Funding for a support program that provides counseling to veterans and their families was restored after it was originally excluded in New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s budget proposal this year.
The program connects veterans to other veterans and creates a local network of support.
State Senator John Brooks was one of many lawmakers who pushed for the funding to be included in a final budget deal.
“We increased the program by another $400,000 in a tough budget year so I think it is recognition, by the folks up in Albany, collectively, that this is something that works.”
Brooks says the program could be expanded to more counties in state and even nationally.
The program has also made a push to hire more female mentors and reach out to women veterans.
