top of page
Advocacy At Albany.jpg

Understanding the Dwyer Coalition

What Is the Dwyer Coalition?

The Dwyer Coalition for Military Veterans & Families was established to strengthen New York State's Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Project network through statewide collaboration, leadership, advocacy, and innovation.


While local Dwyer Programs provide peer support and community-based services within their respective counties, the Coalition works behind the scenes to strengthen the statewide network that supports those efforts. We connect organizations, develop shared resources, build strategic partnerships, advocate for sustainable investments, and create innovative initiatives that expand opportunities for Veterans, service members, military families, caregivers, and survivors throughout New York State.

Why Was the Coalition Created?

As New York's Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Project expanded across the state, so did the need for greater collaboration among local programs.

​

Each Dwyer Program operates independently through its host organization and responds to the unique needs of its community. While this local flexibility is one of the network's greatest strengths, it also created opportunities to improve communication, share best practices, develop statewide resources, and strengthen partnerships.

​

The Dwyer Coalition was created to provide that statewide leadership and coordination while preserving the independence of every local Dwyer Program.

How Is the Coalition Different?

The Dwyer Coalition and local Dwyer Programs work together to strengthen New York's military-connected community, but each serves a distinct and complementary role. While local Dwyer Programs focus on serving their communities, the Coalition strengthens the statewide network through leadership, collaboration, advocacy, innovation, and shared resources.

​

Local Dwyer Programs

 

  • Operated by local host organizations

  • Provide direct peer support

  • Serve local communities

  • Organize local activities and events

  • Connect Veterans with local resources

Dwyer Coalition

 

  • Independent statewide nonprofit

  • Strengthens the statewide network

  • Supports all 62 counties

  • Develops statewide initiatives

  • Builds partnerships, technology, advocacy, and shared resources

What Does the Coalition Do?

The Coalition provides statewide leadership by:

​

  • Connecting organizations and fostering collaboration.

  • Advocating for Veterans and military-connected communities.

  • Developing statewide resources and educational materials.

  • Supporting professional development and provider training.

  • Maintaining New York's statewide Dwyer website and digital resource hub.

  • Operating the Dwyer Virtual Community.

  • Developing DwyerCare to strengthen support for caregivers.

  • Creating scholarship and workforce development opportunities.

  • Identifying emerging needs and promoting innovative solutions.

Why Statewide Coordination Matters

No single organization can meet every need facing New York's military-connected community.

 

Statewide coordination allows organizations to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships, reduce duplication of effort, identify emerging challenges, and expand access to resources that benefit Veterans and their families regardless of where they live.

 

The Coalition exists to help local Dwyer Programs succeed by providing the support, collaboration, and innovation needed to strengthen the entire network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Coalition provide direct peer support?

Yes. In addition to strengthening New York's statewide Dwyer network, the Coalition develops and operates statewide initiatives such as the Dwyer Virtual Community, DwyerCare, scholarship programs, professional development, and other innovative opportunities that directly support Veterans, military families, caregivers, and survivors. Local Dwyer Programs continue to provide peer support and community-based services within their communities.

 

What programs does the Dwyer Coalition operate?

The Coalition develops and supports statewide initiatives that strengthen New York's military-connected community, including the Dwyer Virtual Community, DwyerCare, statewide scholarship opportunities, professional development and provider training, advocacy initiatives, digital resources, and other innovative programs that complement the work of local Dwyer Programs.

​

Does the Coalition receive state funding?

No. The Coalition does not receive dedicated state funding for its day-to-day operations. Our statewide work is supported through grants, sponsorships, charitable contributions, and community partnerships.

 

Does my donation support my local Dwyer Program?

Donations made to the Coalition support statewide initiatives unless otherwise designated. If you wish to support your local Dwyer Program directly, we encourage you to contact that program through its host organization.

 

Why are local Dwyer Programs independent?

Each program is operated by a local nonprofit, county government, or other host organization, allowing services to reflect the unique needs of the community while benefiting from statewide collaboration through the Coalition.

Building the Future Together

The Dwyer Coalition believes that stronger local programs create stronger communities.

By investing in collaboration, advocacy, education, technology, innovation, and statewide partnerships, we are helping build a more connected, sustainable, and effective Veteran peer support network for New York State.

bottom of page