For Immediate Release

What: Veteran and Military Holiday Give Back Event.

When: Thursday, Dec. 12, 1-4 p.m., 113 West Ave., Saratoga Springs.

Who: SUNY Empire State College’s Office of Veteran and Military Education and Saratoga County Veterans’ Peer to Peer Mentoring Program Co-sponsor the event.

In addition to the college and Saratoga County, participating organizations include Operation Adopt a Soldier, Vet Help and Guardian House, American Red Cross, Military One Source, Shelters of Saratoga, Economic Opportunity Council, Saratoga County Employment and Training Office, Soldier On, National Alliance of the Mentally Ill, Welcome Home Initiative, The American Legion, Unlimited Potential, Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency, Veterans Homeless Outreach and the Vet Center.

Why: Open to the public as well as veterans, the afternoon features on-site meetings with representatives from many service organizations, as well as distribution of information about services and resources that will assist veterans in their transition from military to civilian life. 

The event serves as a collection point for useful gifts for veterans, including gift cards for Walmart, Target, Price Chopper, or others; gas cards; or cash contributions as a way to express appreciation for the military service veterans have rendered in the past. 

Background: The Saratoga County Veterans’ Peer to Peer Mentoring Program matches veterans who already have adjusted to civilian life as mentors to veterans in need, who may not be aware of services available to them. The mentors are trained to offer guidance on issues ranging from suicide prevention to housing and continuing education. 

Empire State College partnered with the Saratoga County Veterans’ Peer to Peer Mentoring Program to present this event. The college also donates space to the Peer to Peer program for regular meetings. 

The Peer to Peer initiative was made possible through a state grant administered under the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer PTSD Peer Support Program for Veterans. 

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Media contact: David Henahan, director of communications, SUNY Empire State College
518-587-2100, ext. 2918 
David.Henahan@esc.edu 
518-321-7038 (after hours and on weekends) 

Media contact: Amy Hughes, program director, Saratoga County Veterans Peer to Peer Mentoring Program 
518-884-4999 
amyhughesprogramcoordinator@gmail.com