Happy Holidays! It is a festive time of year when people celebrate and share joy with their friends and loved ones. But for some of our U.S. Veterans and their families, the impact of their heroic service to our country can also make the holiday season a time of emotional and financial challenges.

Our Veterans programs and services connect with over 1,500 homeless and at-risk Veterans and their families each year through our emergency shelter and permanent housing programs, homeless outreach, care coordination, food pantry, and our Dwyer Veterans Peer Support project. Our dedicated team — comprised mostly of Veterans or Vet family members — is well-trained to help Vets navigate through and overcome the impact of complex physical and mental health issues, housing instability, isolation, and financial distress.

Building strong and capable teams to meet the needs of Vets and their families requires special leadership. Meet
Marcelle Leis and Wilkens Young:

 As a 24 year veteran of the Air Force, I know what it is like to serve our community with a team that has my back. After retirement, I began working with at-risk Veterans, especially those struggling with homelessness, addiction, and mental health issues. Help us continue to build a dedicated workforce to meet the emerging needs of our Veterans.”

My transition from U.S. Army to civilian was difficult. I was a client before I committed my professional life to helping Veterans who have also struggled along their pathway home. Seeing these Vets realize their potential is incredibly gratifying and provides me with my sense of purpose in life.

Recognized by NEWSDAY as a Top Employer  in 2019, the Association for Mental Health and Wellness — the parent organization of Suffolk County United Veterans — is doing its part to attract and retain talent to make sure that we are at the ready  to help our Veterans when they need us. This holiday season, please consider a donation that will help us make sure that every Suffolk Veteran who faces post-service challenges obtains the help they need to resume their lives as the heroes they are.

As Marcelle advises, We cannot do it alone. Your support is crucial to successful mission accomplishment.