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.