Chautauqua County
Joseph P Dwyer Peer Support Program
The Chautauqua County Joseph P. Dwyer Program is a 100% confidential and FREE program that covers Chautauqua County and the surrounding area. It provides non-clinical support and advocacy to the military community as well as their families by connecting them to resources such as food pantry, housing assistance, benefits (SSI, SSD, service connection), and many more. We provide unique services specifically to the Veterans in their counties. Whether someone is seeking advocacy or looking to connect and engage with the military community, the Joseph P Dwyer Program can help.
The Dwyer Coalition for Military Veterans & Families is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving as the statewide coordinating body for New York State’s Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Project network. Founded in December 2020 as a statewide collaborative and incorporated as an independent nonprofit organization in 2025, the Coalition works to strengthen the network of independently operated Dwyer Programs by fostering collaboration, advancing advocacy, developing shared resources, leveraging technology, and creating innovative opportunities that improve the lives of Veterans, service members, military families, caregivers, and survivors throughout New York State. Working alongside Dwyer Programs, government agencies, healthcare providers, academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community partners, we are committed to building a stronger, more connected system of peer support that benefits military-connected communities across all 62 counties.
Our Mission & Vision
Mission: The CHQ Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Program works to reduce Veteran suicide, improve mental health, address substance use, and strengthen the well-being of military-connected communities.
Vision: We envision a New York where every Veteran, service member, military family, caregiver, and survivor has access to meaningful relationships, trusted resources, and a connected network of support.
Get Involved with Chautauqua County
The CHQ Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Program Offers Help and Service Connection to Veterans of all Branches of the US Military
Learn about
PFC Joseph P. Dwyer
The program was named in honor of PFC Joseph P. Dwyer, a native of Suffolk County who served as an Army medic in Iraq. During a combat mission in Baghdad, he was photographed carrying an injured Iraqi boy. The photograph became iconic and was featured in newspapers across the country.
After returning home from Iraq, PFC Dwyer was honorably discharged from the U. S. Army, but was “never the same” and experienced a number of challenges reintegrating into the civilian community. He battled post-traumatic stress, depression and substance abuse for several years following his military discharge. In July 2008, PFC Dwyer passed away at the age of 31 years.
The tremendous success of the Dwyer Program since late 2012 provides an important reminder of the ongoing impact of PFC Dwyer’s life and contributions to the veteran and military communities.
