The Veterans & Community Housing Coalition has been selected by the NYS Office of Mental Health’s Suicide Prevention Center (SPCNY) to participate in a powerful initiative: the Onward Ops program, funded through the CARES UP Grant. This is a major milestone in our mission to support Veterans, and we want you to be a part of it!
So, what is Onward Ops? Imagine a "Big Brothers/Big Sisters" program for Veterans. That’s what Onward Ops is all about. In partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense, the program connects recently separated Veterans and Transitioning Service Members (TSM/Vs) with local volunteer sponsors who offer mentorship, guidance, and support through the first 12 months of civilian life, a critical period often called the “Deadly Gap” due to heightened risks of suicide, homelessness, unemployment, and more.
Why does this matter? Veterans leaving the military often face an overwhelming adjustment. With the Onward Ops program, we can change that. Together, we can give these heroes the local support and human connection they need to not just survive but thrive.
We’re calling on our trusted partners and friends to join us as local sponsors.
As a sponsor, you’ll:
- Help a Veteran develop a transition plan
- Provide real-world advice and support
- Connect them to local resources like jobs, healthcare, and schools
- Make a real difference in their first year out of service
Keep in mind, sponsors are not clinicians, they’re compassionate community members offering guidance, not medical advice. You can set your own schedule, and there are two easy ways to get certified:
- Join a 3-hour, interactive national training session
- Complete a self-paced module and a virtual orientation
Both options earn you a Sponsor Certificate, so you can be ready when Veterans in our region need you.
Ready to Get Started? It only takes a few minutes to register. Head to:
