The Staten Island Service Member/Veterans and Families (SMVF) Newsletter

October 2025

Welcome to the SMVF newsletter, which provides listings of resources and events important to the Staten Island community of Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members. If you know of someone who is interested in receiving this newsletter, they can sign up at statenislandpps.org/veterans.

TCM Military & First Responders Retreat


Join Project New Hope on November 6-10, 2025 for Equine Therapy and holistic wellness of yoga, reiki and reflexology.


The Cortina Method (TCM) resolves & dissolves some mental health struggles. Based on neuroscience, TCM is brain-based healing that helps people process trauma without having to relive any pain.


Learn more here.


Click here for more about Project New Hope

FREE Warrior Week Program for Transitioning Veterans


We are actively seeking transitioning service members/veterans to participate in our no-cost Warrior Week program at Zac Brown's Camp Southern Ground in Fayetteville, GA. This tailored transition program is designed to support service members and veterans in their transition to civilian life by offering valuable professional development, career-focused training, and tools for personal well-being.


Next Steps:

  1. Watch this video to learn more about the program: Camp Southern Ground Warrior Week Video
  2. Apply now through their website: Get Started – Camp Southern Ground


2025 Dates Available:

September 12-17

October 10-15


For more information, click here.

Annual Salute to Veterans Breakfast & Information Event


Join us on Thursday, November 6th, 2025

at 10 am at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn to honor our veterans.


To learn more about becoming a sponsor, click here.

Vetsgiving


Join us for a gathering filled with food, yoga, and fall vibes! A partial introductory yoga session will be provided by Clarissa Alliano of the Veterans Yoga Project.

All Veterans and Military Families Welcome!


Wednesday,

November 19th, 2025

4:00 pm - 7:00 pm


Cespino Russo American

Legion Post

200 McClean Avenue,

Staten Island, NY 10305


Click here to learn more and register.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families


The goal of SSVF is to assist Veterans in achieving self-sufficiency, long-term housing stability, and an improved quality of life. SSVF is able to provide an array of support services to assist Veterans by addressing the root causes of homelessness.


SSVF helps through the following:

  • Outreach
  • Housing
  • Service Coordination
  • Benefit Services
  • Employment


To find out if you're eligible and to learn more, click here.

New York Outdoor Rx Coalition


The NY Outdoor Rx Coalition is tasked to identify barriers preventing service members, veterans, and their families from enjoying New York's parks and recreational areas and ensuring that age, gender, experience, or the need for special accommodations are not barriers to enjoying the great outdoors.



There’s a growing body of evidence that demonstrates referring military-connected clients/members to outdoor programs increases participants’ overall sense of well-being and promotes social interaction.


Share your experiences and challenges by taking this quick 10 to 15-minute survey. Your feedback will shape future initiatives and create more accessible and inclusive outdoor experiences for all military-connected communities.

Lunch & Learn Workshop


Take your career to the next level!

Learn how to land the job you want with interview tips, job coaching, training programs and more!


October 23rd at 11:00 am


Fort Wadsworth Family Meeting Center 455 USS Tennessee Rd, Staten Island, NY 10305


Learn more here.

Job Opportunity


Veterans Services Officer, VA Certified - $85,000 - $106,300/yr


Qualifications

Licenses and Certifications:

  • Certification as a Veteran Service Officer by the Veterans Administration. This position is an accredited representative as prescribed by the Code of Federal Regulations 14.629 (a)(1)(i)(ii), for the purpose of representing claimants before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in matters pertaining to claims of veterans, widows, and orphans. required


Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in related field or the equivalent work experience required


Work Experience:

  • Minimum of two years of experience in human services, sales or marketing, preferably in a healthcare setting required
  • Knowledge of VA healthcare system and benefits, including knowledge of Medicare/Medicaid preferred
  • Exceptional customer service skills required
  • Effective oral and written communication and presentation skills required
  • Proficiency in personal computer operations including MS Office applications required
  • Recognized veteran status with honorable discharge from a US military armed service branch preferred
  • Bilingual skills highly desired preferred
  • Valid driver's license and insurance may be required, as determined by operational/regional needs preferred


Learn more and apply here.


Brooklyn Children's Museum


BCM is always free for veterans and active military personnel! Free for one adult and one guest.


Hours:

Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm


Learn more here.

Tacfucius Firearms Training & Consulting


Join us for discounted NYS Concealed Carry Firearm Safety Training for Active/Retired Service Members & Veterans!


Tacfucius offers private training classes, help with applications, and more!


To schedule or for questions, call 917-536-1675 or email tacfuciusFTC@proton.me


Learn more here.

Partner Spotlight

End Veteran Debt Inaugural Summit


On September 9th, 2025, SI PPS and End Veteran Debt held their Inaugural Summit at Fordham University.


The Veteran Debt Summit provided a safe space for civilians and veterans to share valuable insight into how we can come together to strengthen the support system around veterans' lives during and after active duty, thus reducing the rate of suicide.


The summit included Q&As with several panelists including Cristina Castro, senior staff attorney for the Legal Services of NYC, Army Combat Medic Mike Williams, Anthony Warren, founder of AboutFace4Vets, and more. Other panelists included artists, journalists, and family members of veterans who dedicate their time to improving the lives of service members.


For a full list of the panelists and speakers, click here.


DONATE HERE to eliminate $1M in Veteran debt!


