U.S. Army Pfc. Joseph Dwyer is depicted carrying a wounded Iraqi child to safety during the first week of the Iraq War in March 2003. After his return from combat, Dwyer struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a traumatic brain injury (TBI), ultimately leading him to take his own life. In his memory, New York State established the Pfc. Joseph Dwyer Veterans Peer-to-Peer program to support fellow veterans across the state. File-photo

The Pfc. Joseph Dwyer Veterans Peer-To-Peer program is currently operating under a different organizational framework than that of Chautauqua County.

Chautauqua County Director of Veteran Services, Greg Carlson announced that The Resource Center will take over management of the program, with oversight from the county. This change in leadership follows the retirement announcement of longtime Dwyer Program Coordinator Cindy Reidy, effective May 30.

Carlson expressed his confidence in the TRC’s capacity to manage the state-funded Pfc. Joseph Dwyer’s program efficiently and effectively. He anticipates that there will be no reductions in programs or services provided to participants in this initiative.

“We received proposals from two organizations in response to the county’s request for proposals (RFP),” stated Carlson. “The Resource Center and the Mental Health Association of Chautauqua County both submitted bids, but the Resource Center presented the stronger and more compelling proposal. I have great confidence in the Resource Center’s ability to preserve and enhance the programs currently provided by the Dwyer program.”

Carlson remarked that the Request for Proposals (RFP) was released to the public on May 16, signaling a significant step in the transition process. This move aligns seamlessly with the way New York State manages its individual Dwyer Programs, reflecting a commitment to standardized practices that ensure consistency and efficiency across the board.

“Transitioning to a non-profit managed program eliminates a layer of bureaucracy present at the county level,” he explained. “This aligns our Dwyer program with how similar programs are operated throughout the state — managed by non-profits under county oversight. The Dwyer program is now in the capable hands of the TRC.”

The Pfc. Joseph Dwyer program is named in honor of a U.S. Army combat medic who returned from Iraq struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a traumatic brain injury (TBI), ultimately leading him to take his own life. Recognizing that many veterans face the challenges of PTSD and TBI, it became evident that a peer-to-peer support program was essential for assisting returning military personnel.

As a result of the 2012-2013 New York State budget, the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program was established to assist veterans in connecting with one another in a secure and comfortable environment. This initiative aims to help veterans cope with the effects of PTSD and TBIs. The program’s Vet-to-Vet approach ensures complete anonymity, allowing participants to engage without fear of reprisal. The primary goal of the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans’ Peer-to-Peer Programs is to foster socialization and friendship among veterans. While the Dwyer Program is non-clinical and does not offer case management services, it does facilitate connections between veterans and other community service providers when specific needs arise. – dwyerchautauqua.com

For more information contact TRC at 716-483-2344.