Poughkeepsie … The Dutchess County Office for the Aging (OFA) invites veterans of all ages and their families to its Veterans Resource Forum on Tuesday, March 14th at the Pavilion at Brookmeade, 34 Brookmeade Drive in Rhinebeck, from 1 to 4 p.m. This free event will offer veterans and their families important information and connections to various agencies, including the County’s Division of Veterans’ Services, and service providers. Space is limited; veterans can reserve their seat by calling the OFA at (845) 486-2555.
Representatives from Mental Health America of Dutchess County, Rhinebeck at Home and the County’s Department of Behavioral and Community Health’s (DBCH) Mental Health Subcommittee are among the participating organizations that will be available to meet with veterans and their families and provide information on a wide range of topics, including mental health resources and veterans’ benefits. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the services available to them, ask questions and connect with other veterans and their families.
OFA Director Todd Tancredi said, “While many of our local heroes are Office for the Aging clients, they may not know their service makes them eligible for other local providers’ programs that can serve their various needs. Our Veterans Resource Forum will inform veterans of every age and era, as well as their loved ones, about the benefits available to them through their service to our nation. We invite all Dutchess County veterans to register today to attend this important event.”
The County’s Division of Veterans Services ensures Dutchess County veterans and their families receive their maximum eligible benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies at all levels of government. In 2022, the Division rendered 20,212 contact services to Dutchess County Veterans and their families regarding services and entitlements available from federal, state and local government.
Mental Health America of Dutchess County offers numerous programs for veterans – including the Vet2Vet; Housing, Employment, Reintegration and Outreach Program (HERO); Veterans Employment Training & Transitions Assistance Program (VET-TAP) and Weekend 4 Warriors programs – that offer local veterans emotional support, educational information, referrals to useful services, information about support groups, Social Events, advocacy and short-term care management.
Rhinebeck at Home is a locally based, non-profit organization with members dedicated to helping each other to remain in their own homes and stay connected to their community as they grow older.
A branch of the County’s Mental Hygiene Board, the Mental Health Subcommittee advises the DBCH Deputy Commissioner and Director of Community Services about issues in the community and suggests ideas for inclusion in the Department’s Service Plan, which is submitted to New York State annually.
OFA plans, coordinates and provides an array of community-based services to older adults and persons who require assistance in the long-term care system, in an effort to promote independence, dignity and quality of life while striving to ensure clients' needs will continue to be met now and in the future. OFA offers an array of programming that provides socialization, recreation and fitness opportunities for older adults to remain active and energized.
