(WNY News Now) – In a series of announcements ahead of Veterans Day, Governor Kathy Hochul revealed new collaborations and grant opportunities aimed at bolstering protections and assistance for veterans and their families in New York.

Albany – Governor Kathy Hochul has underscored the state’s unwavering commitment to veterans by unveiling a range of initiatives, partnerships, and grant opportunities designed to enhance support for veterans and their families in New York. As part of the lead-up to Veterans Day, the Governor declared November as “Veterans Month” across the state, recognizing and honoring the significant contributions of New York’s veterans.

Veterans Nonprofit Capital Grant Program The Veterans Nonprofit Capital Grant Program, overseen by the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services and administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, is set to embark on its second round. Following a successful initial round that distributed over $2.5 million, an additional $2.4 million will be available for critical upgrades to veterans organizations’ facilities. This support, ranging from $25,000 to $75,000, will facilitate essential improvements such as new roofs, ADA-compliant enhancements, and renovations to common areas. Organizations interested in applying can join a live presentation on November 17, with details available on the DVS homepage.

Veterans Memorial Registry Launch Governor Hochul announced the launch of the Veterans Memorial Registry website by the Department of Veterans’ Services. This comprehensive database provides information on veterans’ memorials throughout the state, offering details on locations and the veterans or battles they honor. Communities are encouraged to submit information about monuments on the DVS website, turning this initiative into a collaborative effort to preserve and showcase the significance of these memorials for future generations.

Movies Across the State: Engaging Communities, Celebrating Veterans As part of Veterans Month, the Department of Veterans’ Services has organized “Movies Across the State.” These impactful movie screenings aim to deepen public understanding of the veteran experience and build a stronger sense of community. Free and open to the public, these screenings will take place in Rochester, Albany, West Sayville, and the Bronx from November 13 to 16, with on-site Veterans Benefits Advisors available for assistance.

Operation Cookie Drop with Girl Scouts The longstanding partnership between the Girl Scouts of Heart of the Hudson Council and DVS continues with Operation Cookie Drop. Since 2002, this initiative has delivered over 1.5 million boxes of cookies to servicemembers and veterans, fostering connections and providing a small but meaningful token of support. The Girl Scouts, in collaboration with DVS, plans to distribute thousands more cookies in the coming year.

Bombas Partnership In another show of support during Veterans Month, the Governor announced the continuation of DVS’s collaboration with Bombas, a brand focused on comfort and philanthropy. Having already distributed 15,000 pairs of socks to those facing housing insecurity, Bombas pledged an additional 5,000 pairs for distribution to New York’s veterans, emphasizing the shared commitment to meeting the essential needs of those who have served.

Carnegie Hall Lullaby Project For the first time, the DVS is partnering with Carnegie Hall on the Lullaby Project. This initiative allows service members, veterans, and their families to work with professional songwriters in crafting and recording an original lullaby for their child. The project aims to support parental health, aid in healthy childhood development, and strengthen bonds within military families. The lullabies created will be showcased in April 2024 as part of DVS’s Month of the Military Child celebrations.

State Landmarks Illuminate in Green for Operation Green Light In a symbolic gesture of support for all eras of military service, Governor Hochul announced that 16 state landmarks will be illuminated in green on Veterans Day as part of Operation Green Light. This statewide initiative, which began in New York and has expanded nationally, honors the courage and sacrifices of veterans and service members. The illuminated landmarks include the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, Niagara Falls, and the Empire State Plaza.

About the Department of Veterans’ Services: The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services, serving as the state’s advocacy agency for veterans since 1945, is dedicated to assisting veterans, service members, and military families in various practice areas. This includes claims and appeals for benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, discharge upgrade appeals to the United States Department of Defense, and claims for New York State benefits. Veterans, service members, and military families are encouraged to contact the Department to meet with an accredited Veterans Benefits Advisor and access the full range of benefits they have earned.

For further updates and information, follow DVS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.