November Recap and What's Ahead | | This statewide newsletter brings together the voices, stories, and updates of Dwyer Peer Support Programs across New York. Each month, we'll highlight what's happening around the state, share valuable resources, and celebrate the veterans, peers, and partners who make this work possible. | |
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What's New
A lot has been in motion as we continue to strengthen and expand the Dwyer network statewide. Here are a few highlights:
- Ongoing updates to the Dwyer website
- Launch of the new DCMVF website
- Growing our social media presence
- Early planning for the 2026 Dwyer Conference, 2026 Trainings, 2026 Advocacy Days, and additional statewide initiatives
- Expanding and simplifying ways to give, increasing fundraising opportunities, and further strengthening our community impact
- Continued collaboration with Dwyer county programs and community partners across New York State
Stay tuned for more updates as these projects roll out in the new year!
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For a closer look at key moments, we’ve included a short six-minute video from our Executive Director reflecting on the hearing and highlighting some of the important takeaways.
View Video Here
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NYS Legislature Public Hearing on Veteran Access to Mental Health Services -- New York State lawmakers recently held a public hearing to better understand how the state can improve mental health support for Veterans. More than 20 Veterans bravely shared testimony, underscoring the ongoing struggles many continue to face in silence. Experts highlighted the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program and emphasized how peer-led models can provide meaningful mental health support, connection, and pathways to healing.
The Dwyer Coalition was honored to speak alongside agencies and advocates who share the same mission: making mental-health care accessible, relatable, and rooted in trust. This hearing wasn’t about politics—it was about people. It was about a community committed to ensuring Veterans, families, and caregivers are seen, heard, and supported.
You can view the entire hearing through this video link: Click Here
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Want to be featured in a future Spotlight?
Share your county’s story, event, or collaboration through our submission form! If you’d like to talk directly about submitting something — or need a downloadable version of the form — email us anytime at info@dcmvf.org.
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From the Field: County Submissions & Resources
Programs and Partners statewide have shared upcoming events, initiatives, and opportunities. Explore their flyers and resources below.
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Action Toward Independence – View Upcoming Events & Resources
Action Toward Independence (ATI) offers Dwyer Program activities across Sullivan and Orange Counties, including a weekly Coffee Hour, pop-up food pantry, and more.
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NYC DVS: Dwyer Peer-to-Peer Programs – View Current Programs
NYC DVS offers a variety of Dwyer Peer-to-Peer programs across the five boroughs, including Yoga, Expressive Arts, peer support groups, and more. Flyers and program details are updated regularly on the website.
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Roc Veterans collaborates closely with Dwyer programs and community partners across the Finger Lakes region — serving Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties. Their shared platform brings together veteran organizations, events, and resources in one easy-to-navigate hub. From holiday special events, breakfasts, coffee clubs, meditation, support groups, and more!
Explore their Events Calendar to see what’s happening across the region.
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Brett Cotter – Stress Is Gone: Upcoming Workshops & Resources
Military Spouses Healing Haven – A virtual space where military spouses can learn, heal, and grow together. Focus on Stress relief as well as self-care tools for military families. and is FREE This group takes place on every first and third Monday of the month at 7pm. Register Here
Free Membership Offer – Coalition members can request a 1-year free membership to StressIsGone.com, featuring 300+ live sessions, meditations, and workshops.
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Homeward Bound Adirondacks — View Upcoming Events & Retreats
Homeward Bound Adirondacks offers Dwyer Program activities across Clinton, Essex, and Franklin Counties, including free haircuts, a golfing group, gym group, and nature retreats. Veterans are also invited to enjoy a free breakfast on the first and last Friday of each month from 9:00–11:00 a.m. at the Hot Biscuit Diner in Ticonderoga.
First Day Hike – January 1, 2026
Kick off the New Year with a Veteran-focused peer-to-peer First Day Hike at Paul Smith’s College VIC. Join the group at 10:00 AM for a winter hike/snowshoe along the scenic 2.8-mile Heron Marsh Trail. To register or learn more, contact Shane Holmes at sholmes@hbadk.org.
Veteran Winter Retreat – January 16–18, 2026
Veterans are invited to a rejuvenating winter retreat at the Inn on Piseco in Piseco, NY. Enjoy nature therapy, outdoor recreation, and meaningful connection in the Adirondack Mountains.
