Warren and Washington counties are working to expand their veterans assistance Peer-to-Peer program by partnering with a non-profit or local veterans organization.
The counties have released a “request for proposals” (RFP) seeking an agency or organization to join with the counties for the Adirondack Peer-to-Peer Support Services, Joseph P. Dwyer Project, which provides counseling and mental health resources, education, outreach and employment assistance to military veterans.
Washington and Warren counties are among 25 in New York that have operated a Peer-to-Peer program, which emphasizes services provided by veterans to veterans. Warren and Washington counties’ Veterans Services Offices would work with the organization that is willing to use New York State funding to further develop the bi-county program.
Find more information about the program here: http://adkpeertopeer.org/
Said Denise DiResta, Warren County Director of Veterans Services: “I’m excited for the future of the Adirondack Peer-to-Peer Support Services, PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Project. I believe that having a community non-for-profit continue to develop this program will better benefit our veterans in Warren and Washington counties on a broader spectrum than ever before. I look forward to continuing my participation wherever I’m needed in making sure the program continues to grow and be successful.”
Said Kenneth Winchell, Washington County Director of Veterans Services: “Adirondack Peer-to-Peer Support Services, PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Project has tremendous potential as far as the positive impact it can have on the veteran community in both Warren and Washington counties. My office is eager to assist the awarding non-profit in growing and developing this program to meet the needs of our veterans by creating a strong peer support system within that community.”
The program is named for U.S. Army Medic PFC Joseph P. Dwyer, a New York native who risked his life to aid an injured child in Iraq and struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use upon his return to the U.S. He died of an overdose.
Eligible organizations must be registered as a 501(c)(3), and have experience providing services to veterans or mental health services to adults, including veterans.
Proposals will be accepted through December 2nd. Organizations that would like to request a copy of the RFP or who have questions can contact Warren County Purchasing Department at 518-761-6538 or go to https://www.bidnetdirect.com/new-york.
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