Welcome to the First Edition of The Dwyer Connect! | | 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 Been in the Works Since Spring
A lot has been in motion as we continue to strengthen and expand the Dwyer network statewide.
Highlights include:
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Expanding the NYS Dwyer website, with new collaboration tools, member connections, and a county map directory
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Preparing to launch our new DCMVF website this winter
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Building presence across Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
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Growing as our own nonprofit organization — creating easier ways to give, planning fundraising opportunities, and strengthening our community impact
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Continuing to collaborate with Dwyer county programs and community partners statewide
Stay tuned for more updates as these
projects continue rolling out this fall!
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| NYC Dwyer x NYFA -- Healing Through Art: This month, we're highlighting the inspiring collaboration between NYC Dwyer Program and the New York Film Academy (NYFA) -- creating the Veterans Creative Arts Program. This was a free opportunity for veterans, service members, caregivers, and families to explore filmmaking -- from acting to directing -- and share their stories and healing through creative expression. | |
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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, Veterans Dinner, and Vets Giving programs (registration required for Thanksgiving meals). Flyers also feature local food pantries and community resources.
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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, Lunch & Learn sessions, Equine Therapy, peer support groups, and more. Flyers and program details are updated regularly on the website.
Spotlight Program – Santa’s Knights / Gladiators NYC – Learn More
Santa’s Knights, founded by veteran Damion DiGrazia, runs Gladiators NYC — free weekly medieval martial arts classes for veterans. Participants also volunteer as instructors, help with events, and build camaraderie. The program was recently featured on Good Morning America. View Video Here.
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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 beekeeping and community raffles to clothing drives, trivia nights, dinners, haircuts, support groups, art activities, and luncheons, Roc Veterans hosts a variety of events that bring veterans and families together throughout the year.
Explore their Events Calendar to see what’s happening across the region.
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Brett Cotter – Stress Is Gone: Upcoming Workshops & Resources
MST Survivors Recovery Workshop – A virtual healing space for MST survivors happening on November 1st. Register Here
Suicide Prevention Training – Advanced Self-Care + SP/SI for Peer Specialists
Three live sessions held Sunday, November 9 • November 16 • December 7. Check-in: 1:45 p.m. | Program starts: 2:00p.m.
Focused on trauma prevention, peer support, and wellness. Learn More Discount available for Dwyer Coalition members
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
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. 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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Mondays are for connection! Gavin shares weekly updates spotlighting Dwyer programs across the state - showcasing the incredible work of peers and the impact of community support.
"Together, we're strengthening the peer network that helps veterans feel seen and supported — every day."
Watch Gavin's latest Monday update here.
These weekly videos are available on the NYS Dwyer Facebook and YouTube pages - each one featuring a different county and program story.
This section also celebrates the power of peer stories - reflections, quotes, and insights shared directly from those in the field. Every voice matters, and each story reminds us that connection and support save lives.
Have something to share? Send your quote, reflection, or short story to info@dcmvf.org to be featured in a future edition!
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Collaboration, Media, and Statewide Impact
From community events to statewide initiatives, Dwyer Programs across New York continue to make meaningful connections and expand their reach.
Recent Guest Speakers at Coalition Meetings:
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Brett Cotter — Founder of Stress Is Gone, who provided valuable training on stress management and mindfulness practices.
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Sam Fletcher — Director of Workforce Development, NYS Office of Mental Health, who shared insights on workforce initiatives supporting veteran peer programs.
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Dr. MarieAnn Raguso — Air Force Veteran and Founder of Crazy Cat Lady Therapy for Veterans, Inc., presenting innovative approaches to veteran mental health and creative healing.
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Colonel Sam Whitehurst (Ret.) — Vice President, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, shared insights on Operation Veteran Empowerment (OVE 2.0), which expands emergency financial assistance for women veterans and strengthens partner capacity building efforts.