Register here
Keeseville VFW Breakfast Buffet – January 4, 2026
Start the year with a hearty breakfast buffet from 8:00–10:30 AM at the Keeseville VFW. The cost is $12, with children under 5 eating free. A team member will also be on-site for outreach—stop by and say hello!
For the latest updates, upcoming events, and new resources, visit the Homeward Bound Adirondacks Facebook page.
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Explore Dwyer Programs Across NYS
Dwyer Programs across New York are keeping the mission strong! Stay connected with updates, resources, and events happening near you.
👉 View the Statewide County Highlights & Interactive Map
🔗 Visit the Dwyer Counties Map
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| | To explore support in your area, simply scroll down on the main Map page. You’ll find a complete list of all New York State counties—click on your county to open a curated list of local resources. Each page includes information on food pantries, housing and shelter services, mental health supports, local veteran organizations, crisis contacts, and more. It’s a quick and easy way to find assistance and connect with services close to home. | | | | |
Our Weekly Video Series, "From the Frontlines" shares weekly updates that are available on the NYS Dwyer Facebook and YouTube pages. Watch Gavin's latest Monday update here.
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A Glimpse Into Peer Support Across New York State
In Dwyer programs statewide, stories often begin the same way: a Veteran walks through the door unsure of what they’ll find. Some are looking for connection. Some are navigating transitions. Others simply want to be around people who understand military life without needing every detail explained.
What happens next is what makes peer support powerful. A conversation. A shared laugh. A moment of recognition. A reminder that they’re not alone.
This experience repeats itself every day across New York—on hiking trails, at community events, during peer groups, and at times in quiet one-on-one moments. These stories don’t always make headlines, but they shape lives.
The Dwyer network continues to grow because Veterans continue to show up for one another. And that, more than anything, is what keeps this movement strong.
Would you like to share a quote, reflection, or short story? Send it to info@dcmvf.org to be featured in a future edition!
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Celebrating Statewide Recognition
Dwyer Programs across New York continue to make a powerful impact—fostering connection, reducing isolation, and strengthening communities through Veteran-to-Veteran support. This collective effort was proudly recognized this fall with a major statewide honor.
On October 29th, the Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Programs received the President’s Award for Exemplary Service and Leadership from the University at Albany during the SUNY Albany Fall University Address. This award celebrates all 62 Dwyer Programs and the extraordinary work of the Veteran peers and organizations who lift others through compassion, shared experience, and community engagement.
This recognition reflects the collaborative strength of the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services, the New York State Dwyer Coalition, the University at Albany, and the New York State Office of Mental Health. We are honored and grateful—and energized to continue this important work statewide.
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Winter Time Grounding Techniques
As the colder months settle in, grounding techniques can be a helpful way to reset, refocus, and stay present. Here are a few simple winter-themed exercises to try:
Physical Grounding: Hold a Piece of Ice
Pick up an ice cube and focus on the sensations.
- What does it feel like at first touch?
- How long does it take to begin melting?
- How does the sensation change as it melts in your hand?
Mental Grounding: Think in Winter Categories
Choose one or two seasonal categories—such as winter activities, holiday foods, snow-day memories, or winter clothing items.
- Take a minute to mentally list as many items as you can in each category.
- This helps redirect racing thoughts and encourages your mind to settle.
Soothing Grounding Activity: Visualize a Cozy Winter Place
Imagine a winter setting that brings you comfort—perhaps sitting by a fireplace, walking through fresh snow, or visiting a holiday market.
Use your senses to bring the image to life:
- What sounds do you hear?
- What scents or textures stand out?
- What emotions come up from that memory or scene?
Let the imagery create a sense of warmth and calm.
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OMH Veterans Mental Health Trainings & Resources — Educational tools and materials for supporting veterans’ mental health.