Read more about how our campaign works:

How can we eliminate $1M in debt?

How does debt forgiveness work?

Resources

FREE Yoga Classes, In Person and Virtual, by Veterans Yoga Project


Gold Star Post Schedule:


Every Wednesday 12:00 pm - 1:00pm

American Legion Gold Star Post #1365

17 Cannon Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10314

more info here.


_____________________________________________________


Cespino Russo Schedule:


Every Saturday 11:30 am - 12:30pm

Cespino Russo American Legion Post

200 McClean Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305

more info here.



Chair Yoga, Breathwork & Guided Relaxation

All Veterans & Military Families Welcome


For more information, email Mike Matthews at mmatthews@statenislandpps.org.


For other Veteran Yoga Project Classes, click here.

HelloFresh Meals with Meaning Kits


Free HelloFresh meal kits for Veterans and Military families facing food insecurity. DVS Benefits Coordinator, Joseph Liss, will be on-site to discuss Veteran benefits and services.


Pick-up location:

NYC Department of Probation's Neon Kitchen

340 Bay Street, Staten Island


Starting September 4th, 2025, every other Thursdays 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm.


For more information, click here.

Adopt At-Risk Veteran | Wheels for Warriors


Our Mission:


AARVorg Inc, "AdoptAtRiskVeteran," is a 501c 3 non-profit founded in 2018 by Vietnam Veteran John Meyer. He was inspired by the vast nuber of homeless and at-risk veterans in his community. AARV is a fundraising charity that works with other community-based providers helping homeless and at-risk veterans and their families. We provide funds for veteran specific programs, emergency and supportive housing, hot meals, groceries, clothing, job training, transportation or other services not provided by the Veterans Administration. AARV is specifically dedicated to improving opportunities for our deserving veterans to regain control of their lives and enjoy the freedoms that they helped to preserve. Help us complete our mission by adopting a veteran today.


Wheels for Warriors:


We accept donated NEW and USED wheelchairs and scooters, match the mobility device with our list of AV Veterans with mobility challenges, and provide them for FREE. Help change a life by donating your time, funds, or mobility devices to a veteran in need. More info here.


If you are a veteran in need of a mobility device, click here to apply.

Department of Veterans' Services


NYC DVS has an extensive list of resources available to NYC veterans including counseling, mental health, peer support, and more:


Counseling Services

Mental Health Resources

Peer Support Resources

DVS Newsletter

Northwell Military Liaison Services


Northwell Health is New York State's largest health care provider and one of the nation’s top employers for military veterans and families. We are dedicated to meeting the unique need of veterans, service members and their families. Our services include but are not limited to: life after service, women's services, and pay differential program.


For more information about our services, click here.

VA Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Program


You served us, now let us serve you.


Our suicide prevention program services provide assistance to military personnel and their families. We offer veterans and their loved ones tender loving care and a listening ear.


All services are provided free of charge for eligible veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs.


To learn more about the program and how to get involved, click here.

Treatment for Justice-Involved Veterans


VA Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Centers are recruiting eligible Veterans to participate in a research study on treatment for Veterans involved with the criminal justice system.


Learn more here.

NYU Langone Military Family Center: Caring for military families coping with the invisible wounds of war


Our clinicians at NYU Langone Military Family Center can support you and your family in addressing the needs and challenges associated with military service and life transitions. We offer high-quality, accessible, integrated mental health care, which are free and confidential.


We provide assistance with both physical and psychological concerns, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, and more. Our services include, but are not limited to, individual, couples and family therapy, medication management, and support groups.


To find out more about our services, click here.

Edge4Vets


Edge4Vets is conducted by the Human Resiliency Institute at Fordham in the Gabelli School of Business. This program provides veterans with what they need most: support in translating their military skills into tools for civilian success.


Edge4Vets connects veterans with hiring managers at partner companies for jobs that can lead to careers.


For more information, click here.

1 Soldier, 1 Dog, 1 Team


What We Do:


1 Soldier 1 Dog 1 Team rescues shelter dogs and matches them with a Veteran and/or First Responder suffering from PTSD.


Learn more here.

Priority One


If you have served at least one day in the active military, naval, or air service, including the Reserves and National Guard, you and your spouse are eligible for priority of service.


Our Veteran Specialists are available to help you with training and benefits, job-readiness workshops, and more!


Learn more here.

Nourish the Service Essentials Market, Blue Star Families



Family Meeting Center - Fort Wadsworth

2nd Floor

455 USS Tennessee Rd.

Staten Island, NY 10305


2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month

9:00 am - 5:00 pm


For more information, click here.


Questions? Contact Consuela Rodriguez at (904) 309-1817 or via email at crodriguez@bluetstarfam.org.

God's Love We Deliver


God's Love We Deliver is the leading Medically Tailored

Meal (MTM) provider in New York State. We have over 39 years of experience feeding,

nourishing, and improving the health and well-being of individuals living with severe illness.


Proudly serving home-delivered medically tailored meals to Veterans, their dependents, and their caregivers. You have served our country, now let us serve you!


God's Love has no religious affiliation; we serve all clients from diverse backgrounds. All

of our services are provided free to clients and full of love.


To learn more, click here.

For the latest newsletter, click here.



Staten Island Performing Provider System

1 Edgewater Plaza, Suite 700, Staten Island, NY 10305

(917) 830-1140

SIPPS-contactus@northwell.edu

www.statenislandpps.org


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