless. For those who like to plan, streamline the morning using simple ingredients. Start with a few quick bases, such as oats, eggs or toast, and then add variety by changing the add-ons. 

• Oatmeal with a dollop of jam, fruit or slivered almonds
• Oatmeal with walnuts and cinnamon
• Eggs, any style, with veggies like sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers
• Toast with avocado, peanut butter or local honey with apple slices (for a nutrient-dense option, choose sprouted grain, sourdough, flax or rye bread)

Bon appetit!

For more healthy eating tips from the VA, click here.

Veteran group sessions meet weekly at MHA

The Mental Health Association (MHA) in Jamestown holds a weekly Veteran/Peer group every Wednesday from 11am-12pm.

All veterans, regardless of discharge status or relationship with the VA, and anyone who has had a family member serve in the armed forces are welcome. The MHA can connect veterans or their family members with additional medical or mental health needs to the right assistance.

The MHA offers other groups that may be helpful to veterans or their families.  

Group sessions are facilitated by USAF veteran, Jill Marsh. She can be contacted by calling the MHA at 716.661.9044 or by emailing jill.marsh@MHAChautauqua.org 

All group information can be found on the MHA Facebook page. 

Mental health officials want state budget dollars directed to workforce

Officials and leaders in the mental health industry are pleased with Gov. Kathy Hochul's proposed investments in the sector but warn those investments must be made in the proper areas to have their desired impact. 

Hochul included a historic $1.1 billion for mental health programs in the executive budget proposal released Feb. 1, with millions of dollars proposed to develop new housing, expanding psychiatric treatment and expanding mental health services in schools. 

Mental health and substance use professionals working in local communities agreed the executive budget is the best proposal to support New Yorkers' mental hygiene in decades, but the money won't help the crisis without staff to provide the care before programs can be expanded successfully. 

"Great budget, best I've seen in my 20 years here," Mental Health Association of NYS CEO Glenn Liebman told lawmakers in February. "But we don't have the workforce to take care of all the work that's got to be done here.”