The NYC Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) is pleased to announce the establishment of the NYC Private First-Class (PFC) Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Fund. We are seeking Requests for Information (RFI) from for-profit and not-for-profit organizations which support the mission of increasing social engagement and connectivity for U.S. Military Veterans and their families. Our goal is to provide Veterans peer-to-peer support through recreational, artistic, athletic, culinary, educational, health and wellness programs.
To learn more about this funding opportunity, visit our PFC Dwyer Veterans' Support Program page on the DVS website.
Note, this is an RFI seeking information only from interested organizations. There will be no award based on this RFI. However, if any organization wishes to do business with any City of New York agency, they will first need to be registered into the NYC’s PASSport System.
Additionally, the Mayor's Office of Contract Services (MOCS) holds a monthly in-person workshop called "Your Neighborhood," designed to provide prospective contractors with the critical support needed to contract with the city and use of PASSport.
Businesses interested in registering for MOCS in Your Neighborhood are encouraged to complete the form found here.
Upcoming "Your Neighborhood" Workshop Schedule:
- February 22, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. (Manhattan)
- March 9, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. (Queens)
Background
Despite the array of programs and services available for Veterans, a 2021 community survey conducted by our agency showed that one out of four NYC-based Active-Duty Service Members, Reservists, National Guardsmen, and Veterans say they are lonely three or more days per week. Only one-third of lonely respondents feel as though they have someone they can approach when they are in need. Moreover, when asked how likely they are to seek help for emotional distress, 40% of all lonely respondents would be somewhat or very unlikely to do so.
The PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program, first established by the State of New York during the 2012-2013 legislative session, aims to reduce Veteran isolation and associated mental health issues by having Veteran community members meet with fellow members in secure, comfortable settings; this helps them cope with emotional issues caused during or exacerbated by their military service. In essence, the program builds a unique healing community whereby Veterans and/or their loved ones integrate into a life-affirming support system, enabling them to successfully reset and acclimate to civilian life.
The Dwyer Program exists in 25 counties throughout New York State. New York localities that have received funding through the program ascribe to a diverse cross-section of intervention modalities. For the first time, the City of New York has been awarded funds to establish its own program for up to one year.
Program Qualifications
For funding consideration, the program must empower the Veteran community, be in-person, and free to Veterans, their caregivers, families, and survivors.
DVS has identified the following priority areas of focus for its support. A Respondent’s proposed services need not meet all areas listed but should align with at least one of these areas. Services should be administered in an in-person group setting rather than one-on-one.
Note: the examples given below are not all-inclusive. If your organization provides a service not listed and you believe it might be appealing to the Veteran community, we encourage you to answer the question that requests this information.
Examples of Services to be Offered to the Veteran Community:
- Animal Assisted Modalities
- Somatic Modalities
- Expressive Modalities
- Educational Programs
- Culinary Arts Instruction
- Community Construction Programs
See the Latest About the PFC Dwyer Veterans' Support Program RFI