Officials Announce New Funding for Joseph Dwyer Peer-to-Peer Veterans' Support Program

Named in honor of PFC Joseph P. Dwyer, a New York native who served as an Army Medic in Iraq - the Dwyer program was established to help veterans returning from service to reintegrate into society, build a peer-to-peer support network, offer housing support, and provide resources for mental health, PTSD, TBI, and suicide prevention. 

“I’ve advocated for this program since I came to the senate, fought to expand it into Niagara and Orleans county, and  I’ve fought to increase funding to it, raising it by 12%.  I’m proud to have partners like Joe Jasztremski and the Niagara County legislature, and the Veterans One Stop Center in this fight to save veterans' lives. Because that’s exactly what this program does - it honors the life and legacy of Joseph P. Dwyer by saving the lives of veterans,” said New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt. 

“The Joseph Dwyer Peer-to-Peer Veterans’ Support Program provides critical support for the men and women who have sacrificed so much in service to our country. Our veterans deserve access to the resources, mental health services, and camaraderie they need to successfully transition back to civilian life. Continued funding for this program is an investment in the well-being of our veterans, and I’m proud to support efforts that ensure no veteran has to face these challenges alone,” said Assemblyman Angelo Morinello. 

“The Dwyer program recognizes that sometimes the best person to help a veteran is another veteran who has walked in their shoes.  By connecting veterans with their peers while providing access to housing assistance, mental health resources and other critical services, this program is making a real difference here in Niagara County. Increasing our support will allow the Veterans One Stop Center to reach more veterans and make sure those who need help have somewhere to turn. These efforts, in conjunction with our own Veterans Service Agency, aim to help veterans get the support, services and benefits they have earned,” said Niagara County Clerk Joe Jastrzemski. 

“Veterans have earned our support long after they return home, and the Dwyer program provides a critical lifeline for those who may be struggling with the transition back to civilian life.  This increased funding is an investment in our veterans and in the services they need to build a strong support network, find stable housing, address mental health challenges and, most importantly, know that they are not facing these challenges alone,” said Niagara County Legislator and Chairman of Community Services Jesse Gooch.  

Senator Ortt will continue advocating for increased funding to the program in the state budget.