NYS Department of Veteran Services (DVS)
NYC DVS helps veterans, service members, and their families in navigating the various services and benefits available to them at City, State, and federal levels. The DVS Veterans Resource Guide provides comprehensive information on how to access educational, employment, health, housing, and legal benefits, all while emphasizing the rights of veterans under New York City’s Human Rights Law. It also includes details on the process of applying for these benefits and special rights afforded to veterans.
Contact: jliss@veterans.nyc.gov jejackson@veterans.nyc.gov
Queens Vet Center
The Odyssey Project: Picturing Life After War Free
Free 12 week intensive photography course for combat veterans and MST survivors. The Odyssey Project offers Veterans a new way to navigate the road home from service through photography and writing you will explore and explain the return room from your perspective lead by photographer Brendan Bannon this series of Saturday classes begin with a weekend retreat. Together with other veterans you’ll have professional mentoring your pictures will be included in a public exhibit and book.
The Josephine Herrick Project (JHP) works with Veterans Centers across New York, including areas like Long Island and Westchester County, to help veterans reconnect with their communities and express themselves creatively through photography. Since 1941, JHP has been deeply involved in supporting veterans, particularly those facing challenges like PTSD and physical disabilities, by using photography as a therapeutic tool. This initiative is supported by the NYC Council’s Veterans Community Development Initiative and aims to alleviate social isolation and enhance veterans’ sense of purpose.
To learn more or apply, contact: odyssey@jhproject.org or Zhuo.chen@va.gov
Man O’War Project
The Man O’War Project, which utilizes equine-assisted therapy to support veterans with PTSD. Established in 2015 by Ambassador Earle I. Mack, a veteran and philanthropist, this initiative has pioneered research into the mental health benefits of such therapy. Studies from the project indicate that veterans experiencing symptoms of PTSD, including depression and anxiety, can find significant relief through this therapy. Notable are the neurobiological changes observed during sessions, suggesting enhancements in emotional and fear processing.
Kaminie Persaud participated in the eight-week equine-assisted therapy program and experienced significant positive outcomes, achieving relief from stress and anxiety.
Point of Contact: info@mowproject.org
Transcendental Meditation
The research study focuses on Transcendental Meditation (TM) as a treatment for veterans with Posttraumatic Stress (PTS). Aimed at veterans, active duty personnel, and first responders, the program seeks to validate TM’s benefits in fostering mental clarity and deep relaxation, thereby reducing stress and improving overall mental health. Participants have the opportunity to contribute to significant research that may influence future therapeutic practices for managing PTS.
Qualifying Participants will be compensated for their time and effort in participating. They will be compensated based on their level of participation. Compensation may be up to a maximum of $1000.