Gavin Walters, NYS Dwyer Coalition Facilitator, continues to represent DCMVF and Dwyer programs through statewide outreach, presentations, and professional collaboration:
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At the 2025 New York State Suicide Prevention Conference – “We Got Your 6,” held October 22–23 in Troy, NY, Gavin co-presented “The Power of Peers: Building and Maintaining Effective Peer Teams” alongside Jim Banish of NYLEAP. The session explored the role of peer-driven support models in promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
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At the Veterans Outdoor Recreational Therapy Summit, hosted by the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services on June 27 at the Adirondack Experience in Blue Mountain Lake, Gavin presented on Dwyer programs and their success in fostering connection, recovery, and community engagement through outdoor and wellness-based activities.
Gavin’s continued participation in events like these underscores DCMVF’s growing presence across New York State and its ongoing commitment to peer support, veteran wellness, and collaborative impact.
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Dwyer Workgroup Collaboration:
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The Dwyer Workgroup meets regularly to discuss key topics that impact Dwyer Programs statewide — including legislative, financial, and social developments. These sessions also address program questions, explore collaborative opportunities, and review preliminary evaluation results. This collaboration — bringing together the NYS Department of Veterans’ Services, the NYS Office of Mental Health, the Dwyer Coalition for Military Veterans & Families, and the University at Albany’s Evaluation Team — continues to guide and strengthen the growth of Dwyer Programs across New York.
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Anchor & Breathe — A Quick Grounding Reset
Give yourself 2–5 minutes to come back to the present. Find a comfy seat or lie down, close your eyes if you like, and follow these simple steps.
1. See (5) — Notice five things around you. Describe colors, shapes, and textures (e.g., “soft blue blanket,” “shiny brass lamp”).
2. Hear (4) — Listen for four different sounds. Note pitch, distance, and intensity (near/far, loud/soft).
3. Feel (3) — Identify three sensations on your body or nearby: warmth, pressure, breeze, fabric against skin.
4. Smell (2) — Find two distinct scents. Name them (fresh coffee, soap, rain on pavement).
5. Taste (1) — Notice one taste — even a faint one. If you don’t taste anything, notice the absence or try a sip of water.
6. Repeat — Run through the senses again, choosing different things each time.
7. Reflect — Take a breath and notice how your body and mind feel now. Was anything surprising? More grounded?
Tip: Use this anywhere — before a meeting, after a stressful call, or when you need a quick reset.
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Behind the Call: Wellness for Life November 21| 8:30AM – 3PM | Batavia, NY — Training series for peer mentors
View Flier Here or Register Here
Stress First Aid Train the Trainer — November 13 -14| 8AM – 4PM | Swan Lake, NY — Provides skills to implement the SFA model for individuals in crisis
View Flyer Here
OMH Veterans Mental Health Trainings & Resources — Educational tools and materials for supporting veterans’ mental health.
Download PDF
NAMI NYS Annual Education Conference November 14–16 | The Desmond Hotel, Albany, NY
Conference Info
Suicide Prevention Training – Advanced Self-Care + SP/SI for Peer Specialists —
Three live sessions (Nov–Dec) focused on trauma prevention, peer support, and wellness. Discount available for Dwyer Coalition members.
Learn More
Support After Suicide Loss: Postvention for Service Members, Veterans, and Families— November 4| 2PM - 3:30PM| Virtual — Learn strategies to provide timely support and healing after suicide loss, reducing risk and fostering resilience.
Register Here
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Stress Is Gone — A new partner resource for emotional wellness and stress management (credit: Brett Cotter)
View Website
Safety Plan App — A free app helping individuals and providers manage crises safely.
View/Download PDF
My Reasons For Living Lockbox -- A sensory lockbox helping veterans stay grounded in crisis. (credit: Carl LoFaro) See more on this initiative below.
Download Brochure
Mission Daybreak — A national VA initiative advancing innovative solutions for veteran suicide prevention.
Learn more
Veteran Wellness Toolkit - A practical guide developed by VA's MIRECC program to help veterans strengthen emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being through self-care activities.