Download PDF
Stress Is Gone — A partner resource for emotional wellness and stress management (credit: Brett Cotter) View Website
VA Caregiver Support Program - Tools, tip sheets, and resources for those caring for veterans — supporting caregivers' emotional health and connection to VA services. Explore Resources
Tips for Managing Holiday Stress — Guidance for Veterans and families on coping with holiday stress and maintaining wellness. Read more
Caregiver Mental Wellness Workshops — A 6-week virtual program for military and veteran caregivers to reflect on mental wellness in a safe, structured space. Learn more
Webinar: Support After Suicide Loss — Postvention strategies for service members, Veterans, and families. Recording and slides available. Watch here
Online Suicide Grief Support Group — A virtual peer space for those navigating grief after suicide loss. — View Flyer and Register Here
VA PSA: "You Are a Veteran" — Part of the Don't Wait. Reach Out. campaign, this PSA affirms that every Veteran deserves support. Watch here
NYS Strategy for Suicide Prevention 2026-2030 — A comprehensive plan outlining New York State's approach to suicide prevention. Read the book
VA Building Better Caregivers - Free online workshops and resources to support caregivers of Veterans. Explore resources
Upcoming Trainings (MIRECC Presents) — Explore free upcoming VA and MIRECC trainings, including the January 7th session: “VA Immersive: Defining a New Reality in Veteran Health Care.” View Trainings
Veterans Outreach Mobile Van Schedule — Find statewide outreach events and locations where Veterans can access mobile services and support. View Schedule
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Veterans Crisis Line - Connect with 24/7, confidential support for veterans, service members, and their families. Call 988 (Press 1) or text 838255 anytime.
Visit Website
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Legislative Watch
Stay informed about policies and legislation impacting veterans and families across New York.
Federal Focus
H.R. 438 – PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act
This bill would establish a national peer support grant program through the VA, expanding the Dwyer model across the country.
🗽 Recent State Actions Supporting Veterans
Around Veterans Day each year, New York State often advances key legislation focused on improving the lives, health, and wellbeing of Veterans. This year, three important bills were signed into law by Governor Hochul, strengthening support, protections, and recognition for those who have served. Read More Here
S2623A / A4751A – Employment Opportunities for Disabled Veterans
Requires state agencies to provide accessible notice of job openings to service-disabled Veterans, helping ensure equal access to employment opportunities within New York State.
S8150 / A8476 – Safeguarding Veterans’ Benefits (Guard Act)
Establishes a process to better protect Veterans from exploitation and financial abuse related to their earned benefits, ensuring resources stay in the hands of those who deserve them.
S1889 / A29 – New York Recognized as a Purple Heart State
Officially designates New York as a Purple Heart State, honoring service members who were wounded or killed in action and reinforcing the state’s commitment to recognizing their sacrifice.
Other State Bills to Watch:
A9258 – Veteran Dental Insurance Access:
This bill, which has been brought forward in previous sessions, continues to focus on expanding dental insurance options for Veterans—an important issue for improving access to essential oral healthcare.
🔗View Bill Here
Advocacy in Action
The New York Health Foundation (NYHealth) continues to play a key role in advancing policies and programs that support Veterans’ health across New York State. Through targeted grantmaking, NYHealth funds organizations that expand access to care, strengthen primary care systems, and promote health equity for underserved populations. Their advocacy efforts include supporting initiatives that increase universal access to Veterans Treatment Courts, enhance legal and mental health services for Veterans, and strengthen community-based programs serving returning service members. By investing in both statewide reforms and local innovations, NYHealth helps drive meaningful, long-term improvements in the health and wellbeing of New York’s Veterans.
🔗 Learn more about the New York Health Foundation: View Website
🔗 NYHealth funding areas & initiatives: View Here
🔗 Check out some of their stories: Visit Here
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| | Scenes from the recent bill signing, where members of our Dwyer community joined alongside many dedicated community partners. (Credit: Nancy Tappin) | | |
Did You Know?
Wreaths Across America Day began in 1992 when Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company in Maine, donated surplus wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery—an act that quietly continued until a powerful photo in 2005 sparked nationwide attention. This movement grew into the nonprofit Wreaths Across America in 2007, and by 2008 Congress designated a National Wreaths Across America Day each December. What started as a small gesture now spans hundreds of cemeteries across the country, uniting communities in the mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach by placing wreaths on the graves of fallen service members.
Visit their Website & Learn more
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Next Coalition Meeting: January 21st, 2026 1pm - 2:30pm
December Dates:
- Dec 7: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
- Dec 13: National Guard Birthday
- Dec 14 - 22: Hanukkah
- Dec 20: Space Force Birthday
- Dec 20: National Wreaths Across America Day
- Dec 25: Christmas Day
- Dec 26 - Jan 1: Kwanzaa
- Dec 31: New Years Eve
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January Dates:
- Jan 1: New Years Day
- Jan 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Jan 27: International Holocaust Remembrance Day
- Jan 29: Chinese New Year
Wishing our Dwyer community a safe, joyful holiday season and a hopeful New Year.
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SHARE YOUR COUNTY'S UPDATES
We want to hear from you!
Submit your local stories, photos, or events for next month's issue:
Submission Form Link
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