Poughkeepsie … Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino and Veterans Affairs Director Adam Roche have announced $100,000 in one-time grants have been awarded to eight local programs through the Dutchess County Veterans Microgrant Program. The awards fund local projects and programs that honor and support the brave men and women who have served the nation in the armed forces.
County Executive Sue Serino said, “Dutchess County is honored to provide these microgrants to groups and communities that support our nation's heroes. I have seen firsthand how these wonderful local programs enrich the lives of our veterans and their families, and I am thrilled we can help expand and enhance them. Our goal is to always show our gratitude and appreciation for our local veterans and provide services and programs to empower them to live life to the fullest in recognition of their selfless service and sacrifice.”
Ranging from $5,900 to the program-maximum $15,000, the eight awards support a diverse array of programs for veterans, offered through local non-profit organizations and municipalities.
Projects funded through the 2024 Veterans Microgrant Program grant include:
Town of Wappinger, $15,000
Schlathaus Park Building Improvements for Veterans’ Use – Renovate building at Schlathaus Park to be more amenable to local veterans’ uses while offering modern amenities.
Town of Clinton, $8,000
Town of Clinton Hometown Heroes Veterans Banners – Defray costs for veterans or families to purchase banners – and hardware to hang them – honoring veterans from the Town of Clinton.
Hudson River Housing, Inc., $15,000
Accessibility and Retrofit Project at Liberty Station – Improve accessibility at Liberty Station, Hudson River Housing’s 26-unit veteran housing project in the City of Poughkeepsie.
Marine Corps League Detachment 861, $15,000
Lift Chair for Beacon Veterans Memorial Building – Purchase lift chair to assist veterans with difficulties walking and climbing stairs gain access to upstairs meeting room at Beacon Veterans Memorial Building.
New York Theatre Organ Society, $5,900
“The Big Parade” Film Screening for Veterans and Families – Host free presentation of 1925 film “The Big Parade” at the Bardavon 1869 Opera House to honor local veterans for their service and sacrifices.
Harlem Valley VFW Post 5444, $15,000
New Cooler and Ice Machine for Veteran's Club – Replace club’s existing walk-in cooler, ice machine, well pump and fire doors.
Hidden Hollow Farm Riding, $11,100
Therapeutic Horse Programmatic Improvements for Veterans – Invest in a horse round pen, run-in shed and solar generator, providing a controlled, safe environment for therapy sessions regardless of weather.
We Have Your 6, Inc., $15,000
Update WHY6 workshop for veteran programs – Purchase tools to renovate shop, allowing program to accommodate its current veterans and take on more.
Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Will Truitt said, “Our American heroes deserve to be recognized for their sacrifices, and my fellow legislators and I were proud to add funding for the 2024 Veterans Microgrants Program during the last budget process. These grants, and the projects they’ll fund, will ensure our veterans receive the respect and quality of life they deserve, as we again show Dutchess County will never forget their selfless service.”
The Veterans Microgrant Program is part of Dutchess County’s ongoing commitment to honoring and assisting veterans. Since its inception in 2022, the program has provided critical funding to a variety of initiatives that have helped countless local veterans lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Veterans Affairs Director Adam Roche said, “These grants have a meaningful impact for veterans – expanding accessibility, providing vital connections with other veterans and providing community recognition that means the world to them. We have a great network of organizations working together to serve our local heroes and I am pleased our microgrant program can support that great work.”
Learn more about the wide array of programs and services for Dutchess County veterans at www.dutchessny.gov/veterans or by calling the Office of Veterans Affairs at 845-486-2060.
