Allegany County Kicks Off
Peer-to-Peer Veteran Program this Holiday Season
Belmont, NY – On
November 20, 2024, the Allegany County Board of Legislators announced funding
from a New York State grant to provide various programs and events for peer-to-peer
support for veterans. The mission of the
funding is to assist veterans, service members, and their families to achieve
and sustain personal health, wellness, and purpose in their post-service lives
through the support of trained veteran peers.
The program is designed
to provide peer-based veterans’ services through a variety of events, veteran-to-veteran
collaboration, social events, and community service. The program further aims
to:
• Pursue outreach and education.
• Provide peer support.
• Build resiliency among peers.
• Encourage a connection among family,
friends, and community.
• Provide access to suicide
prevention/intervention initiatives.
• Foster hope.
According to Board Chairman
Brooke Harris, the Board has asked County Administrator Carissa Knapp’s office
to assist H. Robert Budinger, Personnel Officer, to manage the kickoff of the
program. Budinger, a veteran and active member
of the Air National Guard, would like to share that Allegany County is planning
a Holiday Party at the Genesee Valley Central School on Saturday, December 14,
2024, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. for veterans, active service members, and their
immediate family members. Anyone that has worn a military uniform is welcome to
attend. Participants will be asked to
provide a copy of their Military ID, DD-214, or VA Benefit card.
Participants are asked
to RSVP by December 2, 2024, by calling 585-268-9217 or by using the event link
on our website, https://www.alleganyco.gov/salute/. Feel free to submit a
comment on the website if you would like email notification of future events.
If you are a veteran
but unable to attend the holiday party, a breakfast social event will be held
in January. Please watch our website or
social media for future events.
