HELP AVAILABLE
County offers resources to veterans of Afghanistan
SARATOGA COUNTY, N.Y. >> The Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency recently announced that it has multiple resources and programs available for Afghanistan veterans.
The Saratoga County Veterans Peer Connection Program offers various resources including mentoring, informal meet-ups, structured assistance and one-on-one peer matching to help veterans manage the unique stress and challenges they may feel. The program also helps to foster relationships within the veteran community that will build resiliency through encouragement, personal connections and access to support and crisis intervention measures. All veterans are welcome regardless of military discharge.
“Watching the grim news come out of Kabul and Afghanistan has stirred emotions for many, especially for Afghanistan Veterans, families, survivors, and caregivers,” said Frank McClement, Saratoga County Veterans Services Director and U.S. Army Veteran, in a press release. “As events continue to unfold, and the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, many veterans are feeling overwhelmed and looking for connection and companionship.
“Our Veterans Peer Connection program can help with that with connection to resources and, most importantly, to other veterans.”
Veterans looking for a way to meet other veterans in a stress-free, no obligations environment, are invited to gather from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings at Saratoga Coffee Traders, located at 447 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. Participants receive a free coffee and sandwich along with encouraging and supportive conversations with other veterans. The event has no agenda, just veterans spending time together.
Veterans seeking structured assistance are encour
aged to attend the Saratoga County Veterans Connection Mental Health Summit at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 17 at the Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency Office, located at 2144 Doubleday Ave. in Ballston Spa. The summit is open to all veterans and family members. Representatives from VA programs and community organizations will provide information and resources to those who attend.
The agency’s mentoring program pairs established, local veterans with returning veterans who are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other re-acclimation challenges. Both personalized and informal, these pairings yield relationships intended to ease the transition from combat to civilian life.
The agency also offers a one-on-one peer matching program for those who prefer individual interaction.
Contact information for additional resources that may be helpful to veterans are listed below.
• Veterans Crisis Line — 800-273-8255
• Saratoga County Mental Health — 518-584-9030
• Albany Vet Center — 518-626-5130
• VA Rapid Access Clinic — 518-626-5339
• Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency — 518884-4115
• VA Caregiver Support — 1-855-260-3274
• Elizabeth Dole Foundation Hidden Heroes Hotline — 202-249-7170
Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency provides support to the more than 17,000 veterans living in Saratoga County. Programs of the agency are built on the foundation of veterans helping veterans. Veterans of every generation are encouraged to participate in these programs and to take advantage of the agency’s beneficial resources.
“No veteran should ever feel that they are alone or forgotten,” the release said. “The Saratoga County Veterans
Service Agency is here to support our veterans.”
More information about the Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency and its Veterans Peer Connection Program is available by calling (518) 884-4999 or visiting www.veteranspeerconnection.org.
The Saratoga County Veterans Peer Connection Program offers various resources including mentoring, informal meetups, structured assistance and one-on-one peer matching to help veterans manage the unique stress and challenges they may feel.