View/Download PDF
Veterans Check-In One-Pager - A quick guide for peers and mentors to support veterans through regular wellness check-ins and meaningful conversations.
View/Download PDF
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VA Initiative — Technology + Community for Veteran Safety — The VA is launching seven new programs this year focused on creating more moments of connection for Veterans — from check-in texts to community outreach — especially for those not yet connected with VA care.
Read More
Veterans Outreach Mobile Van Schedule — Access statewide outreach events and mobile services.
View Schedule
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
Article: Veterans & Mind-Body Wellness - Explore how Tai Chi and yoga are helping veterans improve balance, mindfulness, and overall mental health.
Read Article
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
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One veteran reflected on their experience at the Lockbox build, writing “As I built it, I was taken back to moments [when] I felt I needed to end the pain. In a time of need, if I think of opening my Lockbox, I will be reminded of all the words, support, and reasons why I need to seek help and not ever give up.”
Seconds lead to second thoughts. Second thoughts save lives.
Please contact Carl LoFaro at VA Hudson Valley if you want to learn more or to bring My Reasons for Living Lockbox to your program. Carl.lofaro@va.gov
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How do you help a veteran in crisis save their own life?
In 2022, VA Hudson Valley staff Carl LoFaro, an Army veteran, and Natalie Thomas, family member to several veterans, asked themselves this question and were not satisfied by existing options. They went to veterans, providers, and caregivers to learn more about the problem and develop a solution. The My Reasons for Living Lockbox was the result. Veterans at increased risk of suicide or going through a tough time can decide to store their handgun, medication, or other means to make a suicide attempt in a locked case. They further protect themselves by placing sensory reminders of their own reasons for living across all five senses between themselves and their means. These reminders can lead to hesitation and aid the veteran in making a different choice.
Navy veteran Frank Steinbuch electronics technician at VA Hudson Valley turned their idea into a tangible prototype to pilot with Dutchess County Vet2Vet veteran staff and participants in 2024. The team led groups of veterans through building their own Lockboxes from a kit of off-the-shelf parts. Veterans liked the event and the Lockbox so the team pressed ahead. Additional Vet2Vet programs including Westchester, Rockland Counties, and Clear Path for Veterans held additional Lockbox events in 2025. The team sent Lockboxes to six other VA facilities as well as held programs for veterans in the Hudson Valley residential PTSD program.
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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.
🗽 New York State Legislation
S.1183 / A.74 – Property Tax Relief for 100% Service-Connected Veterans
Proposes a full property tax exemption for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability.
The New York State Council of Veterans' Organizations (NYSCOVO) has voiced strong support, emphasizing that the bill provides much-needed relief for veterans living with significant disabilities, especially given New York's high cost of living and property tax rates.
Other State Bills to Watch:
S.1192 – Veterans Treatment Courts: Offers alternative sentencing for veterans impacted by service-related trauma.
S.1788 – Tax Abatement Expansion: Extends property tax benefits to veterans who served on classified missions.
Advocacy in Action
Alongside our own statewide efforts, other community champion like the Wounded Warrior Project are driving change on the national level—advocating for policies that strengthen mental health care, prosthetic access, and support for survivors of military sexual trauma.
🧭 Find your local representatives → Here
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Did You Know?
New York has a dedicated training initiative — the Veterans Mental Health Training Initiative (VMHTI) through the National Association of Social Workers – New York State Chapter — aimed at increasing the number of community and primary‑care providers trained to address veteran‑specific mental health issues such as PTSD, TBI, and substance use.
Learn more
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Next Coalition Meeting: November 19th, 2025 1pm - 2:30pm
Upcoming Dates to Remember:
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Oct 13: U.S. Navy Birthday
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Oct 26: Day of the Deployed
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Oct 31: Halloween
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Nov 10: Marine Corps Birthday / National Forget-Me-Not Day
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Nov 11: Veterans Day
All Month of November: National Native American
Heritage Month & Military Family Month
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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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