Allegany County updates Dwyer peer‑support program for veterans, reports $24K–$25K quarterly funding

Allegany County staff and volunteers updated the Personnel Committee on May 7 on the county’s Dwyer peer‑support program for veterans, describing volunteer activity, training and ongoing state funding.

The Dwyer program, funded through the New York State Office of Mental Health and named for PFC Joseph Dwyer, is “a peer based, veterans program,” the program organizer said. The county’s effort is currently volunteer driven and focuses on outreach, peer mentoring, community connection and suicide‑prevention access.

Committee members were told the program began in mid‑October 2024 and has run eight events so far in 2025, with 20 additional events planned. Organizers said 277 volunteer hours have been recorded this year aside from core organizers’ planning time, and eight peer mentors have completed a county training course with a goal of 12–16 mentors by the end of the fiscal year.

Organizers described training partnerships used to build peer capabilities. A mental‑health first‑aid course for veterans and families was provided through Beaver Hollow; organizers said the course included an exam and multi‑day instruction. They also noted outreach to Tioga County and Livingston County to learn program practices and to the Genesee Valley Central School for event support.

Funding and budgeting were discussed. Organizers said the Dwyer program receives quarterly state funding of about $24,000 to $25,000. They reported approximately $30,000 remained in the current state fiscal‑year allocation that must be spent before the period closes. “So far so good. There’s been no word that the funding is in jeopardy,” the program organizer said.

Volunteers and outside partners were highlighted as operational support. Organizers said the Allegany County Veterans Organization (a contractor the committee voted on earlier in the meeting) and local American Legion posts have provided volunteers and helped distribute care packages, support homebound veterans and staff events. Examples of past and planned activities include breakfasts and lunches, care‑package deliveries to veterans in nursing homes and deployed personnel, a welding class to make poppies for Memorial Day, a World War II museum tour, and a speaker event at Alfred University on June 28 focused on resiliency.

Organizers described outreach channels and how residents can volunteer. They said the county administrator’s office can register people by phone at (585) 268‑9217, and a contact form is available on the county website under the Community → Allegany County Veterans program page. Social media (search: “Salute to Allegany County Veterans”) and partner mailing lists are also used for event notices.

Committee members asked about scheduling conflicts with community events and recommended coordination with local organizers. The program organizer said they would research additional ideas raised by committee members, including the possibility of using program funds for an honor flight and improved cross‑community scheduling.

Organizers emphasized the volunteer nature of the county program and thanked volunteers for their contributions. “We couldn’t do this program without our volunteers,” the program organizer said.

Looking ahead, program leaders asked for continued committee support for procurement and partnerships as they schedule events and expand peer mentor training.