Updated, September 25, 2019: Headway of WNY, Catholic Charities and People Inc. are pleased to present the 4th Annual WNY in Support of Veterans Symposium. “Bridging the Gaps, Part II - A Discussion between Veterans and Community Providers” will be held on Wednesday, October 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Pvt. Leonard Post, Jr. #6251 Veterans of Foreign Wars, 2450 Walden Avenue, Cheektowaga, NY. The free symposium is geared towards military active duty, reservists and veterans, along with medical providers and others interested in the topic.

The goals of the symposium are to: Help participants gain a better understanding of obtaining community services for veterans and their families, identify resources to better link veterans and their families with appropriate community services and recognize ways to improve access to these services. 

Featured speakers and panelists include: Alyssa Vasquez, Veteran’s One Stop Center of WNY, Inc.; Bonnie Vest, PhD, University at Buffalo; Max Donatelli, MS, USAF 1968-1972 Sargent, Vietnam ‘70-‘71, Erie County Anti-Stigma Coalition, Community Veterans Engagement Board and Family Advocate; Tracy Schmidt, LMSW, Horizon Village; and Delcey Pulvino, LMSW, Buffalo Vet Center. 

Continuing Education Units (CEU) will be available for Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC), Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW). The cost is $20 for one CEU and $30 for two CEUs; checks are to be made payable to Catholic Charities of Buffalo.

Lunch to be provided to attendees. Registration in advance for the symposium is encouraged. Walks-ins are welcome (space permitting). To register or for more information, email support@headwayofwny.org or call 716-408-3110.

Headway of WNY, a not-for-profit agency and an affiliate of People Inc., provides support groups, trainings and educational programs to both survivors and caregivers of brain injury. Headway of WNY is a support and advocacy agency for persons with brain injuries and other disabilities and the Regional Resource Center/Single Point of Entry for the New York State Department of Health’s Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Waiver and the Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver. For more information, go to headwayofwny.org or call 716-408-3100.

People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 10,000 people with special needs, their families and older adults throughout Western New York and the greater Rochester region. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. To learn more, visit people-inc.org. Like us on Facebook at People Inc. and follow us on Twitter @PeopleIncNews.

Catholic Charities Vision Military program offers supports and services to veterans and military families through direct services and collaboration with local agencies throughout Western New York. Current or former military members, veterans and their families can present a need at any community-based office of Catholic Charities. For more information, go to ccwny.org or call 716-877-8822.