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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Steady progress continues across our initiatives as we build momentum into the new year. Here are a few highlights:
• Ongoing updates and improvements to both program websites
• Increased visibility through outreach, communications, and regional engagement
• Continued growth of partnerships and collaborative efforts statewide
• Active planning underway for the 2026 Dwyer Conference
• Upcoming collaborative film screening in partnership with NYS DVS
• First monthly coalition call of 2026 held with strong participation
• Weekly advocacy efforts launched in Albany, including meetings with legislators to discuss priority issues and proposed bills impacting veterans and their families
More updates to come as these efforts continue to unfold!
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New from the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services, Healing Haven for Military Spouses is a free, statewide virtual program offered in partnership with stress-relief expert Brett Cotter, a valued DCMVF partner who regularly guides our Coalition through grounding breathwork and mindfulness. These peer-to-peer sessions provide military spouses with tools for stress relief, self-care, and connection.
🔗 Register to join an upcoming Healing Haven session
✨ Free Membership Offer (for Dwyer Coalition members only): Coalition members can request a 1-year free membership to StressIsGone.com, featuring 300+ live sessions, guided meditations, and workshops. To inquire, please reach out to us 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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COMPEER ROCS – View Upcoming Events
Compeer Rocs offers activities across Monroe County that help Veterans connect, be creative, and have fun.
Veterans can also access the Veterans Driving Veterans (VDV) program, providing reliable transportation to support independence.
🔗View Monthly Calendar Here
🔗Learn more about Veterans Driving Veterans Here
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PUTNAM COUNTY – View Events Calendar
Putnam County Vet2Vet, powered by Guardian Revival, offers peer-led Dwyer Program activities that bring veterans together for connection and community. Events include town halls, coffee chats, writing workshops, and a regularly updated monthly calendar.
🔗Learn more about Upcoming Events
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SULLIVAN & ORANGE COUNTIES – ATI VET2VET
ATI Vet2Vet in Sullivan and Orange Counties offers wellness-focused, educational, and peer-support programming for veterans and caregivers. Offerings include Caregiver Café peer groups, senior wellness education, Tai Chi, and creative, community-based initiatives that support connection and well-being.
🔗Facebook: ATI Vet2Vet (events, updates, resources)
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ONEIDA COUNTY — View Upcoming Events
The Utica Center for Development serves as a point of connection for Veterans in Oneida County, offering select opportunities such as peer nights, resource fairs, and community lunches that support access to local services.
🔗 Learn more about Services Offered
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CATTARAUGUS COUNTY — View Upcoming Events
The Dwyer program in Cattaraugus County offers Veteran-centered activities focused on connection, camaraderie, and fun. Offerings include coffee hours, ice fishing, painting, bowling, and additional group activities.
🔗Facebook: Cattaraugus County Dwyer Veteran Program (events, updates, resources)
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Strength Beyond Service — A New Support Group for Veterans
Presented by the Albany County Veterans Service Bureau
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NY Connects -- Your Link to Community Support
Are you or someone you know an older adult or living with a disability who is in need of services and supports?
Contact NY Connects to get linked to a wide range of support options that help individuals with disabilities, older adults, those with chronic illness, or any other individual of any age that needs community supports to help them remain independent. These include but are not limited to -->
| | | THE START OF 2026 FOR DCMVF | | We kicked off 2026 with momentum, collaboration, and a renewed commitment to supporting veterans and their families. From expanding partnerships to advancing key initiatives, the year is already shaping up to be one of growth and impact. Our teams, coalitions, and community partners are working together to strengthen resources, elevate veteran voices, and build on the foundation we’ve created. | | Group Zoom discussion with director Marty Klein | | DCMVF was honored to attend a special film screening of "Why Can’t We Serve?" at the Castle Point VA Medical Center on January 23, 2026. Hosted in partnership with the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services and the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System, the program featured insights from U.S. Air Force Veteran Marty Klein, writer and producer of the documentary. The film sparked powerful conversation around service, disability, and the importance of inclusive pathways forward after military service. We’re grateful to our partners, speakers, and all who joined us—these conversations matter, and we’ll continue carrying this message forward for those who couldn’t attend. | |
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VA Home Loan Educational Resources
Understanding VA home loan benefits can feel overwhelming. To support Veterans and military families, the following educational resources are being shared to help explain homeownership options available through the VA Home Loan Program:
A short flyer outlining basic VA home loan benefits and eligibility.
👉 View the VA Home Loan Overview
- Veteran Success Story: Toni’s Path Home
Toni, a Coast Guard Veteran, faced significant challenges after returning home and experienced a period of homelessness with her young daughter.
With community support and guidance from Michelle Viola-Straight, she learned how to use her VA Home Loan benefit to regain stability.
Today, Toni and her daughter are settled into a home of their own — highlighting what’s possible when Veterans receive the right guidance and support.
Resources provided by ClearPath Mortgage Solutions, proudly supporting Veteran homeownership.
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OMH Veterans Mental Health Trainings & Resources — Educational tools and materials for supporting veterans’ mental health.
Download PDF
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
Webinar: Support After Suicide Loss — Postvention strategies for service members, Veterans, and families. Recording and slides available. Watch here
VA Building Better Caregivers - Free online workshops and resources to support caregivers of Veterans. Explore resources
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Veterans Outreach Mobile Van Schedule — Find statewide outreach events and locations where Veterans can access mobile services and support. View Schedule
American Red Cross (New York) — Emergency assistance and support for Service Members, Veterans, and Military Families. Learn More
Veterans Miracle Center (Albany) — A trusted partner offering vital resources and support for Veterans and families. Learn more
Forged by Valor — A workforce training partner offering Veterans hands-on welding and fabrication education to support career transition and long-term success. Learn more
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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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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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SHEEPDOG
SHEEPDOG, previewed at last year’s conference, is now showing in theaters nationwide — including 12 theaters across New York State. You can also Pay It Forward through our Vet Tix partnership to help veterans, first responders, and their families attend.
Want to get involved?
🎟 Get Tickets: Find a theater near you
👥 Group Screenings: Attend with a larger group or organization
❤️ Donate Tickets: Gift tickets to veterans, first responders, and their families through Vet Tix
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Interested in partnering with us? Contact our team at info@dcmvf.org to explore collaboration opportunities to better serve our veterans and families. | |
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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.
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| | | | The NYS Joseph P. Dwyer Coalition and DCMVF continue to advance coordinated, solutions-focused advocacy at both the state and federal levels to strengthen peer support for Veterans and their families. Through regular outreach and weekly meetings with legislators in Albany, we work to ensure the voices and needs of Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families remain at the forefront of policy conversations. | | |
Some of our current advocacy priorities include:
- A DCMVF 2026 Foundational Budget Proposal to strengthen statewide coordination and support across all 62 counties
- A Tribal Nations Dwyer Proposal, developed through direct collaboration with Tribal Nations to support peer programs while fully respecting Tribal sovereignty
- A proposed legislative change to DMV identification requirements, addressing barriers Veterans face when obtaining or restoring state-issued identification
- DCMVF is advocating for a bipartisan approach to advancing the property tax relief bill in a way that supports service members and veterans through expanded relief and a clear pathway to a New York State ID.
📣 New York State considers over a 100 bills impacting veterans and their families each year. If there's legislation you'd like us to review, reach out and share why it matters to you and how it can benefit communities across the state.
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🧭 Find your local representatives → Here
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Next Coalition Meeting: February 18th , 2026 1pm - 2:30pm
February Dates:
Black History Month
(All Month Long)
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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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